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Dr. John Cotton, MD

Dr. John Cotton, MD

Orthopedic Surgery*

Dr. John Cotton, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Panama City, FL. Dr. Cotton has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery and Knee & Lower Limb Surgery. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.3 Star Rating
Based on 17 reviews 4.3 Star Rating (17 reviews)

Locations

Southern Orthopedic Specialists

Southern Orthopedic Specialists1827 Harrison Ave Unit 2 Panama City, FL 32405
1

At a Glance

  • Area of ExpertiseDr. Cotton specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top HospitalPatient Safety Excellence Award™ See hospitals

More Orthopedic Surgery Specialists at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

Experience Check

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Dr. Cotton's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cotton

4.3
17 ratings, 11 with a written review
5 star
82%
82%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
18%
18%

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A nice man. Probably competent. Full of himself.
We were thrilled to see Dr Cotton on short notice. We came from having an MRI with no report yet. (Our fault.) We brought the MRI CD with us. His nurse practitioner was lovely. Took all the information to present to Dr. Cotton. He came into the room. Plopped himself on the table. We explained the many issues we had been having over the past month trying to get a solution for my husband's ankle. Just needed an answer. (My husband has Parkinson's Disease and has been in pain for a long time.) He explained what he saw on the MRI, then went on to explain his father had Parkinson's. Had gone downhill very quickly. Went on to say his father was having issues with a catheter. How he disintegrated so quickly. My husband and I were sick to our stomachs hearing this. We are battling the beginning stages of the disease. Then he explained he wanted another opinion on the MRI. Sent us on our way. We felt helpless. But he smiled as we left!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 19, 2024
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You won't actually see the doctor , unless you go ask for him ! All I ever seen was his nurse , I paid for MRI , went to get results , charged $5 more for office visit , and not even see or talk to Dr. Cotton , I expected to be professionally taken care of by my doctor not his nurse , that shows you how much he gets for not even meeting with me personally , Would give 0 stars if I could !!!!!??????????
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Christopher Mcsweeney – Oct 21, 2020
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Thankful he is here in our community
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 12, 2020
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I only have one arm and wear my shoulder out on a regular basis, but Dr. Cotton said that after reviewing my MRI that it wasn't just the problem. I had a bone that had grown incorrectly in my shoulder. He took care of my problem that 3 previous surgeries and surgeons had missed. I would recommend him any anytime over others :-)
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Joyce in Lynn Haven, FL – Apr 03, 2019
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Dr. Cotton and the staff are cordial and professional. I am a work in progress, recovering from a Colles' fracture of my right wrist. Dr. Cotton explained fully and truthfully exactly how he would repair my wrist. He was and is very up-front concerning my full recovery. In my opinion, he and his staff are simply wonderful.
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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Patsy Grissett in Chipley – Aug 24, 2018
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Dr. Cotton has been amazing through this entire process. My knee had substantial issues, but he was very aggressive with my treatment and didn't wait forever to get me into surgery when rehab didn't work. My procedure was great and his staff made sure I was VERY informed about the procedure and aftercare and even requested a home therapy DVT machine. He's been nothing but amazing! Thank you!
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Angela in Panama City Beach – Mar 28, 2018
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I can only extol the skill, presentation & service delivery of Dr Cotton and his team. The teamwork stunned me. First visit 5 weeks ago I was blown away by the fact based directions & hand in hand teamwork of each and every person. The goal was so obvious, fill my need. I fell landing on my 63 year old knee cap. Pain and fear was all I had to offer. They were ready for me w/ the ex ray just taken between the lobby and exam room. Each person contributed to the whole point my care. Thank U!!
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
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mira in Panama City – Nov 15, 2017
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I can’t say better things about Dr.Cotton. I highly recommend him. I have been having a lot of pain since surgery and he has always been able to get me in quick to reassure me that everything is okay with my shoulder. I am a nurse and work with orthopedic surgeons on a daily basis and I can honestly he is one of the best. His bedside manners are excellent and he explained the procedure thoroughly multiple times to make sure it is understood. I trust him 100% with my healthcare.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Britney G in Panama City,Fl – Oct 11, 2017
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Absolutely love Dr. Cotton. He has been amazing through the whole process with my sons arm & surgery. We couldn't have asked for a better doctor!
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
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kelsey in Panama City, FL – Aug 22, 2017
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I can't say enough good things about Dr. Cotton and the whole staff. Everyone from the receptionist to the x-ray staff was so kind and friendly. Dr, Cotton was very kind,patient and understanding with all of my questions. He was in no rush whatsoever. I had to have 2 cortisone injections in my shoulders and he explained everything he was going to do. He is a very caring and compassionate Doctor and I would recommend him to anyone who has joint problems.
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lou in Lakeland, FL – Aug 30, 2016
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Rude & arrogant. My 1st appointment was with Dr. Miller for a dislocated shoulder; he's great. He recommended an MRI & follow up with Dr Cotton. First, it took TWO phone called & TWO weeks to schedule my MRI because the office kept forgetting to submit MRI request. Cotton walked into the room no introduction. Briefly explained what was wrong & type of surgery I need & said When do you want to schedule. I wanted to think about it between surgery & the therapy & he just wanted to leave the room
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • 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
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Buse in Lakeland, FL – May 25, 2016
I'm sorry for your frustration. I did not own... Read More
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About Me

biography

Dr. John Cotton, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Panama City, FL. Dr. Cotton has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery and Knee & Lower Limb Surgery. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
  • 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.

  • Hughston Clinic Foundation

    Fellowship Hospital
  • University Of Florida Health Science Center

    Residency Hospital
  • University Of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College Of Medicine

    Medical School
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic 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.

Affiliated Hospitals

  • HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

    449 W 23rd St
    Panama City, FL 32405
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

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

    80%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% lower than the national average

    73%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% lower than the national average

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