Bortniker David L MD

Over the course of the 12 years that I searched for relief 6 different excellent and skilled doctors had tested, diagnosed & treated me for "asthma" which it certainly appeared to be. I, and all those who were around me, suffered hearing my loud, hard and incessant cough - it was very debilitating and was a serious problem for me and to anyone nearby. Neighbors several acres away could hear my all-night coughing sessions. The only comparison I can make is imagine spending several hours a day for 12 years coughing as you do if you inhale water while swimming ~ but louder and harder. After many, many courses of steroids 'for asthma' my joints were damaged and I was in frequent pain. At the end of that 12 year time period I went to Dr Bortniker for a long-forgotten reason, and had mentioned the incessant harsh cough. Very quickly into the exam he told me the cough was likely caused by gastric reflux which I knew I had but thought was controlled by once daily Nexium. He said he was going to put me on a 2nd Nexium / day for just a few days. After 3 days I've never again had that exceptional cough. I'm not sure it would be too dramatic or a stretch to say he may have saved my life. With tremendous gratitude ~ more

The Service: Poor Price: Exorbitant Quality: Substandard Competence: None that was obvious from my office visit Fun Factor: Non-existant Usefullness: A very cursory review of my symptoms resulted in a poor, incorrect diagnosis. A 2nd opinion from a qualified physician was that Mr. Bortniker's recommnedation for immediate surgery was not recommended or necessary. This proved to be accurate. I was told I needed a gland removed. Mr. Bortniker performed no tests to indicate that it was not working properly but insisted that surgery was the only option. He failed to inform me what he was doing at any particular time during my office visit, at one point uncomfortably shoving a tube through my sinus cavity without any warning of what he was going to do. His lack of bedside manner and professionalism was inexcusable. Follow-up tests from another physician indicated the gland was working fine with no associated disease and the original symptom went away by itself. more

PCP in-network referral. Reputable and practice well-established. Thorough exam. Provides hard-copies of tests. Has excellent in-house audiologists that perform hearing tests. Front desk staff friendly and helpful. The only con is length of waiting room time occasionally. But this is par for the course for any top-notch quality doc.Recognized as a Top Doctor by NJ Monthly Magazine more

we were referred to him from an oral surgeon to remove cancer in my husbands tongue. He was a great disappointment. He has a higher opinion of himself then his skills really are. He cut a section of the tongue and because the lab took too long to come back and say whether he had clean edges or to cut more he decided to cut some more and close, he was in a rush and didn't care if he had it all/cut more then he had to, it was all about his time, the first section came back clean so the second cut was 100% unneeded and my husband lost a piece of his tongue for nothing. He also said he woke up during the procedure and it took 5 people to hold him down, what!! The recovery was brutal, 2 weeks of torture, the tongue was swollen/bruised/pain radiating from the tongue to his ear & head. We recently had to go thru this again, the doctor we chose this time did a beautiful job. the day after surgery he felt great, was able to eat and did not need medication. what a difference when you choose the right doctor. more

Good: Can't remember anything positive.. Bad: He flitted in and out of the room. I had a drastic loss of hearing in one ear. While it was of devastating concern to my husband and myself, he was abrupt and spent no time with us.. Improvements: I would like to see him give time and explanations to his patients like the ENT I have not gone to since for the last two years.. Other: He ordered a test done in his office that was expensive and inconclusive which then had to be followed up with a MRI. The MRI should have been done first without the money he made on his "test". more

As an occasional scuba diver with a history of ear infections, I have visited several ENTs over the years. My family doctor recommended Dr. B recently when I punctured my ear drum. I found Dr. B to be very thorough, professional and straightforward about what needed to happen to heal. And I've been fine! Surgery was mentioned, but only as an option, and it was not recommended. I was glad to be able to hear the choices. Some people want a quick fix, and Dr. B isn't one to push you in that direction!!! more

Dr. Bortniker was always the gentleman, professional, caring, and knowledgable. He performed a difficult surgery that saved my life. I owe my gratitude, but wish to highly recommend him to people that can manintain honesty, as he was completely compassionate. Years later, I'm still here. more

I do not agree with the review Dr.Bortniker received. I have seen him 2 tomes and he did a very through exam and is so not in a rush to so to speak "put me under the knife" more

Dr. Bortniker was a referral from my family doctor. I had an ear infection that wouldn't go away and I was scheduled to go for surgery on something else so I needed to be infection free. He examined me in a cursory way and suggested a minor surgical procedure that would cut open my eardrum to let my ear drain. When I asked if that was the only option he said it may go away on its own but he usually did the cutting. I went to another specialist and he said I had been on so much antibiotic that I no longer would have an infection but just some fluid that would dissipate over time. The cutting was overkill and there was a chance it wouldn't heal well either. I have since found many people that have been to Bortniker with all kinds of issues and his answer is always the most invasive. I hate this kind of doctor. I am a nurse and knew to ask questions but many people will suffer needlessly if they choose to go to him. more