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Dr. David Ruchelsman, MD

Dr. David Ruchelsman, MD

Orthopedic Hand Surgery*
20+ years of experience

Dr. David Ruchelsman, MD is an orthopedic hand surgeon in Newton Lower Falls, MA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York University in 2004. He is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.1 Star Rating
Based on 16 reviews 4.1 Star Rating (16 reviews)

Practice

2000 Washington St Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Ruchelsman is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital Newton, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Ruchelsman specializes in the areas of Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Ruchelsman's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Ruchelsman

4.1
16 ratings, 8 with a written review
5 star
69%
69%
4 star
6%
6%
3 star
6%
6%
2 star
6%
6%
1 star
13%
13%

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Dr. Ruchelsman is very compassionate. His staff were able to schedule an appointment for me on short notice due to a potentially urgent concern. He provided helpful guidance to make sure that I received appropriate continuity in care.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 27, 2024
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Terrible experience with this practice
I have several issues but complained most about my left wrist. First thing was they x-rayed my right wrist and said I was done. I told her it was my left wrist and she just took 1 additional x-ray. After a cortisone shot I had a reaction of very bad nerve pain. I called the office and the PA told me it didn't sound like nerve pain to her because that was not how the nerve ran. It was 100% nerve pain and I felt like she was invalidating my experience. She told me they could see me in the office by couldn't really do anything until after I have the nerve testing, which was scheduled for 2 weeks later. Her unhelpful advice was to only wear my braces at night. I was left to manage the excruciating pain on my own. After having the nerve test and seeing Dr. Ruchelsman he only focused on surgery he felt I should have ASAP. In his report he didn't even mention the adverse reaction I had to the cortisone shot. He instead said my hand was 80% better. I felt unheard. Will not go back.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
Helpful
Dec 20, 2024
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Great experience
I haven’t had surgery with Dr. Ruchelsman, but I had two exceptional appointments with him regarding my right elbow. Despite his well-deserved reputation as a highly skilled and sought-after physician who treats athletes, I never felt that I received anything less than the best care as a non-athlete. Dr. Ruchelsman is incredibly sharp, quick-thinking, and thorough in addressing all questions, making him a pleasure to consult. What I appreciated most was his thoughtful and measured approach—he doesn’t rush into prescribing treatments or recommending surgery. Instead, he takes the time to get the most accurate diagnosis first, which reflects his dedication to delivering the best possible care. His approachable demeanor and commitment to thorough, patient-centered care make him an outstanding choice. I highly recommend seeking his expertise for any arm-related concerns.Thanks Dr. Ruchelsman!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mena Gadalla – Nov 18, 2024
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Great Doctor
Dr. Ruchelsman gave me great treatment for a wrist injury. After a few cortisone shots and a year, surgery was required. He did an amazing job. Great communication and kindness. His PA and office all were excellent as well. Highly recommend.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ira H. – Jan 23, 2024
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Dr. Ruchelsman recently did an excellent surgery on my broken wrist. He had previously done two successful surgeries for my “trigger fingers,” so I trusted his opinion and expertise. I was grateful that his staff was able to fit me in quickly. Dr. Ruchelsman was as warm and friendly as before, showing me on the x-ray exactly what had happened with my wrist and what he could do with surgery. His calm, compassionate demeanor inspired confidence. Dr. Ruchelsman and every member of the surgical team were wonderful and caring, making me feel comfortable and less anxious about the procedure. At each office visit Dr. Ruchelsman carefully examined my hand/wrist and the progress of my healing, including the results of the hand therapy he had recommended. He answered all my concerns and questions, and I never felt rushed. The entire staff was wonderful, competent and caring. I highly recommend Dr. Ruchelsman.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Julia S. – Mar 28, 2021
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I think he did good work needs to work on being more involved with patients there is a lot of question he just seemed to brush over So more of his PA then him
What went well
  • Office environment
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Ann DeLise in Boston, MA – Jul 16, 2018
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I was referred by my primary care physician for what was thought to be a minor issue which, after several tests was determined to be more serious and required surgery. I am pleased with the staff and Dr. Ruchelsman’s attention and concern and am now pain free. My experience has been very positive and I would recommend Dr. Ruchelsman without reservation.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 14, 2018
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Get a second opinion before having surgery
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Malden, MA – Oct 25, 2017
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About Me

biography

Dr. David Ruchelsman, MD is an orthopedic hand surgeon in Newton Lower Falls, MA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York University in 2004. He is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
  • Orthopedic Hand Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • New York University

    Medical School, 2004
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Hand Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
  • Radially Based Extensor Retinacular Sling Reconstruction for Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Subsheath Injuries, 2022-12-07

Locations

Practice

Massgeneral for Children at Newton-Wellesley Hospital2000 Washington St Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462
1
Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center159 Wells Ave Newton, MA 02459
2

Practice

Newton Wellesley Physicians Primary Care978 Worcester St Wellesley, MA 02482
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Newton-Wellesley Hospital

    2014 Washington St
    Newton, MA 02462
    Recipient of 15
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2024)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    89%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    5% higher than the national average

    83%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    7% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality