background
background
Dr. Karl Spector, MD

Dr. Karl Spector, MD

Internal Medicine*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Karl Spector, MD is an internist in Bel Air, MD and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from St George S University School Of Med in 1996. He is affiliated with medical facilities University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and University of MD Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. He is not accepting new patients.

4.1 Star Rating
Based on 64 reviews 4.1 Star Rating (64 reviews)

Practice

602 S Atwood Rd Ste 200A Bel Air, MD 21014
Telehealth available
Patient Favorite Award

Dr. Spector is a patient favorite Internist

The Patient Favorite badge is awarded to top-performing providers who surpass average ratings and comments, reflecting their commitment to exceptional patient care. Read our methodology

Experience Check

Search for experience in a specific area

Dr. Spector's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Spector

4.1
64 ratings, 18 with a written review
5 star
77%
77%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
3%
3%
2 star
2%
2%
1 star
19%
19%

Your trust is our top concern.

We strive to keep reviews honest, trustworthy, and fair.

Doctors can not pay for good reviews, nor can they pay to have negative reviews removed.

We monitor all reviews to ensure they comply with our guidelines and don’t include personal information, profanity, libel, defamation, harassment, obscenity or fraud.

Any reviews that are deemed fraudulent or violate our guidelines will be removed immediately.

All reviews are confirmed and audited before publication, and community members have the ability to flag inappropriate content for further review by our team.

Office staff extremely rude to patients - avoid!
Originally had an new patient appointment for September 2025. On April 3, 2025, I received a phone call (message) asking to return the call. I did immediately and office person was extremely rude to me. I hung up, then Nicole called and said the office person said I was rude to her. I said why would I be rude to her when she called me and it was probably to move my appointment to an earlier date, so that doesn't make sense. Then Samantha (practice manager) called and said that she'd speak to the person who was rude to me. I told her I was no longer interested in an appointment, and I did not trust the office to treat me. The office keeps calling back and not leaving messages. I told them to cancel my appointment, and I would be filing complaints to the Better Business Bureau and Maryland Board of Physicians, and I kindly asked them to leave me alone and no longer call me, but no luck.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
Helpful
Apr 03, 2025
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
If you're someone who has struggled with your weight and have felt unheard by or like you've had your health problems blamed on your weight no matter what it is, I really recommend Dr. Spector. Very understanding and very much gets how tough it can be. If you've avoided going back to the doctors after a bad experience, his office is a good one to try out.
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
No results
Helpful
Nov 23, 2023
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Outstanding Service
My husband needed an urgent visit and we were accommodated within 24 hours. We saw Sarah Mohr, PA-C who was thorough, professional and caring. He needed a referral for an urgent visit to a surgeon and we were seen the next day. Christine, at the desk, was also most helpful in setting up the referral for the surgeon. He had great care and is on the mend . The office does their best to get patients in and they are always very kind and helpful.
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
Barbara M – Oct 07, 2022
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr Spector became my primary physician in 2013 when I moved to Harford County. He listens and understands when you discuss any problems or conditions you are experiencing. Not a pill pusher and presents options that are available for you. My first appointment was one of the best decisions I ever made. I continue to rely on him for future diagnoses and his medical knowledge.
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
Gail Ryan, Abingdon – Nov 16, 2021
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr. Spector takes the time to know "you" I never felt rushed as I have had with most doctors. I was able to tell "my story". It was wonderful. He made me feel like I was his only patient. Love him
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
Patty Riggio – Apr 05, 2021
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
By getting to know his patients and listening to them, Dr. Spector is better equipped to know how best to treat them. He is not quick to prescribe medicine unless it is necessary and he is practical in his approach to his patients' medical issues. He never rushes his patient and schedules appointments with enough time in between so that there is not a long wait in the waiting room.
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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Toby Merriken – Aug 20, 2019
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr. Karl Spector is a genuine charismatic doctor. He listens and cares about the well being of his patients.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 30, 2019
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr. Spector is the best. We moved here from NY about three years ago. Wife and I had difficulty finding a doctor who genuinely cared. Than we came across Dr. S. He’s caring, informative, spends time with you. You never feel rushed. I trust him 100% with all my health woes. His staff is friendly and always helpful. Dr. S...please don’t you ever retire.
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
Rob Odabashian in Bel Air , MD – Jul 26, 2018
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr. Spector is a kind and compassionate physician with a sense of humor who truly listens to what I say and solves my medical problems. As a new member of this community who is beyond retired, I have searched for a new physician with whom I can forge a new relationship. I found him with Dr. Spector - he is outstanding.
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
SDA – Jul 14, 2018
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Dr. Spector and his staff have been very helpful with my health issues, He listens, provides advice and alternatives to unhealthy life styles witch I lived. He compliments good decision making. He has helped me be a better person, I would most likely be in Very bad shape it were not for his Medical advice, he stuck with me when times were tough. He works with my visits to suit my lifestyle. The staff is always accommodating, polite, and provide me with necessary information.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • 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
Willy in Havre de Grace, MD – Jul 12, 2018
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Doc Spector is tops! Not only an outstanding physician, but a caring and supportive practitioner with great customer service. Been with him for a decade, as has the whole family now that the kids are beyond pediatrics. Always will be.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
doug kendzierski in Baltimore, MD – Aug 09, 2017
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Make sure if he says you have a "fatty tumor" and "you'll get more" and its NOTHING to worry about.... YOU GET A SECOND OPINION!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Bel Air, MD – Jul 14, 2017
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
This doctor is informed, compassionate and always gives you the time you need to ask questions. My husband and I both see him and are glad he was recommended by our adult son.
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
Lois in Baldwin, MD – Mar 17, 2017
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
I have seen Dr. Spector 6 years now. He by far is the best doctor out there. The knowledge he has is incredible, and I'm super confident in what he tells me. Every time I come to his office, the staff is super sweet, and efficient. Everyone there goes above and beyond to fit the needs of the patients, and I just strongly recommend his practice !
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
Jen V in Bel Air, MD – Nov 30, 2016
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Wow. He will go out of his way to help 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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lauren in Harford County, MD – Jun 09, 2016
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Have been going to Dr. Spector for years since he was in his old office across from the Festival in Bel Air. Great doctor, compassionate with his patients he really does care about them, genuine easy to talk to (Friendly) his staff is pretty good as well sometimes it's hard to get through to his office during active hours when you call - but that really isn't a fault on their part otherwise great office, decent location - great staff, and great doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
itzsfo0 in Street, MD – Jun 06, 2016
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
Staffing extremely rude and inefficient, I think Dr. Spector does not how the staff is treating patients, they hung up on you all the time, they make mistakes and they blame on you and the worst thing they do not let you talk to your doctor. I'm very upset because I have been feeling ill.. I miss Amanda so much.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
GLORIA GONZALEZ in Bel Air, MD – May 24, 2016
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?
if you want an accessible Doctor DON'T go to Dr Karl Spector. My husband and I moved from CA. I deal with acute pain due to numerous conditions and my husband has severe pain due to needing knee replacement in both knees. I called Dr Spector's per recommendations given by friends and family. Neither my husband or myself ever saw or spoke to Dr Spector. Everytime we made an appt we only saw his PA, and she took it upon herself to cancel our pain medication and change the strengh of another.
What went well
  • Office environment
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
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Very Disappointed in Bel Air, MD – Feb 09, 2016
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Spector?

Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Spector?

About Me

care philosophy

I am a solo Internist who simply puts my family members in the place of my patients. This allows me a very easy decision-making process: I just think, "what would I do if my mother/father/sister/brother or child was sitting in the place of you,...read more
  • Internal 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.

  • Franklin Square Hospital Center

    Internship Hospital, 1997
  • St George S University School Of Med

    Medical School, 1996
  • Susquehanna University And Goucher College

    Undergraduate School, 1989
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.
Patient Favorite Award

Dr. Spector is a patient favorite Internist

  • Outpatient Physician of the Year, 1998

Read our methodology

Online Care for Prescription Refills (Sponsored)

Insurance Check

Search for your insurance carrier and choose your plan type

Locations

Practice

Karl A. Spector MD PA602 S Atwood Rd Ste 200A Bel Air, MD 21014
1

Practice

Office2014 S Tollgate Rd Ste 200 Bel Air, MD 21015
2

Affiliated Hospitals

  • University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

    7601 Osler Dr
    Towson, MD 21204
    Recipient of 37
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

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

    Surgical Care 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.

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

    2% higher than the national average

    79%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    14% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • University of MD Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

    500 Upper Chesapeake Dr
    Bel Air, MD 21014
    Recipient of 5
    hospital awards

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2024)

    Superior clinical outcomes in surgical care across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures including cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine, and gastrointestinal surgeries

    View all awards

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

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    75%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well
    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality