Daniel Refai, MD
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RoleNeurosurgery, Spine Surgery
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Specialty
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Research Program
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Practicing Since2009

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (669 ratings)
Daniel Refai is the director of spinal oncology at the Emory Spine Center. Dr. Refai focuses on both intradural and extradural spinal tumors as well as metastatic and primary tumors of the spine. He performs complex spine tumor surgery and spine reconstruction surgery. He also directs the stereotactic radiosurgery division of the Emory Spine Center for spine tumor treatment. Dr. Refai's research interests include outcome analysis following surgery and radiosurgery for spine tumors. He has published extensively on the treatment of spinal disorders and has developed innovative multidisciplinary approaches for treatment. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the North American Spine Society.
Dr. Refai completed neurosurgical residency at Washington University in Saint Louis under the tutelage of Ralph Dacey MD. He spent six months as a specialist registrar in neurosurgery at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He completed a combined orthopaedic and neurosurgery spine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic under Edward Benzel MD, Iain Kalfas MD, Gordon Bell MD, and others. He specializes in all aspects of complex spine surgery and is actively involved in clinical research. Dr. Refai enjoys teaching and has received numerous patient and medical education distinctions throughout his training.
Title/Journal | Authors | Publication Date |
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Neural regeneration research |
H Saad, B El Baba, A Tfaily, F Kobeissy, JG Gonzalez, D Refai, GR Rodts, C Mustroph, D Gimbel, J Grossberg, DL Barrow, MF Gary, AM Alawieh | 05/01/2025 |
Advanced healthcare materials |
SW Linderman, GF Barber, SA DeVeaux, EA Botchwey, D Refai, AM Klein, AJ García | 03/01/2025 |
Neuropathology : official journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology |
B Morales-Vargas, H Saad, D Refai, M Schniederjan, Z Abdullaev, K Aldape, M Abedalthagafi | 02/01/2025 |
Cureus |
J Gutierrez, AM Erwood, JG Malcolm, DP Grogan, AC Greven, MF Gary, GE Rodts, GP Stricsek, D Refai | 08/01/2023 |
World neurosurgery |
ACM Greven, BM McGinley, AS Nakirikanti, JD Couceyro, JG Malcolm, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 05/01/2022 |
Journal of neurology |
IC Hostettler, D Wilson, CA Fiebelkorn, D Aum, SF Ameriso, F Eberbach, M Beitzke, T Kleinig, T Phan, S Marchina, R Schneckenburger, M Carmona-Iragui, A Charidimou, I Mourand, S Parreira, G Ambler, HR Jäger, S Singhal, J Ly, H Ma, E Touzé, R Geraldes, AC Fonseca, T Melo, P Labauge, PH Lefèvre, A Viswanathan, SM Greenberg, J Fortea, M Apoil, M Boulanger, F Viader, S Kumar, V Srikanth, A Khurram, F Fazekas, V Bruno, GJ Zipfel, D Refai, A Rabinstein, J Graff-Radford, DJ Werring | 03/01/2022 |
Thoracic Hemangiopericytoma With Intramedullary Invasion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video. Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) |
G Stricsek, DP Bray, PR Mendoza, SG Neill, D Refai | 02/01/2022 |
Spinal Arachnoid Webs: Presentation, Natural History, and Outcomes in 38 Patients. Neurosurgery |
N Laxpati, JG Malcolm, GB Tsemo, C Mustroph, AM Saindane, F Ahmad, D Refai, MF Gary | 10/13/2021 |
Spine |
ACM Greven, BM McGinley, NF Guisse, LJ McGee, S Pirkle, JG Malcolm, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 04/01/2021 |
Spine |
GR Baum, G Stricsek, MA Kumarasamy, V Thirunavu, GJ Esper, SD Boden, D Refai | 03/15/2021 |
Cureus |
O Kashlan, JM Frerich, JG Malcolm, MF Gary, GE Rodts, D Refai | 11/24/2020 |
Letter: Maintaining Neurosurgical Resident Education and Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Neurosurgery |
DP Bray, GP Stricsek, J Malcolm, J Gutierrez, A Greven, DL Barrow, GE Rodts, MF Gary, D Refai | 08/01/2020 |
Neurosurgery |
ACM Greven, CW Rich, JG Malcolm, DP Bray, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 08/01/2020 |
Open forum infectious diseases |
N Beydoun, S Tandon, S Krengel, E Johnson, F Palacio Bedoya, M Moore, D Refai, N Rouphael | 07/01/2020 |
Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) |
ON Kashlan, DK Monson, D Refai | 10/01/2019 |
Neurosurgery |
JG Malcolm, MK Moore, FH Choksh, FU Ahmad, D Refai | 12/01/2018 |
World neurosurgery |
BP Lovasik, CM Holland, BM Howard, GR Baum, GE Rodts, D Refai | 01/01/2017 |
World neurosurgery |
RS Rindler, BA Miller, SR Eshraghi, G Pradilla, D Refai, G Rodts, FU Ahmad | 11/01/2016 |
Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of neurosurgery. Spine |
SH Halani, GR Baum, JP Riley, G Pradilla, D Refai, GE Rodts, FU Ahmad | 09/01/2016 |
Clinical neurology and neurosurgery |
CM Holland, DI Bass, MF Gary, BM Howard, D Refai | 02/01/2015 |
Clinical neurology and neurosurgery |
BM Howard, SR Eshraghi, CM Holland, D Refai | 10/01/2014 |
Patients who are treated in outpatient and inpatient environments are eligible to receive a survey related to their individual care. Displayed ratings and reviews are displayed for Providers who have received at least 30 returned surveys over a 12-month period and are related to all Care Provider related survey questions. To help our patients better understand our Transparency program (ratings and review), the motivations behind it, how ratings are calculated, why ratings and reviews are not published for every EHC Provider, and how this information can be helpful for our patients, please click here.
4.8 |
| Provider showed concern |
4.8 |
| Provider explained things clearly |
4.8 |
| Provider discussed treatment options |
4.8 |
| Provider included you in decisions |
4.8 |
| Likelihood of recommending this provider |
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02/26/2025 |
Listened very well, guided me through what I had questions on. Guided concerns to what was real vs prior doctors direction. |
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02/24/2025 |
Very good service. No complants |
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02/21/2025 |
I have recommended Dr Refai to many people! He is a wonderful doctor. This is my u3rd surgery with him! |
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02/15/2025 |
The doctor was very clear and knowledgeable of my problems. He explained everything in terms that I understood. He was very patient and pleasant. |
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02/14/2025 |
Dr. Refai provided outstanding services. |
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02/13/2025 |
Dr. Dan Rafai and all the staff provided me excellent medical care. |
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02/10/2025 |
I would recommend Dr. Rafei without reservation. He was straightforward, informative, interested, and listened. |
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02/08/2025 |
If I needed any back surgery, I would recommend Dr. Refai. I appreciate the time he spent with me and recommended the correct doctor who I needed to see. |
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02/06/2025 |
Experience with good bedside manner |
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02/05/2025 |
This is the best surgeon and staff I have ever worked with! |
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01/30/2025 |
Outstanding |
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01/15/2025 |
As always, detailed explanation of issues and results from tests were given in terms I could understand. |
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01/09/2025 |
No problems or issues with the visit pleasant experience I will inform others |
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12/12/2024 |
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Refai and his staff. Very competent, very professional and very caring. I would highly recommend him to anybody. |
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12/06/2024 |
Dr. Daniel Refai and his entire staff always show concern for my questions and worries, and their explanations given about my condition are easy to understand. I highly recommend Dr. Refai. |
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12/05/2024 |
Early arrival, excellent review, acceptable activities and follow-up options. |
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11/27/2024 |
Our conversation with the doctor was very informative. |
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11/13/2024 |
I love Dr Refai. He is very intelligent and compassionate. Plus, he's very handsome. |
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11/09/2024 |
Superb visit |
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11/08/2024 |
Loved Dr. Rafai and he explained things very well to me with my problem. |
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11/06/2024 |
Dr Refai is always great! |
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11/02/2024 |
I would highly recommend The Emory group to my family and friends |
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11/01/2024 |
The Dr was great. Loved him can't remember his name |
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10/23/2024 |
Dr Refai and his team are truly remarkable. |
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10/23/2024 |
Exemplary |
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10/21/2024 |
Dr Refai is the best! He is caring and honest. He explains everything on a level that is understandable. |
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10/18/2024 |
Good |
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10/17/2024 |
Dr. Refai always thoroughly discusses the status of my health with me and gives great insight and feedback into the available treatments |
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10/16/2024 |
The doctor was very helpful and explaining My issue. |
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10/04/2024 |
My second surgery with Daniel Refai and I'd still recommend him! |
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09/27/2024 |
I am very pleased with Dr. Refai and his staff. |
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09/27/2024 |
MD was top notch all around as was his fellow. I got exactly what I wanted out of this consultation |
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09/18/2024 |
Excellent service |
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09/16/2024 |
Dr.Rafai was descriptive with the outcome of surgery risks and possibilities |
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09/13/2024 |
Dr Refai was terrific! He was clear and listened well. |
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09/12/2024 |
I am currently having some issues. He explained what it possibly could be and set up appointments for CT scan, MRI, and follow up appointment. Very caring. |
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09/11/2024 |
Family involvement is very important! |
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09/11/2024 |
I have recommended him to several people who have become patients. |
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09/11/2024 |
I love Dr Refai! |
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09/05/2024 |
Emory healthcare in my opinion is the best in the State of Georgia |
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09/04/2024 |
Doctor Refai is very thorough in explaining the severity of my condition and clarifying the necessary treatment |
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09/04/2024 |
Dr. Was not rushed or impatient. Spoke on my level about medical procedures. Could not be more pleased with a Doctor. Would have preferred a better prognosis yet the truth is always appreciated. |
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08/31/2024 |
Arguably some of the best care ever |
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08/28/2024 |
Good |
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08/22/2024 |
Very happy with the care received from Dr Refai. |
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08/22/2024 |
Love Dr Refai .. He's been my neurosurgeon for years, performed a 12 hour procedure on me.. He's so polite and patient with me!! I'm very thankful for him!! |
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08/21/2024 |
Dr Refai is all about giving options to the patient. |
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08/12/2024 |
My Doctor explained everything in detail and was very helpful. |
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08/07/2024 |
Dr Refia is a real jackass and seriously needs some training for his negative bedside manner. |
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07/25/2024 |
Dr. Refai and Jayme and Carmen do a great job of making one feel comfortable and confident of the treatment to be received. |
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07/24/2024 |
Dr Rafi is hands down the best DR I have ever seen in my life |
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07/24/2024 |
Fellow doctor and Dr. RARAI WERE VEGRY GOOD AND CONCERNED ABOUT ME AND MY PROBLEMS! |
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07/20/2024 |
Dr Refai spent a great deal of time with me explaining my upcoming procedure. Very detailed explanation and answered all of my questions. |
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07/17/2024 |
I appreciate the honesty of my problem. |
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07/11/2024 |
Dr. Rafai was very courteous and knowledgeable. He explained my treatment options clearly and easily understood. |
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07/07/2024 |
I fell very comfortable with Dr. Refai and his PA and staff. They are all quite attentive, concerned with making sure I have the best care and that my family who were with me had all their questions answered . |
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07/05/2024 |
Unsure as Dr Refai does not know till he gets copy of actual MRI mailed to him. Very hard trip for nothing, wish I knew he will bring me back depending on what MRI says if he can help he will have me come back if not ,,,,, |
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07/05/2024 |
Dr Refai is very clear regarding his instructions. He is very personable, allows you to ask questions, and he answers on your level of understanding. |
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06/27/2024 |
Dr. Refai explained in terms I & my family could understand and totally agree with. I would absolutely recommend this group! |
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06/24/2024 |
Very pleased with the care I have received from Dr. Rafai and his staff. |
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06/08/2024 |
Dr. Rafi told me there not anything he can. I drove almost 200 miles to hear that. I just feel he didn't take my case seriously. I am a retired Marine and like many Veterans we have shed blood for this country and all I asked is to help fix me. |
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06/07/2024 |
Very good and professional. |
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06/06/2024 |
Success |
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05/31/2024 |
Too soon to judge about likelihood of recommending this care provider to others. |
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05/29/2024 |
Again, Nurse Jayme is FABULOUS but Dr. Daniel Refai is curt, cold and dismissive. His continual refrain is "I told you your weight would be a problem" He required me to drop 30 pounds in order to qualify to receive surgery. Keep in mind this was at a time when I could not walk. So I had to basically starve myself into losing the weight. I ended up in the ER twice becasue of it. I lost the weight. He did the surgery. And he still blames the slight complication we had on "well I told you your weight was an issue" |
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05/25/2024 |
Excellent discussion re options, likely outcomes and follow ups |
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05/23/2024 |
Very comfortable with PA and Dr. Both very informative and answered any and all questions and concerns. |
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05/23/2024 |
No bad experience |
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05/18/2024 |
Dr. Refai was very knowledgeable; concerned, direct and helpful. |
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05/16/2024 |
Excellent |
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05/16/2024 |
My concerns were addressed. |
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05/16/2024 |
The nurse practitioner was very thorough, considerate of my concerns, and answered all questions. |
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05/16/2024 |
Left out nothing, clear picture of what the future surgery concerns might be! |
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05/15/2024 |
Dr Refai and his team are wonderful! |
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04/25/2024 |
The doctor was clear in explanations and reassured me that progress was as expected |
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04/24/2024 |
Dr Refai is a great doctor and I have recommended him to my friend Christie snd she is having surgery e him on Friday. |
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04/18/2024 |
Insanely good Doctor and Resident, explained very well the situation and the next steps, one of my best experiences in a medical environment |
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04/14/2024 |
The doctor was absolutely wonderful during the initial visit, surgery, and my first follow up visit. He made me feel that for the first time someone really understood the pain that I had and that he was going to help me. Which he did! |
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04/13/2024 |
I came in with one issue and left with another. The Dr was sympathetic to my understanding of what I was thinking and feeling. Appreciated the time he spent with me. |
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04/12/2024 |
I've already recommended the Dr |
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04/08/2024 |
Very, Very Beneficial in answering all of my concerns. |
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03/27/2024 |
Overall great physician and team. |
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03/21/2024 |
Dr Refai is an outstanding physician. He has a brilliant mind and can go into great specific detail of my medical problems which he has memorized. Its comforting that he knows so much as dealing with difficult problems of the spine and nervous system requires much training and experience. |
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03/13/2024 |
Thank you Dr. Refai. You are the BEST! |
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02/28/2024 |
Dr Refai Was outstanding. My wife and I were both impressed . Just can't put a price on piece of mind. |
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02/24/2024 |
I have recommended Dr. Refai to many many people over the years. He is among the very few excellent physicians that have taken care of me. I would rate him the best. |
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02/06/2024 |
Good experience |
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01/27/2024 |
Dr. Refai was amazing. Surgery results were better than I ever imagined. Dr. Stewart (ENT) was equally skilled and professional. |
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01/17/2024 |
Everybody was so friendly my visit was so great. Thank y'all so much |
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01/11/2024 |
Dr. Refai is a great and caring physician. I would highly recommend him and his team. |
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01/11/2024 |
Excellent experience |
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01/10/2024 |
I recommend Dr Refai to everyone I know who has spine issues, he is the best. |
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12/14/2023 |
Dr. Refai to time to thoroughly walk me through my test results and answered all my questions. |
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12/09/2023 |
Dr. Refai was excellent. |
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12/07/2023 |
NP very good |
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12/06/2023 |
Wonderful experience!!! |
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12/06/2023 |
Dr. Rafai came highly recommended to me. After my appointment and asking several questions I discovered why people love him. I felt he was trustworthy and didn't jump to surgery on every issue but patiently explained things to me. I appreciate honesty and I felt like he gave me great advise. |
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12/01/2023 |
Very fond of Dr Refai consideration of our beliefs and his explanation of various options of the procedure. Great visit!! |
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11/30/2023 |
Dr Daniel Refia is a miracle workerOf course I recommend himI truly believe in his ability and judgmentI have confidence in him |
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11/04/2023 |
Dr. Refai was kind and professional. He allowed questions and was explicit in his recommendations. |
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11/03/2023 |
Wonderful |
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11/03/2023 |
He is an amazing provider |
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11/02/2023 |
Very detailed description of problem(s)!including course of action to be put in place |
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10/30/2023 |
DR.REFAI IS A SMART LOVING KIND MAN HES VERY CONCERNED ABOUT ME AS HIS PATIENT WHEN I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HE MADE IT CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDING WONDERFUL MAN |
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10/19/2023 |
Awesome experience! |
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10/18/2023 |
Very likely |
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10/12/2023 |
He was very thorough and explained everything very well |
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09/28/2023 |
Excellent |
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09/27/2023 |
Dr. Refai is always prepared for my appointments. He always knows the situation when he walks in the room and is thorough and takes the time to listen and answer my questions. I really appreciate it. |
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09/27/2023 |
Dr recalled my condition at our first encounter and is genuinely almost as pleased as I am with my improvement. |
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09/24/2023 |
Good |
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09/21/2023 |
Dr.Refai was very good , and very kind As well as his fellow |
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09/21/2023 |
Dr. Refai continues to be an amazing neurosurgeon. I have been under his care for more than 10 years. He has always listened to my concerns and included me in all the decision making about what is best for me. |
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09/20/2023 |
Dr Refai discussed test results in detail, answered a question clearly, and outlined exactly what his follow up plan would be. His surgical ability gave me my life back. His obvious and genuine concern for his patients gives assurance that he will continue to care for them so that that life can be enjoyed. |
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09/20/2023 |
Doctor was excellent |
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09/15/2023 |
Dr Refai is the best surgeon he is also compassionate And makes you the most important one in the room |
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09/14/2023 |
He's fantastic! He was the second doctor I saw for my back problem and the only one who mentioned my previous shunt and how that could affect surgery. |
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09/13/2023 |
I actually told ppl about how great the experience was with Rafai |
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09/13/2023 |
Dr. Refai provided me with exceptional care. During my visits he routinely listens to my concerns and explains what I am experiencing and makes recommendations to improve the symptoms that I am experiencing. |
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09/13/2023 |
I love Dr. Refai! He's not only an excellent surgeon but he never makes me feel rushed and explains things in a way that anyone can understand. He's encouraging and always asks if I have any more questions before leaving. |
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09/08/2023 |
Very helpful |
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09/07/2023 |
Dr. Refai was very good - he was thorough, good bedside manners, took the time to explain everything and I felt very comfortable with him. A total no-nonsense yet kind and empathetic doctor which is very much needed at times especially for a patient like me who has a challenging road ahead. Definitely recommend him.Dr. Hassan Saad who was assisting Dr. Refai was awesome, thorough, gentle with me due to the pain I was having and very responsible. |
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09/06/2023 |
Great Experience |
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08/26/2023 |
Excellent attention to my health needs. Very impressed with the professionalism and care of Dr Refai. |
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08/25/2023 |
Amazing |
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08/24/2023 |
Good |
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08/24/2023 |
Dr Refai is extremely caring and compassionate. Very patient and kind. |
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08/04/2023 |
Exceptional experience from the initial visit to the post op visit |
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08/02/2023 |
Good |
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08/02/2023 |
Good |
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07/28/2023 |
I like Dr Refai and his staff greatly. My experiences at Emory have been like a well oiled machine, from the check in, to the swim lanes for the different avenues of service.. Even the elevators are efficient! I've recommended emory and Dr refai to friends and family.... And today, my internist who added Dr Refai to his contact as his premier neurosurgeon. |
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07/27/2023 |
Love Dr. Refai |
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07/19/2023 |
Dr Refai is the best. |
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07/07/2023 |
Excellent job |
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07/05/2023 |
The experience with Dr Refai was amazing. I was very nervous and he was very kind and communicative. He answered all my questions and put my mind at ease. I appreciated his honesty. |
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06/29/2023 |
Provider was thorough, patient and expressed concerns for my health |
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06/29/2023 |
Dr Refai is awesome. |
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06/28/2023 |
Dr Refai is the best !He answers all questions and addresses all concerns . He explains all options for treatment. |
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06/28/2023 |
Glad Dr Refai wants to find an answer and to rule out other causes. |
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06/24/2023 |
Spine Doctor Refai was very honest and helpful in determining that I didn't have any serious issues with my spine. I really appreciate his honesty and would recommend him to anyone in need of a spine doctor. |
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06/22/2023 |
Dr Refai and his associates have been outstanding. |
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06/21/2023 |
Dr. Refai is one the most knowledgeable and professional physicians I have ever encountered. He is extremely easy to talk and provides excellent explanations and answers to all questions. |
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06/12/2023 |
The provider went above and beyond with his care for me. |
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06/10/2023 |
Dr. Refei exhibits a wonderful combination of competance, confidence, humility and compassion! He was great! |
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06/09/2023 |
Although he advised there was nothing he could do,he didn't want to do anything anyway.Maybe it was me?My insurance? He was rushing me through options.Explained little as if I was just a number to him.Never have I felt so belittled in my life. |
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06/07/2023 |
The doctors are excellent |
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06/02/2023 |
Excellent. Perfect visit |
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06/01/2023 |
Would highly recommend. |
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05/26/2023 |
Dr. Refai ranks very high on the scale of excellence in setting realistic goals and outcomes for me to accomplish. I am so thankful that he demonstrated passion for providing high quality patient care in my surgery and followup visits. He is a great listener and he provided feedback that left me feeling confident that I making good post-operative progress. |
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05/18/2023 |
Totally Awesome! |
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05/10/2023 |
Dr Refai has always been great about answering my questions and providing feedback on my conditions and concerns. I definitely appreciate the time he spent with me during my visit. |
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04/06/2023 |
I have recommended Dr. Refai to my family and friends |
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03/29/2023 |
Impressive! |