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Dr. Gerald Schell, MD

Dr. Gerald Schell, MD

Neurosurgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Gerald Schell, MD is a neurosurgeon in Saginaw, MI and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Schell has extensive experience in Spine Disorders & Surgical Procedures. He graduated from MICHIGAN STATE University in 1980. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and Ascension St Joseph Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

3.7 Star Rating
Based on 128 reviews 3.7 Star Rating (128 reviews)

Practice

3160 Cabaret Trl S Saginaw, MI 48603
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Schell is affiliated with MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Alpena, a highly rated hospital.

Dr. Schell is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Schell specializes in the area of Neurosurgery. See board certifications
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. Schell's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Schell

3.7
128 ratings, 48 with a written review
5 star
63%
63%
4 star
5%
5%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
2%
2%
1 star
28%
28%

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WOW!!!
Lots of comment on the staff's rudeness. I called today to get info on becoming a new patient. WOW!!!! Rude is an understatement. My call was unfortunately answered by Dominique. Good Lord, she was absolutely RUDE, so rude that i asked if i was bothering her. I'm sorry, if this is your job and your job depends on patients, why are you so nasty?If we call this office, it is because we THE PATIENT can no longer deal with the high intolerable pain we experience every friggen day of our lives. Don't get it twisted, any of you in that office could end up the same way.I'm sick of ppl acting like it's the patients fault that we're in pain. I didn't ask to have multiple surgeries w multiple fusion & now i'm older and can't take the pain as i use to. It depresses you, totally takes over your life in regards to what you can & can not do, it affects everyone around you and then i get greeted by a nasty little sarcastic smug, twit!! Young ladies you have zero reason to treat ppl poorly!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 10, 2024
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Amazing Surgeon
He explained all of my options and was spot on regarding the diagnosis. Performed surgery and I am pain free.
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
Oct 01, 2024
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Mentally and Physically drained
Went in to discuss back pain. Told there was “many” options but I was “too young” for surgery. After 3 years of physical therapy, shots, and being on Norco finally discussed a solution, implant, only to have insurance decline it. Then to get back on my original pain medication became a complete nightmare. Since coming to Schell, he cut down strength and dosage of my medication - when absolutely nothing with my pain levels have changed. The office acts like they can’t understand why I’m upset and mentally drained. His staff is so rude and act like the patient is the problem. I bet the ones being so “bothered” by me have never had back or neck surgery as if they did, they would totally understand. I’m mentally losing it. Now it could take 90 days to get my implant approved but am so upset and mentally drained. It’s not my fault I’m in such pain. I’ve done everything asked. I wish they could understand their patients pain.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
12 others found this helpful
Helpful
Emotionally Drained – Jan 19, 2024
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DO NOT SEE THIS SURGEON
Surgeon was very late for my appointment and very rude. He gave me conflicting stories on surgeries that I needed. I left there more confused than I went in and when I went to schedule a follow up to get clarification I got told to bad that it was explained to me and I needed to make a decision. I decided to go see another surgeon and am so glad that I did.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Terrible experience – Nov 15, 2023
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Schell made my husband an invalid
Following spinal surgery performed by Schell my husband has drop foot and is still in constant back pain. He is now unable to walk any distance at all without a walker or play golf, which was his passion.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
11 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 29, 2023
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nerve burned
i wasted 3 1/2 years with another doctor ...I seen Dr. Schell on TV...made an appointment and in 3 weeks I was getting the treatment I needed ...He burned the right side nerves, then 3 weeks later the left side was done ...WOW... I felt relief instantly ....What was i waiting for with the other doctor.... You need RELIEF ... call Dr. SCHELL now...do not wait another day with pain
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
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 18, 2023
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I had one surgery with Dr. Schell. He did a procedure during surgery that he never discussed with me. It ended up causing me a lot of unneeded pain. I think he is an average doctor and would have given him a three star rating if it were not for his staff. The staff are rude and unprofessional. It takes months to get scheduled for surgery. I was to have a second surgery with him and the staff scheduled me for the wrong surgery. Dr. Schell did not realize this until I was in the holding room and I was next in line for surgery. I got no apology from the surgery scheduler and she never called me again to schedule me for the correct surgery. I switched doctors and am very happy I did.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Average Doctor/Terrible Staff – Aug 31, 2021
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Dr. Schell did surgery on my husband and it couldn't have gone better!! He is an excellent surgeon and if not for him, my husband would be a quadriplegic. He was very thorough and caring. His staff was wonderful and made us all very comfortable during a stressful time. I could not recommend him enough for anyone in need of a good surgeon!
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 08, 2021
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Dr. Schell performed back surgery on my husband 3 years ago which turned out to be a disaster. He ended up with drop foot and a massive infection in the hardware that was put in. He lost 50 pounds, had to be on IV antibiotics for several months at home, had a wound vac and now has been left with the inability to walk without a walker or cane and still has unbearable pain most of the time. He went from being an avid golfer to an invalid. Dr. Schell assured him he would have him back playing golf within a few months following surgery. We have not recommended him to anyone.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
S&L Nelson – Jan 08, 2021
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This has been the most comfortable surgery I've ever had, not that I've had many, but just saying. The doctor and staff have been great, and there have been no surprises, which I like. All in all, I would recommend Schell Spinal, Dr. Schell, and spine surgery as a solution for lower back pain
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kimberly – Sep 03, 2020
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Dr. Schell is benevolent and sensitive to patient and family concerns. He is exhaustive with clarifications which is empowering.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Explained conditions well
What could be improved
  • Staff wasn't friendly
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Davis – Aug 31, 2020
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Dr. Schell saw me for low back pain I had suffered with for a very long time. Using an MRI, he spotted the problem, confirmed it during my first visit, and recommended an injection, which I agreed to. I experienced instant and complete relief! With the help of the team at Schell Spinal, I feel at least 30 years younger! Not my first experience with this office, just my latest. I will never seek another orthopedic office. These people have earned my trust and loyalty. I highly recommend this office for all spine care
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sarah – Aug 28, 2020
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Dr. Schell did surgery on my lower lumbar. I am thrilled with his care, and I feel that he is an excellent Dr. and surgeon. I had severe unexpected pain after surgery; he ordered tests to ensure that the surgery went well.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Whitney H – Aug 26, 2020
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I have found Dr. Schell to be useful, he had the option to disclose complex ideas to me so that I understood the process. He performed a complex surgery and I did extraordinary. I just have brilliant comments!
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nick – Aug 24, 2020
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I strongly suggest Dr. Schell. He did methodology when I got sick with a disease of the brain. Caring and compassionate human being and my neurosurgeon.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Moody – Aug 22, 2020
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Exceptionally mindful, amazing specialist!
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Patricia – Aug 20, 2020
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True professional.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Rachel – Aug 18, 2020
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Fantastic Doctor, very concerned about his patients.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dove – Aug 16, 2020
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Dr. Schell is a great doctor. He listens to my problem and treats me with professional courtesy.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Kate – Aug 14, 2020
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Very professional with accurate diagnosis. Best treatment plan and follow up .
What went well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Johansson – Aug 12, 2020
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About Me

care philosophy

My goal is to provide the best neurosurgical care available, utilizing the latest procedures, training and technologies. I have built my practice and reputation around the philosophy of providing the least invasive care to minimize recovery times...read more
  • Neurosurgery

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery

  • Neurological Spine Reconstructive Surgery

  • Neurological Spine Surgery

  • Interventional Spine Medicine

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

  • Suny Upstate Medical University Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 1987
  • Washington University, St Louis

    Fellowship Hospital, 1985
  • University Of Rochester

    Fellowship Hospital, 1982
  • Michigan State University

    Medical School, 1980
  • Michigan State University College Of Human Medicine

    Medical School, 1980
  • Olivet College

    Undergraduate School, 1976
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
Neurosurgery
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.

Dr. Schell is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

    Read our methodology

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    Locations

    Practice

    Michigan Clinic Neurosurgery PLLC3160 Cabaret Trl S Saginaw, MI 48603
    1

    Practice

    Flint Region ASC2300 Austins Pkwy Flint, MI 48507
    2
    G Donald Ohmart MD PC2079 US Highway 23 S Alpena, MI 49707
    3
    Office3953 24th Ave Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
    4

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Covenant Medical Center Harrison

      1447 N Harrison St
      Saginaw, MI 48602

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

      86%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% higher than the national average

      77%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      2% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena

      1501 W Chisholm St
      Alpena, MI 49707
      Recipient of 1
      hospital award

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      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

      82%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      7% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Ascension St. Mary's Hospital

      800 S Washington Ave
      Saginaw, MI 48601

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

      87%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      3% higher than the national average

      75%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      1% lower than the national average

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