Arizona Bone & Joint Specialists

I am seeing Dr. Shafer currently for a shoulder issue that is improving. I really appreciate that he does not jump right to surgery, which I know would be more financially beneficial to him personally, but rather does what is most prudent for his patients. I was referred to Dr. Brian Shafer (from a friend who is an anesthesiologist and witnesses the surgeries he performs first hand) for my daughter 10 years ago, when she was 16 and had suffered a volleyball injury to her shoulder. He did surgery on her and it restored her to a place where she could live optimally, and can comfortably care for her two small children now. Since then my family of 5 have all seen him for one injury or another. He has done surgery on 4 of us. He is professional and caring, and actually spends time explaining the pros and cons of our options. I have recommended him to many of my friends and family over the years, even though it is a drive from where we live, but it’s always reported worth it. Highly recommended from this nurse in Mesa, AZ!

I was referred to Dr. Brian Shafer by another Orthopedist in 2013 for a very bad shoulder that he felt needed a reverse shoulder replacement. He did not do replacements so he sent me to Dr. Shafer. From the first time I met him he was very kind and compassionate. He felt because of my age 56, I was too young for that kind of treatment and felt he could repair the problem. I had the surgery and if I ever had a question or problem I would call and they would get back to me within 30 minuets.

I had both of my hips replaced with Dr. Camarata. What an amazing surgeon. So happy I found him and would tell anyone needing an amazing Ortho guy to see him.

I thought I had a torn triceps, so my surgeon friend recommended Dr. Gruber. He was awesome, however, the front office is horrible. It turned out it was not a torn triceps, so Dr. Gruber wanted me to have an MRI and he told me we should get the result asap, to see if he needed to refer me to another Dr. When I tried to schedule my MRI, they told me that I needed my insurance to pre approve and that they needed the transcript. I tried to contact the office, Cindy was so unprofessional and mean. When I told her Dr. Gruber wanted me to have the MRI within the next two days, she said: The Dr. can say whatever he wants, but we cannot do anything until the transcript is back”. It turned out, my insurance didn’t need pre approval, when I called to schedule for the results, again Cindy was horrible. She was trying to schedule me for over a week out. When I told her it was for the results and that I didn’t need a pre approval like she had said, she replied: «You just don’t understand, I’m not going to try to make you understand», I told her «don’t». Thank goodness Dr. Gruber’s assistant called me back and gave me the results over the phone. Dr. Gruber was going to do the surgery, but I waited a couple of months, so I could deal with his new private practice, because I certainly didn’t want to deal with that office anymore. I didn’t want to call her names like in the other reviews, but it is accurate.

Dr. Gruber is awesome. Very friendly and caring. Sure the wait was long, but he was worth the wait. He took care of my needs and made sure I was comfortable with everything we did each step of the way. I will be back. Can’t thank them enough for all of their help here.

WORSE EXPERIENCE EVER
Never see Dr. Gruber or try to call the staff to follow up, because they’ll never answer the phone or want to help you.
— instead of giving you my experience just go to a different business and save your troubles.

I waited in the lobby for about 45 minutes before going to see Dr Shafer. He was a complete jerk from the minute he walked in the room. I already knew my problem was tendonitis of my shoulder caused by lifting my 9 month old daughter. He repeatedly told me I need to change the things Im doing at home that are causing the pain. I explained I cannot change that I have no help with my daughter and can’t change the fact that I need to lift her all day every day. He gave me a steroid injection and told me it will work in 2 – 3 weeks. I asked for pain medication to get me through until then and he firmly replied «absolutely NOT» before I had even finished my sentence. I told him I need some relief because I can’t care for my daughter in this much pain. He said «there are too many side effects in pain medications.» Well I’ve been an ER nurse for the last 15 years and I think I know the side effects. If the medication is taken properly there shouldn’t be side effects. This is NO REASON to leave me so miserable in pain. I just delivered a baby 9 mos ago and only took Ibuprofen after. I am hurting and he didn’t give a crap. He abruptly left the room and left me bawling. I had to go to urgent care later that day to get a prescription.
I work in the ER and people come in all day needing pain relief. As long as a person doesn’t have repeated visits we NEVER decline a patient pain relief. This BRIAN SHAFER guy has no compassion and should not be a health care provider.
For the record I have never complained on Unilocal.I was so insulted and disgusted by this jerk I thought I should share my experience

The doctors seem great but it’s already been an 1 hour wait with a person still ahead of us. I don’t know about you but I certainly don’t run my day an hour behind…

My doctor is fantastic here and the best doctor I have ever had, but the office ladies/​receptionist on the other hand needs a ton of improvement on customer service skills. Ezmerelda at the 56^th St. And Bell rd. office is a complete b***h. I have been going to this doctors office for over 4 years. She has never smiled and is completely rude to all the customers that walk in. If you have a question don’t be expecting a nice reply. She will just snap at you and tell you to hold on she’s busy. (More like busy sitting on here a** doing nothing) as a valued patient, I suggest you find a new receptionist because I never look forward to going into your office. The way she treated a new patient today. 5÷5÷14 with a disrespectful attitude was shocking and uncalled for. Find someone to replace her or you will lose a lot of patients.

PCP recommended Dr. Tindall two years ago. He was unavailable and I saw Dr. Pappas. Ended up having surgery and that joint feels excellent now. Staff is friendly and actually respond the voice messages.
I agree with David M’s suggestion on scheduling 100%.

Dr. Bruns is the best! Been seeing him for 22 years! Sincere and caring! I love this place. Was there last week and was in and out in 30 mins. Xrays and all! I have had knee surgery done by him. I would highly highly recommend this Doctor! His staff is great too!

My friend, Norma, was refered to Az Joint and Specialists when she fell and injured her shoulder. The got her in promptly on an emergency basis which I very much appreciated. Michael Pappas MD has given her excellent care so I am able to recommend his services. They are well equipped for what they do as a whole.
I will make one suggestion. Either make a very early appointment or get the first one after they get back from lunch. I doubt if you have to ask why but I will tell you anyway. If you don’t, plan on having quite a wait to see the Doctor and don’t be surprised if it is over an hour. I don’t mind a reasonable wait but 90 minutes is quite a wait when you are with a 91 year old with Alzheimers. But then again, a wait of an hour and a half on average, I believe is to long for anyone.
I really debated between three and four stars. I had three but Pappas really does a good job so the four is for him. Just make sure what time you get an appointment.

This practice is made up of several orthopedic doctors. I see Dr. Bruns. I have been going to him for years for various things– and am always happy with the outcome. Last year I had 2 total knee replacements (I call them January and June) and now I am a new woman. I have no pain and can walk without any problems and no limp. Rehab was tough but not compared to living with the pain I was in. At least I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. When I go to my appointments I have my questions on my notes app ready to ask and Dr. Bruns is always happy to answer all of the questions I ask him.
I must also compliment his assistant Julie. She is the best. She always explains everything you need to do or how to use anything you are given. I especially like that the practice has their emails on their websites so if I have a quick question, I can send her an email and not wait for an appointment. She will either get me the answer or let me know what to do.
Lastly, one of the other doctors in the practice had to have a knee replacement and he chose Dr. Bruns to do it. That says something.
There are also 2 offices. One is on the NE corner of 56^th Street and Bell and the other is on 7^th Street, north of Thunderbird on the west side of the street.