Guthrie Ithaca City Harbor Neurosurgery

Reviews

• AB

  Amy Steele Birdsall

  Mar 10, 2026
  2.0
  I am a very active, healthy patient (BMI 21, exercising 10+ hours per week) who has managed chronic back pain for five years. After years of conservative care, an MRI in December 2025 finally revealed severe spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and multiple bulging discs. I scheduled this appointment to discuss the long-term outlook and potential next steps as my condition progresses (not to pursue surgery immediately). Unfortunately, because I was not in an active flare on the day of the visit, my concerns were completely dismissed. The physician (Christopher Paramore) would not meaningfully discuss my MRI findings or future management and simply advised core strengthening and physical therapy, despite my consistent exercise regimen. The office itself was clean and well run. Check-in was prompt, I was brought back quickly, and the facility and support staff were excellent. Unfortunately, the interaction with the physician was the complete opposite. My concerns were dismissed, and my MRI findings were barely addressed. He attempted to open the MRI images on the computer in the exam room, but the files would not load, so he was unable to review them during the visit. I had even called the office a month prior to the appointment to ask if they needed the MRI images so I could obtain a disc from the hospital and provide it ahead of time. However, they said that the doctor already had access to the MRI as it was completed at another Guthrie facility. There was no meaningful discussion of my imaging, prognosis, or long-term planning for a clearly documented spinal condition. I would strongly urge patients seeking a thoughtful conversation about their diagnosis or future treatment options to consider another provider.