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 (585 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 |
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Advanced healthcare materials |
SW Linderman, GF Barber, SA DeVeaux, EA Botchwey, D Refai, AM Klein, AJ García | 03/01/2025 |
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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 |
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Cureus |
J Gutierrez, AM Erwood, JG Malcolm, DP Grogan, AC Greven, MF Gary, GE Rodts, GP Stricsek, D Refai | 08/01/2023 |
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World neurosurgery |
ACM Greven, BM McGinley, AS Nakirikanti, JD Couceyro, JG Malcolm, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 05/01/2022 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Spine |
ACM Greven, BM McGinley, NF Guisse, LJ McGee, S Pirkle, JG Malcolm, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 04/01/2021 |
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Spine |
GR Baum, G Stricsek, MA Kumarasamy, V Thirunavu, GJ Esper, SD Boden, D Refai | 03/15/2021 |
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Cureus |
O Kashlan, JM Frerich, JG Malcolm, MF Gary, GE Rodts, D Refai | 11/24/2020 |
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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 |
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Neurosurgery |
ACM Greven, CW Rich, JG Malcolm, DP Bray, GE Rodts, D Refai, MF Gary | 08/01/2020 |
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Open forum infectious diseases |
N Beydoun, S Tandon, S Krengel, E Johnson, F Palacio Bedoya, M Moore, D Refai, N Rouphael | 07/01/2020 |
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Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) |
ON Kashlan, DK Monson, D Refai | 10/01/2019 |
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Neurosurgery |
JG Malcolm, MK Moore, FH Choksh, FU Ahmad, D Refai | 12/01/2018 |
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World neurosurgery |
BP Lovasik, CM Holland, BM Howard, GR Baum, GE Rodts, D Refai | 01/01/2017 |
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World neurosurgery |
RS Rindler, BA Miller, SR Eshraghi, G Pradilla, D Refai, G Rodts, FU Ahmad | 11/01/2016 |
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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 |
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Clinical neurology and neurosurgery |
CM Holland, DI Bass, MF Gary, BM Howard, D Refai | 02/01/2015 |
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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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11/01/2025 |
Superior experience with Dr. Refai! |
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10/29/2025 |
Dr Refai and his assistant were very pleasant and personable. They were easy to talk to and all my questions were answered. |
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10/23/2025 |
PA RUBY and Dr. Refai were very thorough and informative. Answered my questions with easy to understand explanations. |
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10/23/2025 |
The PA was particularly thorough, professional and pleasant to be around. My tinnitus caused me to ask her to repeat herself a couple of times, but that was on ME! She was delightful! |
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10/18/2025 |
Without question !!!! Recommendation 100% |
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10/09/2025 |
We appreciated the doctor's clear and detailed assessment and recommendations regarding treatment options. He was informed and very helpful. |
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10/08/2025 |
Great communicater |
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10/03/2025 |
I highly recommend Dr. Refai to anyone seeking surgery. |
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10/02/2025 |
Dr Refai is a great surgeon and spends all the time needed to review my post surgical progress. |
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10/02/2025 |
I highly recommend Dr. Massaad. I am fully confident in her diagnosis and offered treatments . She is taking time listening to my concerns every time and fully reviewing my medical history before offering options for my treatment. |
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09/25/2025 |
Good experience |
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09/24/2025 |
Excellent |
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09/20/2025 |
He was thorough. Explained in detail everything. |
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09/05/2025 |
AWESOME DAY |
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09/03/2025 |
Great |
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08/30/2025 |
Provider seemed not know what I was there for. As If he had not thoroughly studied my concerns and information sent to him by other providers. Finally got on the right page and gave a thorough assessment of my problems. |
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08/27/2025 |
Super good |
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08/14/2025 |
Dr. Daniel Refai was amazing. Compassionate explained everything I would highly recommend him again. |
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08/13/2025 |
Dr. Renfai went above and beyond, referring me on the spot to someone better suited to helping me. He was patient, thorough, and clearly cared about my wellbeing. It was also lovely to see the way he interacted with the Fellow he brought along, as well as the college student who was shadowing him. Dr. Refai comes highly recommended and it's easy to see why. 10/10, no notes! |
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08/05/2025 |
New nurse practitioner since last visit but she was concerned about problems I was experiencing. Listened to what I had to say and wrote down issues for the doctor to see Very polite and courteous |
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07/23/2025 |
Top notch |
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07/17/2025 |
I was so impressed by the PA that came in to talk to me before Dr. Daniel Refai came in.. I cannot say enough about Dr. Refai.. He was wonderful! He answered all my questions and did not seem in a big hurry.. He was very kind and caring about my situation.. I am so thankful Dr. Daniel Refai is my Doctor! I Loved his entire team! |
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07/16/2025 |
All good , |
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07/10/2025 |
No doubt he saved me from a bad situation |
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07/05/2025 |
Dr. Refai was so genuinely kind and put my mind at ease. I had an exceptional experience at his office from start to finish. Dr. Refai was not only incredibly kind and professional, but also took the time to explain everything thoroughly in a way that was easy to understand. He actively listened to understand my concerns and answered my questions.The entire visit felt positive and thorough, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling reassured, informed, and grateful to have found such a great doctors office. |
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07/02/2025 |
Dr Refai has a great bedside manner |
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06/18/2025 |
Dr. Refai and his entire team treated me with respect, kindness and compassion, and answered all my questions/concerns. |
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06/16/2025 |
Good |
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06/11/2025 |
Everything was carefully explained to me |
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05/27/2025 |
Love the provider ability to give clear explanation of the problems. |
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05/14/2025 |
Great care provider |
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04/27/2025 |
The doctor showed concern. He offered a referral to a pain specialist as surgery is no longer as option for me and my current doctor will not do an ablation an SI joint ablation as he thinks the do no work |
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04/19/2025 |
He was excellent Dr Refai gave me so much confidence In having my procedure. Excellent doctor |
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04/18/2025 |
Excellent rating for all areas |
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04/10/2025 |
I've been recommending you to anyone is talk with that needs your help |
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04/10/2025 |
He verbally backed up an MRI reading from 2022 saying I have severe spinal stenosis but didn't state it in his notes. |
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04/09/2025 |
Dr. Refai is the most excellent if not remarkable physician I have had the privilege to be treated by in my 71 yrs. Of life. His care, honesty, positivity, and personable nature, not to mention he's a brilliant surgeon, has helped me to walk, run, jump, etc. Like before I had the tumor,i.e. Living a normal life! |
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04/05/2025 |
Dr Rafai, great doctor. |
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04/03/2025 |
Dr. Refi has always displayed his concern for me |
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03/31/2025 |
Very well educated doctor. |
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03/26/2025 |
Was very straight forward on the pro's and con's. I appreciate that very much. |
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03/20/2025 |
Dr Refai was unable to give me results of my MRIs on call. Said he would call me back when he looked at my X-rays. But he didn't call. His nurse called. I was very disappointed to not get to discuss my case with him after he saw the X-rays. I just don't know what to do now |
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03/20/2025 |
We would like to commend Dr.Refai and his team for excellent care throughout his stay at Emory Hospital the most humble and caring team we have met |
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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 |
Exemplary |
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10/23/2024 |
Dr Refai and his team are truly remarkable. |
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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 |
MD was top notch all around as was his fellow. I got exactly what I wanted out of this consultation |
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09/27/2024 |
I am very pleased with Dr. Refai and his staff. |
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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 |
I love Dr Refai! |
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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 |
Family involvement is very important! |
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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 |
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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09/04/2024 |
Doctor Refai is very thorough in explaining the severity of my condition and clarifying the necessary treatment |
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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 |
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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08/22/2024 |
Very happy with the care received from Dr Refai. |
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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 |
Fellow doctor and Dr. RARAI WERE VEGRY GOOD AND CONCERNED ABOUT ME AND MY PROBLEMS! |
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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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07/20/2024 |
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 |
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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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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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 |
No bad experience |
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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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05/18/2024 |
Dr. Refai was very knowledgeable; concerned, direct and helpful. |
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05/16/2024 |
Left out nothing, clear picture of what the future surgery concerns might be! |
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05/16/2024 |
The nurse practitioner was very thorough, considerate of my concerns, and answered all questions. |
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05/16/2024 |
My concerns were addressed. |
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05/16/2024 |
Excellent |
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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 |
Excellent experience |
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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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01/10/2024 |
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 |
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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12/06/2023 |
Wonderful experience!!! |
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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 |