Dr. Rajesh Rao, MD

Dr. Rao stated 'the internet says I am a pain management doctor but I am not a pain management doctor'. He told me there is nothing wrong with me. I explained thoroughly and filled out the patient questionnaire. His office staff stated they lost a fax containing my injuries from physical therapist. They refused to authorize my diagnostic imaging. They were very condescending and unprofessional to me and my wife. Since then I have been treating with Dr. Cook. I had a neck fusion, 2 epidural injections, cortizone injections on both shoulders and currently receiving additional pain management and treatment. Rao did not want to treat me. If I didn't find another pain doctor I would be suffering till this day and the future. My new pain doctor is further distance from Rao's office, but I prefer to travel further away to a better doctor. I am still in pain and still recovering from my injuries, however I now have a pain doctor who is helping me. If I could rate and review Rao with ZERO STARS

Bad Bad Bad Service in Westfield New Jersey No No No

In July 2024 I attended my initial appointment with Dr. Rao in Westfield office. I filled out my initial patient questionnaire and indicated that I suffer from: cervical, lumbar and Left Shoulder pain. My wife, who has been an ICU nurse over 20 years and myself with over 20 years of healthcare experience decided to visit Dr. Rao hopes that my pain will be relieved. I did see another pain management Dr. Freeman in Edison office, however his practice is out of my insurance network and I cannot afford to pay additional medical bills. As a result, my wife and I researched and found Dr. Rao as the closest pain management doctor in the area who is considered 'in network ' by our Blue Cross Blue Shield Health insurance. We were excited and hopeful to have found a pain doctor in our vicinity. We have children and live on a budget. We live in Union County. Dr. Moore from JFK Johnson Rehab. Institute in JFK Hospital is managing my cognitive and Traumatic Brain Injury. I also have MORE to share

Dr. Rao was very kind, knowledgeable, and an extremely clear communicator. He asked good questions, listened to and considered my responses, observed and manipulated my posture to assess my functionality and pain levels, completed a very thorough assessment including x-rays and an MRI, and made solid recommendations for my activities, continued PT, etc. I would highly recommend Dr. Rao to patients experiencing back pain.

Ice saw Dr. Rao several years ago for severe spine issues that I was having. He was very kind and Punitive, and I am surprised to read a few of these negative comments, though the overwhelming majority were very positive. As a doctor myself, I realize that anyone can have a bad day, but I have always been impressed with his even keeled and informed approach. He is really a champion and I recommended him highly.

I went to Dr. Rao with chronic shoulder pain. He seemed like he was annoyed I was there from the moment I sat down. He essentially refused to tell me I had should pain-- he insisted it was back pain, which is simply untrue. He said he couldn't help me unless I admitted it was back pain, I got a cortizone shot, or got an MRI. He then insisted I got xrays of my back. A few weeks later I now want the MRI. But surprise! The MRI is for my spine. I have no spinal issues. I have been to 4 other specialists who say all my pain is shoulder pain. I've never had back issues in my life. So now I can't even get an MRI because he refused to listen to where my pain actually is, how I got my injury, etc. I left his office in tears.

Very rude man. My elderly father saw him for osteoarthritis through the recommendation of another doctor. He looked at my father's x-rays and bluntly told him, "there is nothing I can do for you" and then left the room. What a horror to treat an elderly patient with no sense of respect or dignity. No recommendations for any useful medications, physical therapy or massage ... this doctor should be ashamed of himself for his lack of empathy and dismissal of an elderly patient in pain. Shameful behavior .... even on a human to human level.

Dr. Rao is thorough, kind, informative and has the best bedside manner. The staff is wonderful as well. I had an MRI and Dr. Rao called me with the results, which were not significant, before I even got home. I can't recommend him and this practice enough.

Dr is very compassionate and listens to the patient. He is also careful in his treatment.

Our experience with Dr. Rao and his staff, Linda Gaglia and Alice Smolder have been excellent. They each show such compassion and empathy and go above and beyond to assist and resolve my health challenges, which seem to be mounting as I have aged. Dr. Rao is a very good listener and treats me with care and kindness. They are timely and professional and each of the staff addresses my questions and concerns with expediency and will always respond to my calls quickly. I would highly recommend Dr. Rao.

Dr. Rao is wonderful. He explains things in simple terms and he listens to his patient. Nothing felt rushed so I didn't feel like just a number. The staff at Summit Medical Group in Westfield, from the minute you walk in, through your exam/procedure, and on your way out, is just the best. Kudos to Linda and Alice, but I could write anyone's name here because they're all great.

He didn't listen to a word I said. He talked over me and interrupted constantly. In the end, he came to the same conclusion I was trying to tell him in the first place. I switched doctors the next day. This is my spine and I refuse to work with a physician who doesn't care about what I have to say.

I saw Dr. Rao for back and neck pain. It was an excellent experience with the Summit Medical Group staff at all levels. Dr. Rao was easy to converse with and was always encouraging and cheerful but realistic and factual with prognosis. When the doctor is happier than you are when you feel better, you know you've found a good doctor for your care.

My first experience with Dr. Rao was very positive. He took time to listen to my problem and went over everything with me to get a good understanding. He did a good job explaining what was causing my issues and clearly laid out the next steps. He made me feel very positive about my outcome.

Dr Rao was very rude to me during my appointment. He asked questions so quickly, I didn't have time to respond before he went on to the next question. He asked me where I worked and interrupted me and then later asked the same question. He did not look at me for most of the appointment and when I expressed my concerns he told me that the type of pain I have is common and it's normal and had no sympathy. I felt he didn't care about my well-being at all and I left with no answer or direction.

I saw Dr.Rao for EMG on my lower back pain.I was very disappointed with the visit. He rushed me as I was explaining the reason for my visit. Then he asked me 3xtimes the same question. He moved my legs that caused me pain in my back so I told him to be more gentle and his reply was "I am gentle". I asked him few questions after the test and his reply was to speak with my primary doctor.He had a back turn to me and didn't even bother to look at me when talking to me. I wouldn't recommend him.