Dr. Patel specializes in the non-surgical and interventional treatment of pinched nerves (sciatica or radiculopathy), herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. He is a physiatrist, or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, with additional training in performing interventional spine procedures. He utilizes conservative and physical/functional rehabilitative measures in combination with injections and minimally invasive spinal procedures to provide long-term success in the management of spinal disorders.

Dr. Patel earned his medical degree from the Northeastern Ohio Universities Medical School. He completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship in Interventional Spine at the University of Pennsylvania Spine Center. Dr. Patel has authored research papers, review articles, and book chapters on numerous spinal conditions and the safety and effectiveness of interventional spine procedures. He is specialty and subspecialty board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at URMC.

Certified Specialties

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (SMD)

Chair - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (SMD)

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, UPMC Credentials Verification Office. 1999 - 2000

Residency, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine-Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1996 - 1999

Internship, Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital & Medical Center-San Francisco. 1995 - 1996

Education

MD | Northeast Ohio Medical University. 1995

Awards

Course Coordinator, Non-Operative Spine Section Faculty Committee. 2006 - 2008

Obtained "PASSOR Recognized" Certification for the University of Rochester Interventional Spine Fellowship in its Inaugural year. 2006 - 2007

Selection as co-moderator, Rosenthal Award Presentation, 61st Annual American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Washington D.C 1999

13th Annual William A. Spencer M.D. Award and 2nd Annual Allergan Paper Competition Award for Outstanding Research Paper, "Therapeutic Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for patients with Myofascial Pain." Baylor College of Medicine. 1999

Selection for Grand Rounds Poster Presentation, "Therapeutic Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for patients with Myofascial Pain." 60th Annual American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Assembly, Seattle WA. 1998

21st Annual Lewis A. Leavitt, M.D. Memorial Award for Outstanding Research Presentation, "Therapeutic Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for patients with Myofascial Pain." Baylor College of Medicine. 1998

Publications

Journal Articles

Evaluation of Fluoroscopically Guided Transforaminal Selective Nerve Root Sleeve Injections for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Radiculopathy Utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System as an Outcome Measure.

Stephens AR, El Hassasn R, Patel RK

Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.. 2024 August 105 (8):1458-1463. Epub 02/29/2024.

Evaluation of transforaminal epidural steroid injections for discogenic axial lumbosacral back pain utilizing PROMIS as an outcome measure.

Michalik AJ, Patel RK

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2021 February 21 (2):202-211. Epub 10/20/2020.

Comparison of Single-level and Multilevel Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections Utilizing PROMIS Outcomes Data

Strong N; Strong B; Patel R; Speach D; Orsini J; Mitten D; DaSilva C; Everett C.

American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. 2017; .

An evidence-based clinical guideline for the use of antithrombotic therapies in spine surgery.

Bono CM, Watters WC, Heggeness MH, Resnick DK, Shaffer WO, Baisden J, Ben-Galim P, Easa JE, Fernand R, Lamer T, Matz PG, Mendel RC, Patel RK, Reitman CA, Toton JF

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2009 December 9 (12):1046-51. Epub 1900 01 01.

A systematic literature review of nonsurgical treatment in adult scoliosis.

Everett CR, Patel RK

Spine.. 2007 September 132 (19 Suppl):S130-4. Epub 1900 01 01.

Efficacy andSafety of sacroplasty for sacral insufficiency fractures: a prospective, multi-center study.

Frey ME, DePalma MJ, Daitch J, Cifu DX, Bhagia S, Patel RK.

Proceedings, Spine Across the Sea, North American Spine Society, Japanese Spine Research Society, Maui, HI. 2006; 104.

Informed consent in interventional spine procedures: how much do patients understand?

Everett CR, Novoseletsky D, Cole S, Frank J, Remillard C, Patel RK

Pain physician.. 2005 July 8 (3):251-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Provocative cervical discography symptom mapping.

Slipman CW, Plastaras C, Patel R, Isaac Z, Chow D, Garvan C, Pauza K, Furman M

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2005 5 (4):381-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Flushing as a side effect following lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

Everett CR, Baskin MN, Speech D, Novoseletsky D, Patel R

Pain physician.. 2004 October 7 (4):427-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Epidemiology of spine tumors presenting to musculoskeletal physiatrists.

Slipman CW, Patel RK, Botwin K, Huston C, Zhang L, Lenrow D, Garvan C

Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.. 2003 April 84 (4):492-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Pedicle lesion in the toddler: a radiologic review.

Patel RK, Rubery PT, Myers S, Everett CR

Pain physician.. 2003 April 6 (2):213-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Etiologies of failed back surgery syndrome.

Slipman CW, Shin CH, Patel RK, Isaac Z, Huston CW, Lipetz JS, Lenrow DA, Braverman DL, Vresilovic EJ

Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine.. 2002 September 3 (3):200-14; discussion 214-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Metastatic prostate cancer to the spine and a PSA of 5666: a case report.

Slipman CW, Patel RK, Siegelman ES, Cirigliano M, Bhat AL, Isaac Z, Lenrow D

Pain physician.. 2001 October 4 (4):317-21. Epub 1900 01 01.

Osseous stress reaction in a rower diagnosed with positron emission tomography (PET): a case report.

Slipman CW, Patel RK, Vresilovic EJ, Brautigam P, Mathies A, Adam LE, Lenrow D, Bhat AL, Isaac Z, Alavi A

Pain physician.. 2001 October 4 (4):336-42. Epub 1900 01 01.

Persistent hiccup associated with thoracic epidural injection.

Slipman CW, Shin CH, Patel RK, Braverman DL, Lenrow DA, Ellen MI, Nematbakhsh MA

American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. 2001 August 80 (8):618-21. Epub 1900 01 01.

Side of symptomatic annular tear and site of low back pain: is there a correlation?

Slipman CW, Patel RK, Zhang L, Vresilovic E, Lenrow D, Shin C, Herzog R

Spine.. 2001 April 1526 (8):E165-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

An unusual case of shoulder pain.

Slipman CW, Shin CH, Ellen MI, Patel RK, Braverman D, Lenrow D

Pain physician.. 2000 October 3 (4):352-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

The Comprehensive Treatment of the AgingSpine: Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques (2011)

Chapter: Intradiscal Biologics: A Potential Minimally Invasive Cure for Symptomatic Degenerative Disc Disease?

Authors: Patel, RK.

Publisher: Elsevier Inc. 2011

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.4

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.7

During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.6

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.6

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.6

Patient Comments

Exceptional provider!

Sep 25, 2024

Explained my condition thoroughly

Aug 13, 2024

I'm extremely pleased with everything and everyone I met and dealt with. The results of my visit are exactly what I feel are appropriate.

Aug 02, 2024

Dr. Patel was good. [...]

Jul 31, 2024

5.0

I've seen this provider over the years. Always a great experience

Jun 25, 2024

3.5

He was dismissive and somewhat condescending.

Jun 08, 2024

5.0

Very pleased with my care and eventual outcome of my treatment.

Apr 22, 2024

5.0

Dr Patel has helped me with getting to the root of my back issue quickly. I had an MRI scheduled and a follow up appointment to go over my treatment options for relief and recovery. I had spinal shots a couple of days ago and with Dr Patel's help I feel that I'm on the road to recovery.

Feb 14, 2024

5.0

Dr Patel is truly wonderful. I TRUST him.

Feb 07, 2024

2.6

Dr. Patel seemed to be in a hurry. [...]

Jan 29, 2024

1.0

Spent less than 1 minute with me [...].

Jan 18, 2024

5.0

Dr. Patel has treated me multiple times in the past. He is so clinically excellent; WE'RE SO LUCKY TO HAVE HIM.

Dec 28, 2023

3.0

Dr. Patel did not spend enough time explaining things to me [...]

Sep 11, 2023

5.0

Dr. Patel was very easy to interact with. He showed concern for my health & well being.

Aug 21, 2023

4.6

No concerns about the provider's care or proposed treatment plans. [...]

Aug 09, 2023

3.8

Would appreciate more time covering pros & cons of treatment options & guidance for complimentary Interventional things I can do independently.

Jul 18, 2023

5.0

[...] Finally found one person who tried to discover what was happening. [...]

Jul 12, 2023

2.6

Way too quick of a visit. Not sure if he was just too busy to take time for me. Answered my questions and then left. Assistant was very forthcoming. Both good doctors, just felt very rushed.

Jun 19, 2023

2.6

He needs to understand that all patients have different circumstances in their lives. I have decades long orthopedic problems and treatments. Not everyone fits in the same mold.

Apr 15, 2023

2.0

The provider discussed very little with me in the appt. But then he wrote in his visit notes that he discussed things with me, that were never discussed. [...]

Mar 30, 2023

3.4

Dr. Patel is excellent at spinal injections. He sometimes appears to not listen to statements made, but his ability to make accurate assessments, diagnosis and interventions is excellent

Mar 16, 2023

4.6

Dr. Patel was easy to talk to and explained our plan to improve and stabilize my spinal issues.It all begins with an epidural and PT.

Feb 09, 2023

5.0

Good experience; pain relieved the same day. More improvememt on day2

Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Dr. Patel is very good at explaining the back issues I have.

Jan 27, 2023

1.4

The doctor didn't listen to my restrictions as far as what I can and can't do at work, so the note wasn't correct and I struggled for the following weeks to contact his office to amend the note.

Jan 21, 2023

5.0

Dr. Patel is an excellent doctor.

Dec 13, 2022

5.0

Dr. Patel was attentive and explained the future treatment and tests needed before making a decision of path forward.

Dec 13, 2022

5.0

Would recommend Dr. Patel.

Dec 08, 2022

2.0

[...] Did not ask if I had questions.

Oct 31, 2022

5.0

Dr. Patel is wonderful. Very passionate and concerned about my issue.

Sep 16, 2022

3.4

This provider rushes too much! Hurrys in and out left me sitting in chair as he exited the room. I found my own way out.

Aug 16, 2022

5.0

Dr Patel explaines things that I could understand.

Aug 04, 2022

5.0

Doctor was great about wanting to get my pain taken care of. [...]

Jun 15, 2022

5.0

My visit to Dr. Pelton was for a second opinion for my medical issue. He studied my MRI and explained what it showed. He gave me simple instructions on how to handle the issue. He is an excellent diagnostician and treatment for a patient.

May 28, 2022