Dr. James Blankenship, MD

Had Back surgery and everything went great. Dr. Blankenship and Rhonda Finley are exceptionally good at there job. Very kind and caring. Definitely would recommend.

Dr. Blankenship crafted my first lumbar fusion surgery over 21 years ago. I really appreciated how surgery was the last step. The physical therapy I received before and after the surgery was second to none. I needed additional levels fused a few months ago and would not have wanted anyone else to take care of me. A special shout out to all the outstanding staff that help Dr. B provide such first class medical care.

He listened he understood and I progressively got worse but he knew what needed to be done. He validated my experience.

Dr. Blankenship listens to you and uses your input with his experience and expertise to evaluate you and make recommendations. He is NOT a knife happy surgeon. Surgery is his last resort.

Though a surgeon, he wants to explore nonsurgical options before cutting . I saw him 20 years ago and again in2024 and has not changed …Listening to pain problemTake a diagnostic MRIThen explore all options to relieve painFinding what is best for you because “0ne size does not fit all spinal pain”

My mother became a patient of Dr. Blankenship only needing a walking cane periodically, but in pain all the time. Now, she is on a walker all the time…even in her home and still in terrible pain after a long horrific recovery. Surgery was performed from the front of her body as well as through her back to repair her spine. Rehab was denied her following the surgery and she was sent home without the medical help she needed. All in all a horrible experience.

Dr. Blankenship performed a L4-L5 fusion. It was nine years ago and I celebrate the surgery anniversary with him and Rhonda Findley, his surgery assistant, every year. I highly recommend Dr. B and Rhonda. The results were such that when I needed surgery on my neck vertebrae, he performed that as well...2 years ago. The best way I can describe the results of both operations was that he and Rhonda took abject pain and turned it into a few minor inconveniences. Both Dr. B and Rhonda are very knowledgeable, competent, professional, and easy to converse with. After both surgeries, Rhonda was available by phone 24/7 and able to answer questions and give advice with innovative solutions.

Dishonest Practices.

Dr blankingship did ls4&ls5 surgery on me then put a rod in my back worse surgeon I’ve ever had he left a disc sitting on my nerves 4 years later I found a doctor name Joseph mcmordie in Texarkana tx he went behind doctor Blankenship terrible surgery and fix me I’m grateful for doctor mcmordie he came visit me everyday I was in hospital he takes pride in his worki wouldn’t recommend dr blank ship to no one he’s terrible I heard he was half blind

I received an L1S5 disc replacement and fusion in October 2019. The surgery was performed both from the front and back. After 4 months of recovery and a couple months of physical therapy I feel better than I have in the last 20 years. I can't say enough about how happy I am with Dr. Blankenship's work. The pre and post surgery office visits all felt rushed, but my questions and concerns were always addressed. I had a few off-hour calls during recovery that were always returned within an hour. I would definitely recommend Dr. Blankenship to anyone who needs back surgery.

Dr Blankenship did back surgery on my husband nine months ago. He has healed wonderfully and his pain has reduced 50%. My husband did not have to quit smoking which was good since he has failed to quit smoking many times. Dr B has no time for office visits, In and out, in 10 minutes but he's an excellent surgeon.

He was supposedly my doctor since 2016, however, when my hospital sent him my CATscan and called for follow up, he would not call back, nor would his PA. (My hospital recommended a different doctor for me , dr Blankenship is arrogant,

Dr. Blankship and Rhonda are so compassionate, well trained, and always professional. He has the best staff in office and at the hospital. I had surgery with virtabra fusion and have had some expected nerve pain at incision sight with scar tissue. The risk of pain from scar tissue was explained to me before surgery and I still would refer anyone to Dr Blankenship and his staff. My back pain levels have almost gone completely away. Best Dr & Staff ever.

Would not recommend him to my worst enemy. He did a back surgery on my family member a year ago and didn't do a good job. He had to have surgery again 3 weeks ago and was still in unimaginable pain. 3 days ago he had to have surgery on his back AGAIN to repair the damages Blankenship caused from 3 weeks ago. This doctor left on vacation the very next day while he is in ICU fighting for his life. He has no back up doctor & no doctor will work or see him. Recommend finding a different surgeon.

It's been six months since my wife's spinal fusion (Nuvasive® XLIF) with Doctor Blaneinship and the Physicians Specialty Hospital, all went smoothly and my wife is back to her old self. Doctor Blankenship and his staff were most professional and still friendly and approachable with our questions and concerns, even through the recovery. The Physicians Specialty Hospital was far above anything we could have expected or hoped for, great food and an abundance of caring and attentive staff.

After extensive Internet study concerning my diagnosis and visits with surgeons from Dallas, TX to Pittsburg, PA, I decided my best option was to go with the plan offered to me by Dr. James Blankenship. The other surgeons wanted to perform as much as an eight level fusion including rods and hardware to stabilize my spine from the T10 to S1. Dr. Blankenship offered to treat the source of pain with a single level fusion of the L4-L5. Go see Dr. Blankenship. You'll be glad you did.