Dr. Ronald Lehman, MD

In 2016 Dr. Lehman attempted a double fusion of my C4-5 and C5-6. It was a failure. Not only did the joints not fuse, the plate used erroneously bent toward my esophagus, making swallowing even more difficult. Some screws broke, and ultimately the plate wiggled loose causing a deteriorating condition. I just completed a 3.5 hour complicated revision surgery at HSS using a stronger and thinner metal plate connecting the vertebrae. Other differences included using my bone (from my hip) instead of cadaver bone (to improve fusion likelihood) , the screws attaching the plate extended to .75' of the spine depth instead of .5' (further solidifying the apparatus), and a 'bone-growth' inducing spacer were inserted between vertebrae. After 1 month post revision surgery, my swallowing capacity is significantly improved. Although initially very affable, Dr. Lehman became quite indignant after confronting the problems relating to his surgery.

Dr. Lehman is a wonderful doctor! He is personable yet professional. He doesn't pull any punches, which I respect. He took one look at the same MRI I had been showing a number of doctors for months and immediately told me my spinal fusion from 6 years prior had failed. No other doctor saw this on the same MRI that he was looking at. I was shocked and amazed but relieved that I finally had an answer for all my pain. I had a huge surgery with him soon after. During my week in the hospital, post surgery, he came to check on me once every day and sometimes twice a day. He was very caring and considerate of my well being. Recovery was about 9 months with the first 4 months as the hardest. I am now happy to report, a year later, that I feel amazing!! I am pain free and back I exercising.

Dr. Lehman took a broken down 68 year old suffering severe scoliosis and kyphosis bent over so badly he looked people in the belly button rather than in the eye and returned me to a vital functioning person. He transformed me from a person who could barely walk 100 feet without a pain index of 9+ to a 4 immediately after surgery. Now, six months later my pain level is 0 to 1, I am able to walk several miles a day and am once again able to look people in the eye. I consider my spinal fusion a complete success. He fully explained my condition and openly discussed the possible negative outcomes so I could make an informed decision about proceeding with the surgery. Furthermore, my hat is off to his friendly, supportive and highly competent support staff. They made everything as low stress as they could allowing me to concentrate on me and my recovery.

Incredible surgeon! I had cervical spine surgery with Dr. Lehman 5 months ago for a herniated disc. From the moment I stepped foot in the office I was well taken care of! Everything was explained to me in detail and I knew exactly what to expect. The pain I had before surgery was horrific! I was discharged from the hospital and had absolutely no pain!! I would recommend Dr. Lehman and his team without any hesitation!!!! Thank you for giving me my life back!

The doctor did the surgery to relieve my sciatica pain but did not resolve other issues with other sections of my spine. I ask about the part of the spine, and he gives me a generic answer. Yet, the MRI report says something else that needs attention. Now, I'm suffering from it. Before the surgery, I requested to do the surgery to solve two issues with one procedure, but he did only one which is easy to solve. Please, go to another specialist because he is in for your money!!!

I waited a long time to have surgery on my c-spine, after 20+ years of debilitating neck pain. As soon as I met with Dr. Lehman and his team, I felt complete confidence. My friends were more worried about me than I was worried about me! I had a multi-level anterior discectomy and fusion (C4-C7). I followed every instruction given to me by Dr. Lehman and his team, read and re-read my care packet, wore my hard collar faithfully for 6 weeks etc. I left the hospital after the surgery - no painkillers needed other than acetaminophen. They gave them to me, but I did not need them. Tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary, and I’m feeling pretty darn good! The care I received from the entire team at the Och Spine Center - doctors, nurses, physical therapist, etc- was superb. I think that with something as serious as spinal surgery, you need a great doctor like Dr. Lehman, but you also need, to the extent possible, to be an active participant in your care- knowing what to expect.

Mixed experience. Columbia is a teaching hospital. While Dr. Lehman may be a skilled surgeon, I was given no opportunity to assess his knowledge or skills. He had an unprofessional rude overbearing unpleasant spine fellow named Andrew Platt see me before he did. The fellow smugly lied to Lehman that there was nothing wrong with my spine despite imaging showing otherwise. Lehman took the fellow’s words for facts and gave me incorrect treatment that made my spine pai worse. Maybe had Lehman seen me without the trainee’s misdiagnosis I’d have gotten appropriate treatment plan.

Talk about typical surgeon losing interest once you’ve booked the surgery

Dr Lehman is not only a brilliant surgeon, but a warm and compassionate human being. Hands down no one better to see when experiencing any pain in the back, neck or radiating anywhere else! His staff is also incredibly professional and kind.

Dr. Lehman performed my complex spinal reconstruction surgery September 1. I am elated with the results and am 3” taller and standing straight again. I could not be happier with the care and concern Dr. Lehman has shown me through my 3-year journey to have surgery. I had flat back and degenerative scoliosis with a greater than 50 degree curve. I could barely walk and my pain and deformity were severe. Although from Louisiana, I sought Dr. Lehman’s help after the orthopedist in my home town said he would choose an orthopedic surgeon from the group at Allen Och Spine Hospital if he needed surgery like mine. I was fortunate to get an appointment with Dr. Lehman and he and his wonderful clinical care coordinator Christine have guided me through a three year quest for surgery to correct my condition. I feel that no one would have spent as much time and effort to produce such outstanding results as Dr. Lehman.and I am very pleased with his outstanding care.

I called to make an appointment, a nasty woman answered the phone asking why I need an appointment, what insurance I have am I going to have surgery, do I have an mri within 2 years if I don’t I need one, as I told her that I would need a script for the mri she proceeded to tell me the referring Dr would give me one. I told her I was not referred to him I saw his reviews I wanted a second opinion since I already had surgery and was the same as before the surgery. I guess that unless I’m going to have surgery I can’t see this Dr. to bad my sister and I wanted to be seen the same day for a second opinion. I don’t understand how he those reviews if is so hard to get an appointment. Person needs customer service classes.

Dr. Lehman has performed 2 surgeries on me that were 2 days apart. They consisted of an anterior and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation and decompression from L4 - S1. The surgery was a great success and I only have great things to say about Dr. Lehman and his entire team. From my initial contact with his office followed by my visits, the 2 surgeries, my 5 day hospital stay to my post op follow up, I was supported with exceptional care and treatment. I live in California and flew to NY for this surgery. The entire team made a difficult decision and situation as easy to navigate as possible. I'm currently 3 months post surgery and continue to heal without any complications. As a note, Dr. Lehman performed decompression surgery on my 16 year old daughter several years ago who also had a very good outcome. I will likely need further surgery in the future and without hesitation will continue with Dr. Lehman. I recommend Dr. Lehman without any hesitation.

I'm convinced that Dr. Lehman saved my ability to walk. I was experiencing weakness, some pain and a terrible time walking. The first surgeon I saw told me that he'd love to operate because he's a surgeon, but that he doesn't like anyone coming near HIM with a scalpel, but I could wait. I saw Dr. Lehman as a second opinion and he recommended surgery immediately. I was on the table a week later and, while I needed help getting into pre-op, but I walked out, albeit with a walker, on my own power the same day after spinal decompression surgery. I'm feeling great, with no infirmary, no pain and no weakness. If you need spinal surgery, DEFINITELY see Dr. Lehman!

Words cannot begin to describe how blessed I am to have met Dr. Lehman and to be under his care. His nurse and care team is amazing. In all my years I've never once met a doctor that cared more about making sure that i received the right surgery. I've had more surgeries on my back then i would like to keep count of, but Dr. Lehman is and forever will be my last surgeon. Not only did he fix my back, but all my back and leg pain was completely gone after surgery. By 3 weeks out i felt like a new person! I was able to go out with friends and even play a few rounds of golf (something i haven't done for years because of the pain). I wish i was able to find Dr. lehamn sooner. 20 out of 10 would recommend him to my family and friends!!! THANK YOU DR.LEHMAN, CHRISTINE, TARREN !!!

Dr Lehman did surgery on my lower spine. He was excellent in every way, professional, thorough, confident, kind, listened, understanding and not pushy. The hospital staff were beyond amazing. Each and every staff member were kind and caring, so attentive and caring. I felt very safe and looked after.

Dr. Lehman successfully performed a spinal fusion surgery on me in February 2017 to correct my severe scoliosis. I was 23 at the time. I consulted with multiple surgeons and found Dr. Lehman to be absolutely the BEST in the business. I found significant curve reduction in each of my curves, and, most importantly, the curvature spine isn't progressing anymore. I grew one inch from this surgery and I l now live pain-free. Moving regularly, especially my spine has been a crucial part of my recovery. After the surgery, I began to align my life in the direction of fitness, to make sure that I stayed an active mover. I know have my own business as a private yoga teacher and personal trainer. Thank you, Dr. Lehman! You've given me a bright and happy life! Bless you!

Dr. Lehman successfully treated a severely herniated disc that had left me partially paralyzed. His treatment resulted in nearly complete recovery of prior function. He was direct, clear, and at the same time kind in his explanations from pre-op to follow-up. No complications from the surgery and it is going as well as i could ever expect.

I'm convinced that Dr. Lehman saved my ability to walk. I was experiencing weakness, some pain and a terrible time walking. The first surgeon I saw told me that he'd love to operate because he's a surgeon, but that he doesn't like anyone coming near HIM with a scalpel, but I could wait. I saw Dr. Lehman as a second opinion and he recommended surgery immediately. I was on the table a week later and, while I needed help getting into pre-op, but I walked out, albeit with a walker, on my own power the same day after spinal decompression surgery. I'm feeling great, with no infirmary, no pain and no weakness. If you need spinal surgery, DEFINITELY see Dr. Lehman!

Yes, I would definitely recommend Dr. Lehman to my family and friends. I was actually recommended by a family member who had surgery by Dr. Lehman. Words can not describe how grateful I am to be under his care. My family and I are forever grateful. I can't begin to describe how much my life has return after my surgery, compared to before the surgery where I was practically in bed all the time and the only time i wasn't was to crawl to the bathroom. It is not a life i would wish on anyone. Can't thank Dr. Lehman and his team enough for how much they have take care of me and my family member's questions and needs. Always available either in person or by phone and email. I always felt like i was only a click away from getting in touch with them. Thank you so much Dr. Lehman and team!

Dr. Lehman was great, he made me feel very confident and fearful of doing surgery on my spine. him and his team were exceptional. My procedure was a success and worry free. Thanks to Dr. Lehman I am no longer in pain. He was very nice and professional through the entire process. i really got the best care under Dr. Lehman.