Dr. Matthew Rappe, MD

He seemed arrogant and condescending from the the start making it hard to build a trusting relationship that fosters an environment welcoming of questions and requested for further details related to surgery and outcome for your specific case. To be specific, when I came to follow up on my MRI, he told me I had two small tears in my meniscus. I asked him if I should be worried about long term problems. He dismissed my questions quickly simply replying “no”. He said he would repair the cartilage with a couple of stitches and then I would be good. So to my disconcerted surprise, I was prepped for surgery and placed on a bed when a staff member came in asking me to sign a form titled “meniscectomy.” I said I wouldn’t sign because Dr. Rappe told me he was doing a repair. The staffer replied that although the paperwork said meniscectomy I had to sign regardless because it allowed the surgeon to see me. She told me however if the surgeon was in fact doing a repair then the form would be corrected. I requested to see Dr. Rappe before being given any type of sedation. The nurse was next to come in and gave me sedation despite my concerns. Finally Dr. Rappe came to my bedside to hear me out. I asked him what was going on because I was there for the repair he told me I was having . He looked embarrassed and explained that he couldn’t do a repair for whatever reason. But I asked him point blank why he told me otherwise when he had all the X-rays and the MRI back when he told me I only needed a couple of stitches. That’s when he broke down and said just couldn’t do a repair. I asked him to promise to treat me with his best care during the surgery and went forward. The result of the surgery has been very poor despite all the PT and best intentions . I never received empathy from the man and was made to feel unwelcome in post op visits. I would have never expected this given heralded statues in the community.."

Was referred to Dr Rappe by UT football training staff and Carson-Newman training staff. I expected a lot with those heave referrals. I’ve seen Dr Rappe 2-3 times for an injured left knee. Not once did he touch or manipulate my knee. No assessment done, just talk, read an MRI and give me a shot. I’m surprised he didn’t do more for the fact that I too am in the medical field but no. Maybe he is so conservative in his treatment that he don’t do much but I wouldn’t refer anyone to see him.

Dr Rappe is an excellent doctor and surgeon! He has repaired both of my rotator cuffs which had complete tears. I would trust and recommend him fir any orthopedic procedure!

So thankful I met Dr. Rappe. He is down to earth straightforward and compassionate. I will recommend him to all my friends.