Peter Howard, MD, Palm Harbor FL

Dr Howard failed to help me understand what procedure I had done. My original MRI said there was no meniscus tear. Dr. Howard examined my MRI desk and concluded that there was a meniscus tear. He printed out a picture for me and circled some thing that looks like a tear. Considering I know nothing about the anatomy of a knee, I trusted that my doctor knew what he was doing. I elected to have a quick arthroscopic procedure to fix the tear. When in fact, I woke up, and Dr. Howard said I did not have a tear in the meniscus. He then proceeded to let me know that my cartilage is bone on bone, and he harvested two biopsies for another procedure called MACI. I had so many questions and he refused to answer them not only that he made me feel ridiculous for asking. I have since spoken to the MACI company and joined a support group. The surgery would be a second surgery and is quite a horrendous path to healing With 12 to 18 months of recovery. I am at a complete loss and would’ve never had the surgery if I had known I didn’t have a meniscus tear when I went back to ask the questions. When I had a very bad reaction after surgery, he failed to care for me. The staff were not communicating well with him. I thought I was coming in to see him and instead was with the nurse who admitted I needed to see the doctor. When I finally got in to see Dr Howard 9 days later, he only had 5 mins set aside for me. I had a list of questions I was asking. After the first question he stood up with his hand on the door. He insulted me further by saying I had more pain because I needed mental therapy. I’m in worse shape than before the surgery. I’m left with confusion on how to proceed. He told the med tech to remove my stitches prior to my incisions actually healing. When my stitches were removed, my incisions burst open with blood streaming down my leg. Dr Howard had left the room after I said my wounds didn’t look closed and were still bleeding. He told me it was fine to even go swimming! The med tech was shocked at the amount of blood and asked me if I was on blood thinners to which I replied yes and they were prescribed by Dr Howard! She was packing my knee with as much gauze as she could. She also told me not to swim for a month! How was there no communication or consideration for the infection I was dealing with in the knee and possibly that’s why the incisions didn’t heal by day 9. I was left to go home and purchase my own Steri-Strips to close the wound. My instructions after surgery were unclear. Dr. Howard was so rude and gave me no time. I had several appointments with his staff and him to try to receive care and ask him for information. I’ve never been treated this way in my life by a doctor, whose practice should be to do no harm. I feel like he made a huge mistake with my knee. I would never recommend Dr. Howard. On top of that the office staff, and Dr. Howard do not communicate effectively. There was no continuity of care between me speaking with the physicians assistant, the nurse in the office, the office staff, and Dr. Howard. When I had my last appointment with him and let him know that I will not be coming back for a follow up because I do not trust him it was only three weeks after my surgery. He let me know that there would be no chance I would find an orthopedic surgeon that would take into consideration my other immune system disorder. When he told me that, he even misquoted what my immune system disorder is called, which only added to the lack of research and attempt to understand. I am now on my fourth antibiotic since the surgery, and under the care of my immunologist, this was by far the worst experience. Stay clear.

I had a fractured tibia with displacement, Dr. Howard promptly took care of me after Trinity hospital sent me home with the wrong kind of splint…. Dr Howard was on vacation when I was seen by another physician at his office, he saw my x ray and texted back to get me set up for surgery ASAP! He handled everything promptly even though he was out of the office. He knew from the image what kind of pain I was in and made sure I was not suffering for any longer. I met Dr Howard the day before my procedure, he was very personable and caring. He explained everything to me about what to expect and what will be done. My surgery was completed promptly and successfully and I am finally on the road to healing. I would highly suggest Dr Howard and his practice. I was seen at both offices and every staff member was friendly and professional.

My experience so far has been totally positive. I have spoken with Jennifer Knipper several times. She is professional and still friendly and efficient. I have faith in Dr, Howard.

Very knowledgeable and helpful to get me to the right Dr.that I need to see for my issue.
Some or most of the referrals that were given to me unfortunately did NOT take my insurance.

Dr. Howard assured me my tennis elbow would take time to heel the nerves. Since last visit it is much better and slowly going away. He felt not another cortisone shot or any kind of surgery not necessary at all. It’s nice to know we have Doctors like this not to jump the gun and let heel naturally. Ryan is also a pro with handling the patients along with Deann and the whole crew.

My experience with Dr. Howard has been excellent. I knew exactly what to expect with my shoulder Surgery and experienced very little pain in the days after the surgery. I am about 14 weeks out and am seeing improvement every day. I have regained much of the range of motion in my shoulder and feel I am headed for significant recovery. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Howard and Florida Ortho!

I dont doubt that Dr. Howard is a great
surgeon and the quality of surgery is so far
as we can tell excellent. We took our 17
year old son for hip surgery due to some
soccer injuries. The day of surgery we were
asked to show up at 10 a.m. For a noon
surgery. We sat there until the surgery
actually happened after 6 p.m. (no
explanation or updates, Why things were so
delayed either) we didn't leave the surgery
facility till after 9 p.m. We felt very rushed
out and our son was basically unconscious
driving home and very, very out of it. The
staff stated they would follow up with him
the next day. The next day came and went
and no staff member called to follow up
how our son was doing. Very disappointed
in this experience overall.

Very professional experience. Staff was very courteous and professional. Pleasant atmosphere Dr. Howard explained my options and I trust him to do a great job with my upcoming surgery for my shoulder replacement.

By far the best doctor/ surgery that I have ever had the pleasure to be cared for he made sure I knew what was going on as well as answer any questions or concerns I had and had me back up walk in no time

Always am very satisfied with this practice. I'm always seen on time and everything is explained

I received excellent care. The staff was always friendly and helpful. Trevor was the best. I still have bones sticking out of my shoulder but the pain is tolerable. And it’s something I have to live with no fault of the drs office. It was lack of immediate care.

I have become a frequent flier for Dr Howard and I will recommend him to anyone. He did my R hip scope October 2021. It's been a long road for him (and trevor) with me and no matter how annoying i am, they are always so kind to me and answer my questions without hesitation. His office staff is also always pleasant, helpful, and prompt. Top notch all around.

Dr Howard was fantastic when dealing with my shoulder surgery with all the work he did was basically pain fee thru the whole process

Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Dr Howard took the time to explain my shoulder issue, treatment options and follow-up. He took the time to answer all of my questions.

Dr Howard explained my options on dealing with my shoulder osteoarthritis. He answered my questions thoughtfully and professionally. He took the time I needed to understand both the non-surgical and the surgical resolutions.
I valued his approach and trusted his judgements.

Dr. Howard is very intent on helping his patients get well. Very efficient as well as attentive. Answers questions in an understandable manner. I'm very glad I found him.

After explaining to me what my options were for the torn meniscus in my left knee. Dr. Howard gave me my first shot of cortisone to help curtail the inflammation and pain that I had. It's been over two weeks since my visit and my knee feels incredible! I know it's not the long term solution, but it's a start! Thanks Dr. Howard