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Dr. Robert Cole, MD

Dr. Robert Cole, MD

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery*
35+ years of experience

Dr. Robert Cole, MD is a hand and upper extremity surgery specialist in Memphis, TN and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Cole has extensive experience in Hand & Wrist Surgery. He graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1989. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton and Methodist University Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 87 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (87 reviews)

OrthoSouth

6286 Briarcrest Ave Memphis, TN 38120

Make an Appointment

(901) 641-3000

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Cole is affiliated with Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton Covington, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Cole specializes in the areas of Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™ • See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. • See hospitals
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Dr. Cole's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cole

4.9
87 ratings, 61 with a written review
5 star
97%
97%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
1%
1%
1 star
1%
1%

Your trust is our top concern.

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

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Dr. Cole is wonderful. Very knowledgeable.
How comfortable Dr. Cole and the entire staff made me feel.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 20, 2024
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Thank you for all the care from Dr Kenneth Cole an
Telehealth
He willing to see me next day after my dermatologist referred. Me to his care
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Tri n Dang – Oct 29, 2024
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Hand surgery
Dr Cole explained the procedure in a way that made it less traumatic! Great physician and surgeon!
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 26, 2024
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Best Hand Doctor
I have known Dr. Cole a long time. I previously worked ar OrthoSouth 14 years. His orthopedic knowledge and skills are the best I’ve ever seen. He is a great doctor as well as a very nice person with a great bedside manner. I would and have recommended him to anyone looking for a hand or wrist surgeon.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lisa C. – May 30, 2024
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Wait time was fine. Dr. Cole was friendly and professional, and knowledgable. I highly recommend him.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bob Keith – Mar 28, 2024
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An excellent visit!!
Dr. Cole and the entire staff were wonderful!!
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 16, 2024
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WRIST INJECTION
Dr. Cole was great! Very professional and up to date on the latest research re: my wrist tendonitis. I am a physical therapist, and without the use of my hand, it is near impossible to provide good hands on rehab techniques. I've tried all my PT interventions, but nothing was long lasting. Since my injection, I have had ZERO pain and can work without any restrictions. Thank you!
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Erin – Mar 04, 2024
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Amazing experience
Dr Cole explained my medical issue & the course of action in a crystal clear manner. He was patient and caring. Although I was scared, he made me feel confident and relaxed with my surgery & recovery. Thank you
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Karen Ferrer – Dec 20, 2023
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Professional, Awesome Doctor and Staff
My Primary Care Doctor referred me to see Dr Cole for a Trigger finger. On my appointment check in was coordiadial and fast, with fast and friendly vitals being taken. Dr Cole accessed and treated my Trigger Finger very professional and promptly. Dr Cole communicated the healing process and included a splint. I highly recommend Dr Cole and his Staff for the outstanding service they are providing.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sam Threat – Dec 06, 2023
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Follow up on last review from 6/29
It has been 3 weeks since I had the “ mini tightrope” procedure and moving along well. Only experienced about 48 hours of high pain once the arm block wore off (24hrs). Take the meds 6-8 hours before it wears off! In the 2nd cast which is removed tomorrow and PT begins. The current pain is about the same as what I have dealt with for years, so can’t wait for the healing to experience a new beginning. My plan is repair the other hand in 12 months. Good luck all!
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
John Seymour – Nov 09, 2023
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Carpal tunnel surgery
Dr. Cole and the entire staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and welcome. The surgery was a snap. The surgery center was great. I didn’t want to drive to Southaven, however, after this experience, I think I would rather have my neck surgery at the Southaven outpatient facility.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 13, 2023
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Dr Cole was extremely professional and knowledgeab
Dr Cole was extremely knowledgeable about my elbow issue, explained what was going on and came up with an easy treatment plan.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 13, 2023
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Awesome Dr. And Staff
Was recommended by my family physician been having issues with both my hands. Osteoarthritis and Trigger finger in both ring fingers. Went for my first appointment and never imagined I would leave with my trigger fingers repaired and confident I’m on the right path for dealing w my severe hand pain and swelling. Awesome group of physicians and nursing staff. Dr. Cole is doing things right and highly recommend to anyone in need of orthopedics.
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Donnie Bryant – Jul 26, 2023
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Dr. Cole and staff are Awesome!
Went as second opinion for surgery related to De Quervain's Tenosynovitis and so glad I did! He pointed out things that another popular clinic didn’t even mention. The post op care is was beyond what was previously recommended by that another clinic as well. My back surgeon highly recommended him and said he’d trust him operating on his own hands as well. So glad he was the one taking care of this. I’m a data analyst/consultant and this procedure was on my dominant hand. Feel very relaxed and confident knowing I was in such great hands! Thank you, Dr. Cole and staff!!
What went well
  • 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
Jenny Franklin – Jun 24, 2023
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The best of the BEST!
Have been in medical over 30 years and Dr Cole is passionate, does not mince words and actually cares for each of his patients. Highly recommend!
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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 06, 2023
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Dr. Cole Fixed My Trigger Finger
I had been having problems with my middle finger on my right hand for months. I am right handed & it was getting harder to write. I had experienced “trigger finger” before & it had gotten better on its own. That didn’t happen this time so I finally got a referral to see Dr. Cole. He verified that it was trigger finger, a form of Tendonitis. He explained the condition to me and gave me a shot of cortisone in the joint. By the next day, it was so much better. The swelling had gone down a lot & I was able to bend it so much better than I had been able to in months. Thank you Dr. Cole!
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
Lynne – Mar 21, 2023
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Finger - in office very sensitive treatment
Very Pleased with Him and his staff, he worked a miracle. I did exactly what he told me to do to care for my finger after and he was spot on. I can’t say enough good things about Dr Cole and his Great Medical Assistant Angie. They are my first pick should I ever have anything happened.
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
Aug 04, 2022
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Left hand pain
Very friendly staff and efficient. I was called back to the exam room before I had finished my paperwork. Dr. Cole was friendly and professional. Explained what the issue was and had the splint that I needed on hand. X-ray was quick and easy. Didn't prescribe meds I didn't need, or even treatments that I didn't need. I will definitely recommend this office and surgeon.
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
Patricia Langford – May 14, 2022
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Don't be afraid of joint injections
I have such horrible joint pain in my thumbs but I have let my phobia of joint injections keep me from getting some relief. Honest, Dr. Cole does it so well you don't feel any thing except the tiny sting of the anesthetic shot. The injections aren't a panacea. I still have pain but they are well worth getting. Last weekend the pain was so bad even when not using my hands that I was literally in tears. Today just some pain when I use them.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Amy – May 14, 2022
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i would highly recommend him to anyone
Dr. Cole explained the cause of my pain in my elbow very well. He takes the time to answer any questions and is very personable and easy to talk to. I would recommend him to anyone having problems with your elbow or hands.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Emily sanders – Apr 30, 2022
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Leave a review

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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

With hand and upper extremity injuries and disorders, making a quick and accurate diagnosis is paramount to optimal recovery. We do our best to allow direct access with same day OrthoStat appointments. This allows the patient to bypass...read more

  • Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

  • 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.

  • Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, Washington University / Barnes-jewish Hospital

    Fellowship Hospital, 1996

  • University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine, Dept Orthopaedic Surgery

    Residency Hospital, 1995

  • University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine, Dept Of General Surgery

    Internship Hospital, 1990

  • Vanderbilt University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1989

  • University Of Mississippi

    Undergraduate School, 1985
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
- 
Hand 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.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

  • Carpal Tunnel

  • Scaphoid nonunion drill track grafting

  • Displaced Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius: Long-Term Functional Outcome in Young Adults Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation., 9/1977

  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel

  • The Utility of Routine Wrist Radiographs in the Evaluation of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome., 1997

  • Radiographic Evaluation of Osseous Displacement Following Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius: Reliability of Plain Radiography and Computerized Tomography, 1997

  • Quantification of the Radius Torsion Angle with Computerized Tomography in Cadaver Specimens, June 1997

  • Tenex F.A.S.T. procedure for tennis elbow

  • President, Tennessee Orthopaedic Society, 2010

Healthgrades Tips for Getting Orthopedic Care

Locations

OrthoSouth

Briarcrest Office6286 Briarcrest Ave Memphis, TN 38120
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: open 24 hours
    • Tue: open 24 hours
    • Wed: open 24 hours
    • Thu: open 24 hours
    • Fri: open 24 hours
  • Directions

OrthoSouth

Hernando Office2670 McIngvale Rd Ste J Hernando, MS 38632
2

OrthoSouth

OrthoSouth Arlington5150 Airline Rd Arlington, TN 38002
3
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton

    1995 Highway 51 S
    Covington, TN 38019
    Recipient of 2
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    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

    85%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    9% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Saint Bernards Medical Center

    225 E Washington Ave
    Jonesboro, AR 72401

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

    83%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Methodist University Hospital

    1265 Union Ave
    Memphis, TN 38104
    Recipient of 2
    hospital awards

    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™ (2025)

    Superior clinical outcomes in knee and hip replacement

    View all awards

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

    81%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% lower than the national average

    78%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

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