Sherman Spencer, MD

I’ve been to Dr. Sherman on a couple of occasions. The doctor is friendly, but super super expensive. One time, I went in because I had itchiness in my left eye, and ended up paying close to $ 1K, after insurance adjustment. Also, not that I am an expert in medicine or ophthalmology, but why do I feel like most of these expensive tests done were not necessary??? I am new to the neighborhood, so maybe this is how things are here (though, based on other reviews, I have a feeling they are not), but I think it would have been cheaper to fly back to my hometown in California to have my eyes looked at by more «normal» doctors.
In addition, I’ve had to call them several times for things like billing items, rescheduling, etc. and EVERY SINGLE TIME, it was very unpleasant because they were either really condescending and rude, hung up while I was in mid-​sentence or made me call back, saying that their computer was down or they were on their way out (3pm on Friday). Must be nice to work at a place where you get to go home at 3pm on a Friday, and get to treat patients however rude you want.

I gave Dr. Sherman 2 stars as opposed to 1 because he is a great doctor and I can’t take that away from him. My problem with him is that he is a voracious, money hungry human being and that just kills it for me. One time I point blank refused certain tests and he got a little bit confrontational with me. It was quite funny as he is an older gentleman (to put it mildly) and people his age normally have zero intimidation factor.
They do run a variety of tests and even some that are not covered by the insurance. One of my friends wasn’t even told that the $ 100 test that he administered is not covered by her insurance. I saw him twice and both times I felt like Dr. Sherman and his staff were trying to swindle me out of as much money as humanly possible (tests, pills, etc.). Following my second visit, they kept sending me check-​up reminders, which I ignored and after a while they got the point. Never again and I do not recommend him.

$ 1865.00! That was the bill my insurance received because I made the HUGE mistake of going to him for conjunctivitis. The reviewers that say he runs up unnecessary charges are correct. I wish I had checked Unilocal before going here. I went in for conjunctivitis. The next thing I know, they are running a complete eye exam on me. Including a vision test for Contacts. I said over and over again, «I didn’t come in for a complete eye exam, I came in for treatment of conjunctivitis. I don’t want contacts.» I told them I had just gotten my regular eye exam 2 months ago. The answer was, the doctor always has us run a complete eye exam in case there is an underlying condition. They tested me for glaucoma, blood flow, pressure, peripheral vision, a vision test… you name it. They kept saying, «Your insurance covers this.» Then they wanted to charge me $ 100 for a test that insurance doesn’t cover and I said, «NO, we have to stop with the tests. I just came in for conjunctivitis! I just had an eye exam!!» In the end, I was told… my eyes are fine and I have… conjunctivitis! No s*%t! I was given a scrip for an antibiotic ointment and sent on my way with a whooping charge to of almost $ 2000 to my insurance company for unnecessary tests. I’m kicking myself for not just walking out the door. This was a very bad experience. I noticed when I walked in the doctor was wearing a beautiful designer suit, Ferragamo shoes, nice blue and white shirt, Turnbull & Asser tie with a matching pocket square. I now know how he pays for all that. If you go here, he will milk your insurance for all it’s worth and rack up as many charges as possible. If you don’t care that he screws your insurance company or like giving your cash away to pay for his suits, then by all means go here. But there are plenty of REASONABLE eye doctors in New York that do not charge $ 2000 just to walk in the door.

I have gone to Dr. Sherman for over 10 years but I am finally giving up. It feels like the land of eternal up charges. Every time I go in there I am presented with multiple options that I could pay for on top of the reason I am there — a simple check up. I don’t begrudge someone trying to earn a healthy living, but this office feels more like a cell phone or cable company … and the Hippocratic Oath a distant memory. The people who originally recommended him to me also also quit independently for the same reason. Somewhat related, the doctor’s assistant is officious although, unlike a few of the other reviewers, I have always found the front of the office to be welcoming and helpful.

I went to Dr. Sherman in March for a routine eye exam (required for a drivers license renewal) and willingly paid the additional $ 140 for the exam (even though other places seem to accept my eye care insurance for this — I had heard good reviews so decided to go along with it). The service and treatment was fine, however I was SHOCKED to see that my insurance was charged over $ 300 for a MEDICAL EMERGENCY? It was a standard eye exam and I had booked the appointment as such, NOT an emergency. I do not have any respect for dishonesty and swindling in the medical industry — this only exacerbates the issues we have in our already stressed healthcare system!

Extremely impressed by this practice and their professionalism. I had a debris in my eye and contacted Dr. Spencers’s office. I had an appointment within the hour. As I arrived at the office, they had already located my insurance for me. The level of respect was impeccable, very high practice. Dr. Sherman is by far the best ophthalmologist I have seen. Moreover, his staff at the front were extremely helpful and made sure I was ok. I highly recommend!

I’m shocked to see a negative review of Dr. Sherman. I have long disliked his receptionists, who are never very nice whether in person or on the phone, but I have been going to Dr. Sherman for many years and cannot think of a single negative thing to say about him. He has always been kind and professional and I have never felt that I was subjected to tests that I didn’t need. My one complaint is that the office is often running behind schedule and I end up having to wait for a very long time. Even when I’m scheduled for an 8:30am appointment (the earliest slot possible), there always seem to be at least 10 other patients waiting.

Dr. Spencer Sherman deserves a 5 star review for his skills and expertise as a physician.
I still remain with the same opinion about his front staff.