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Dr. James Southwell, DO

Dr. James Southwell, DO

Neurology*
20+ years of experience

Dr. James Southwell, DO is a neurologist in Kansas City, KS and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as University of Kansas Hospital and Freeman Hospital West. He is accepting new patients.

4 Star Rating
Based on 69 reviews 4 Star Rating (69 reviews)

Practice

3901 Rainbow Blvd Kansas City, KS 66160

Dr. Southwell is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurology

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

Experience Check

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Dr. Southwell's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Southwell

4.0
69 ratings, 53 with a written review
5 star
70%
70%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
22%
22%

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Trustworthy, compassionate, very knowledgeable
Dr. Southwell is an amazing physician. I have been seeing him for over two years and he never makes me feel rushed. He listens, explains in a way that I can understand, and goes above and beyond. I highly recommend him and I tell everyone he was my saving grace. Thank you Dr. Southwell! You continue to give me hope.
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
Liz S – Feb 08, 2025
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Arrived hopeful, Left MORE beat down & hopeless
I would strongly advise looking elsewhere for a Neurologist, or any medical care, to be candid. Especially if suffering from pain or other issues that can be misconstrued as 'invisible,' but that are clearly real, concerning and causing suffering.My appointment with this man was shockingly demeaning and demoralizing. He came in and rudely asked me why I was even there, said that my test results were 'fine.'I was shocked by his demeanor- he was mean, put off by my confusion and 'slow' answers about my valid medical concerns. He would not let me explain, kept talking over me and raising his voice at me to answer. I am a strong middle aged woman, but I left in tears, deflected, hopeless and demeaned. He basically said my symptoms are 'all in your head.'I will seek medical care elsewhere in the future. I would rather be treated with respect at another KC hospital than go to KU because it is a prestigious 'teaching school.'Buyer beware.
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
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 13, 2024
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Trust in Dr. Southwell
Dr. Southwest has outstanding bedside manner with his patients. He is honest, kind, caring, and compassionate. He was willing to answer all of my questions and took my symptoms seriously and told me he is willing to do whatever he can to help me. Dr. Southwell was willing to have an open conversation with me about ALL of my concerns and addressed all of them. I would highly recommend Dr. Southwell
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
Eric Daraban – Apr 10, 2024
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We trust Dr. Southwell
We have traveled for seven years from Springfield, MO so my husband may receive the excellent care of Dr. Southwell. We highly recommend him and we trust Dr. Southwell. My husband is doing extremely well.
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
Thankful patient – Nov 20, 2023
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Disappointed patient
In my opinion he was very rude and disrespectful to me at my last visit. He did not listen to my concerns and he refused to look for the root cause of my unresolved pain that has been ongoing for the past 2 years. In fact he refused to refer me to a physician that could help determine the cause of my pain. On top of that he fired me as his patient. I may be wrong but my understanding is that he works for a research hospital. My thought is that if he didn’t know what was causing my pain then he should have done research and consulted with other physicians to help determine the root cause of my pain instead of firing me and leaving me with no healthcare option. If you are looking for a kind, caring, professional physician to help you manage your spinal health care needs, I would recommend that you do your research and choose your healthcare provider carefully.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 09, 2023
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Poor experience
I have not had a good experience with Dr. Southwell. I have found him very hard to communicate with. I have not been happy with the discussions we have had about my medication. My husband's comment was that he was trying very hard to have a good bedside manner, but it wasn't going very well. I will be looking for another doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
DC – Jan 31, 2023
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I have been having medical troubles for 4 years and have gone to many specialists. Dr southwell was able to pinpoint my issues and his diagnosis and directions have made wonders of difference in my health. Thanks so much!
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 15, 2022
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*Knowledgeable, Caring, Direct*
Very knowledgeable, empathetic Dr. If you leave the appointment with unanswered questions, that’s on you. Dr. Southwell is willing to answer any questions asked of him and he will be direct with his answers, you won’t be guessing at his intent. If your question enters an area which is not his speciality, he will refer you to the correct provider. I had been battling migraines for years and my previous provider moved out of state. Dr. Southwell took over my care and took it a step further with an added medicine and an outside of the box treatment idea, a pain management prevention device. I went from 20-25 headache days per month with debilitating pain intensity to 3-5 per month with pain intensity much more manageable, still able to function. A huge thank you to Dr. Southwell and his team!!!!
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
Kris S. – Feb 09, 2022
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Dismissive, overwhelmed, interrupting, condescending, rushed, unfocused. I felt unseen and unheard. Sad that this Dr and his staff see so many unfortunate patients as his unprofessional bedside manner and his staff’s leave me looking for treatment elsewhere.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Overwhelmed, Rushed, Dismissive practice – Apr 11, 2021
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Dr. Southwell is personable, compassionate, funny, and very knowledgeable in his field. He gave me my life back, I'm walking and am in control of my day-to-day activities.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Sherri – Sep 09, 2020
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Dr Southwell is professional, caring and listens to his patients. He always ask if the medication is helping to improve your conditions. If not, he suggest another option. His main concern is you and how he can get you feeling better without alot of medication.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Charlan Green – Aug 08, 2020
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Dr. Southwell is a doctor who actually listens. He wants to know how you are feeling. He takes his time with you and pays attention to you. He cares and is attentive. He wants to fix your needs and concerns. He is honest and will speak openly to you, even if you may not want to hear something. He is tactful. I couldn’t ask for a better physician. He has always been very professional and so caring with an eagerness to solve my health issue.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Linda Regelski – Aug 01, 2020
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Dr Southwell has been wonderful helping to diagnose my seizures and getting them under control. He’s very direct and thorough in explaining the treatment but also adding his own great sense of humor which helps put me more at ease. I’m VERY thankful that Dr Southwell was recommended to me,
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dana – Mar 08, 2020
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Condescending, dismissive & arrogant. He could be the best neurologist in the entire world, but with the attitude I just described about him, he is not worth it putting up with the most horrible, disgusting bedside manner by a dr that I have ever witnessed. Find someone else who has a heart and treats his patients with human decency and respect that they deserve.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Grace – Jan 12, 2020
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Dr Southwell is the best. When my son was having problems walking, he went over and beyond to determine why, which lead to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Because of his tenacity and referral, the progression was reduced and he is doing much better.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 27, 2019
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Dr. Southwell is by far the best doctor that I have ever seen. He is kind, compassionate, very knowledgeable and takes time to actually listen to you. He also able to think outside of the box. The staff is also fantastic. World class Healthcare.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 23, 2019
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Dr. Southwell is personable, knowledgeable, and listens to his patients. I highly recommend him for any neurological issues.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 22, 2019
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Dr. Southwell is a very compassionate physician who puts his patients first and for most. Would recommend him to family and friends without hesitation.
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
Carrie – Feb 13, 2019
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I highly recommend him to everyone! He is absolutely the Best!
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
Monte Washington Jr in Basehor, KS – Feb 05, 2019
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By far Dr. Southwell has been one of the best doctor I have had in a very long time. He sits and listens, shows concern and is very knowledgeable if his field. He takes the time needed to discuss things with you as well.
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
Gary Hines in Kansas City, MO – Jan 02, 2019
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About Me

care philosophy

Dr. Southwell believes in providing thorough, comprehensive general neurological care to his patients with neurological needs. 
  • Neurology

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

  • University Of Kansas Medical Center

    Fellowship Hospital
  • Kansas City University College Of Osteopathic Medicine

    Medical School, 2003
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology®
Neurology
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.
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Dr. Southwell is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurology

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    Locations

    Practice

    University of Kansas Hospital Transplant Center3901 Rainbow Blvd Kansas City, KS 66160
    1
    Office1004 Carondelet Dr Ste 410 Kansas City, MO 64114
    2
    Olathe Medical Center20333 W 151st St Olathe, KS 66061
    3

    Practice

    The University of Kansas Hospital4000 Cambridge St Kansas City, KS 66160
    4
    • Call
    • Fax
    • Hours
      • Mon: open 24 hours
      • Tue: open 24 hours
      • Wed: open 24 hours
      • Thu: open 24 hours
      • Fri: open 24 hours
      • Sat: open 24 hours
      • Sun: open 24 hours
    • Directions