Dr. Garry Banks, MD

1. He arrived more than 1 hour late and showed no respect for other people's time. I was waiting for him in the room, and after an hour, he showed up and opened the door without knocking.2. He did not review my medical history, scans, or previous doctor's reports, all of which are in my profile, so he doesn't completely understand my condition.3. He stated that he couldn't help me and had no treatment to offer.4. He refused to provide me with a summary of the visit, so I had to request it by returning to the clinic.5. He discriminated against me based on my race and refused to treat me as a doctor should. When I asked about potential options for my issues, he responded with ignorance, saying, 'I don't know, I have no options for you, and I have no treatment for you,' and referred me to the pain clinic to figure out my issue. When I spoke to the clinic manager about my experience, he defended the doctor, made excuses, and suggested that I see another doctor.

I'm writing my story about Dr. Banks, so the world knows why I will NOT let any other surgeon touch my spine. I was looking for a new Dr., mine at the time wanted me to be his guinea pig (no thanks). I found Dr. Banks. In my appt he said, I watched you walk in from the parking lot and the way your right leg drags behind you, is a neck issue, not back. After MRI results, surgery was scheduled for a fusion revision from my previous Quack. Dr. Banks said if someone pat you on your back or gave you a hug too tight would put you in a wheelchair. My husband traveled for work and was on the road during this huge surgery. After, on his way home, he called my husband to tell him how it went. How many Dr.'s do that?! I found him in 2012 or so and just had another surgery Mar 20. I am now 100% fused in my spine from top to bottom. I am truly a Wonder Woman. The staff is wonderful and special thanks to Sharla for all she does! Dr. Banks can't retire until I'm done with spinal surgeries!

Dr. Banks has performed 2 difficult back surgeries on me; one last fall and another this spring. Both helped me tremendously. Dr. Banks worked to quickly to fit me in the schedule when I was having extreme pain. He showed great compassion and interest in my recovery. I highly recommend him.

I have been seeing Dr. Banks for my back pain for 15 years. He has done three separate surgeries on me. I highly recommend him to anyone dealing with debilitating back pain. What I appreciate the most about Dr. Banks and his team, is his honesty and his dedication to making sure you are safe and comfortable, before, during and after your surgery. Quite frankly back surgery is a terrifying experience, but knowing that Dr. Banks and his team are looking out for me and are diligently keeping my best interests in mind, are one of the main reasons I have been a patient of Dr. Banks for so many years and continue to highly recommend him.

What stood out was this person has no compassion for his work or for his patients. He really shouldn't be seeing patients with the personality of a piece of wood. I've never been so frustrated with any medical personnel until I seen this condescending patronizing lack of empathy or to get to actually exam a patient. I recommend if you make an appointment and it's with him I would switch to another practice altogether. Obviously TCO isn't doing anything about it.

Brought my teen daughter with scoliosis in for a checkup as it's been getting more painful for her. Dr. Banks basically said "nothing we can do, sorry, bye" and walked out. No discussion, no consideration of any possible alternatives, not helpful at all.

just now NEW I have had over 10 years of back issues. Lately I have been having severe pain followed by intermediate falls to the ground due to back spasms / pinching. I went in to get Gary’s opinion on what I can possibly to do prevent these falls. He basically asked me why I was there. Upon me trying to explain myself, he cut me off and showed me my most recent MRI. He explained to me there is nothing he can do and has no idea why I am falling and having this pain. He closed up his folder and walked out the door. He didn’t treat me like a patient he treated me like an inconvenience. I said to him, I understand you can’t do anything but, can you recommend anything to me or another clinic / doctor to see for further evaluation. He gave absolutely no suggestions and no help. He never once asked me what I was during when I fell - or how the falls occurred. He just basically said: hmm I haven’t heard of this and from your MRI you shouldn’t be experiencing this. 0 out of 5 recommend.

He is now at TCO in Brooklyn Park. My wife and I went there to see him for pain in my lower back affecting my sciatica and leg. The t.v. monitor in the waiting area said he was running on time. we waited probably 15 minutes and when we finally got to see him he asked where the pain was but the entire time was typing on his laptop. My wife said "your not even looking where my husband is showing you." His response was I can do both. Within five minutes of seeing him, he said we are going to do an MRI got up to leave. No chance for questions or dialogue. I scheduled my next visit with Dr. Adam Hoel in Edina...fantastic! Unfortunately, if I had read the reviews I would have known better than to waste my time with Dr. Banks.

I was treated like I was wasting his time. I felt like he didn't take my concerns seriously. He either needs to retire, or only likes working with people with advanced, chronic issues that need surgery. He looked at my x-ray and saw the curve in my spine, and dismissed it as "that must just be the way you were standing". I'm sorry, but this "curve" has caused a lot of problems, hence why I came in for answers. I'm 35, what I have dealt with over the last 20 years, is NOT normal. And that's the way I stand.

I’ve seen Dr Banks for two different problems over this last year. Both are serious; a tumor on my spine and two compression fractures. As in previous reviews he had absolutely no concern for explaining even the X-ray results much less answer a question. When starting to ask a question he interrupted and got up to walk out. When asked about any medication for extreme pain that hoes with compression fractures he told my daughter as he’s already in the hall way that “she’ll just have to deal with it”! He has no regard for the patient as a human being much less feel any obligation to them. He is an arrogant person who forgets that you hired him and he work for you! My daughter is a nurse and was appalled by his unprofessional conduct!

Very poor communication Very Arrogant and didn’t help

Dr. Banks performed spine surgery on my mom in April 2020. He went the extra mile to be able to get her surgery approved during Covid-19 lock downs and restricted medical procedures. He got on a conference call with my brothers in Winnipeg and Bemidji and explained exactly what the problem was and the surgery he planned. He ended up placing 12 screws in her spinal column to secure her fractured vertebrae. He also spoke with all of us after the surgery and had follow-up appointments with my mom. Ten months later my mom is fully recovered and doing very well for an 88 year old. Dr. Banks is not only an expert spine surgeon but one of the most approachable and compassionate doctors I've every interacted with. I thank God for Dr. Banks.

My visit was very efficient and Dr Banks was courteous

On behalf of my brother... he has had several surgeries done by Dr. Banks and none have provided any relief. He's looking at getting another surgery and I'm hoping he goes to someone else. And, as others have said, bedside manner is consistently awful. I waited for hours for him to come out and talk to me while I was in the waiting room and he never showed.

Dr Banks did my second back fusion in 2011. He does not have a bed side manner, very short visit no eye contact. Since my 3rd surgery almost 7 months ago I still have the same pain as I had before my surgery. I never had a balance problem, I do now. I have had PT, still using the cane for balance and still have the pain. I am so fed up with him, I will not go back. During my surgery my daughters were concerned that the 2 hour surgery was in the third hour. No one came out to talk to them. When Dr Banks came out to talk the them when the surgery was done my daughter asked why no one came out to talk to them during the surgery. His response was "that's not my problem" and walked away. No wonder he has 3 stars, I'll give him 1. Barb C

Dr Banks is awesome, I love that our meetings are short and to the point! He has been working with back for 19 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Thanks Dr Banks!! Dave C.

After a big round with my insurance company Dr.Banks got the MRI he needed.Just home from my surgery,pain free after months of suffering.Bed side is short and to the point,I am more concerned about a quality surgeon and he is great.

Had my lumbar fusion surgery Oct.31st, so still recovering, have no problems with Dr Banks as a surgeon, but as far as communication, he seems to not be comfortable talking or even smiling. You want a Dr that’s at least you can talk to, look at you, ask you more questions. I tried to tell him about the horrible experience I had at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, he showed no interest in what I went through. Yet he sends his patients there. I do not feel comfortable with Dr Banks , I think he needs someone to tell him how to try to relate to his patients. You want to feel at ease with your DR. But I do not feel that way at all, so the re-checks are more nerve wracking then a positive experience.

Went to see Dr. Banks recently for recurring Back Pain. dr. Banks did back surgery on me little over a year ago . Did not help me at all. Went to see him about 2 months ago. Took xrays . He looked at them and said "everything looks good, and out the door he went. My wife said" is that it" And Dr, Banks said from the hall way "Thats It" And away he went. And I am left with the same back pain I came to see him about. I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy.

Dr. Banks has done 2 back surgeries on me. Prior to surgery he is responsive to my needs. He fully explains what I can expect and is available for my questions and concerns after after.