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Minkin Bruce I The guiding philosophy at Carolina Hand and Sports Medicine is one of total well-being. Because our doctors themselves enjoy being active, they understand firsthand that moving with ease and having total mobility is important for living a healthy and happy life. The doctors at Carolina Hand and Sports Medicine strive to help each and every patient lead a healthy life, allowing them to do the things that they love to do with the people that they hold dear.Moving with ease leads to feeling healthy physically as well as mentally, leading to a rich and vibrant life in more ways than one.
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Our providers include board-certified surgeons that are fellowship trained in hand surgery, sports medicine, a specialized physiatrist, and highly experienced physician assistant. For our Spanish-speaking patients, we have a Spanish-speaking physician and support staff available at our practice.
At Carolina Hand and Sports Medicine, our number one commitment is providing excellent care for our patients. We also believe in giving back to our community and are committed to helping our local community. Our physicians, staff, and families support a number of community causes. We've found many wonderful organizations in need of committed sponsors.
We believe that being well informed will lead to better self-care. Feel free to explore the resources below and then click back to our site to find out more or to contact us to make an appointment. Ganglion cysts are very common lumps within the hand and wrist that occur adjacent to joints or tendons.
Dr. Adam M. Starr is absolutely thrilled to be practicing as an orthopedic hand surgeon for the Community of Asheville after more than a decade practicing orthopedic surgery and 25 years serving our country. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Tulane University School of Medicine, earning the honor of serving as Chief Resident during his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at UMDNJ- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Reviews (17)
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Tick Hunter
Apr 14, 2022
Worst staff members I have ever dealt with in 50+ years. The surgeons were highly recommended by my local GP. As requested by the office staff, I obtained the relevant medical records for review during an actual appointment. Based on TELCON experiences with the "front office" staff on two separate occasions and coupled with several other Google reviews over the last 2-3 years, this seems to be a recurring issue. Finally, this review is not a "black mark" on any of the practicing professionals, only the office staff.
George F. G.
Dec 29, 2021
Avoid Christopher Lechner at all costs. I cannot possibly state this more clearly: if you have any choice, do not work with Dr. Lechner. He is fine until there is a problem and then he is terrible. I'm my instance over five years I have had a few trigger finger injections and two trigger finger surgical corrections done. Always rushed but never a problem. However, this year all has changed.

He races you through appointments, seemingly trying to get you out the door in under ten minutes. I never had an appointment with him that went longer than that. If you have any questions for him or things that you're worried about, he will hurry you through your comments, sweeping almost everything you say under the rug in a desperate attempt to get out of the room as fast as possible.

He seems to have no memory of the appointments he has had with you, consulting a mostly-blank piece of paper rather than his own brain. For example, today he said I see "Dr black blank blank operated on your hand". I had to stop him and tell him he operated on me. How stupid is this? This year, I was having another finger with a trigger finger issue.

I scheduled an appointment and on the day of my appointment he Injected the completely wrong finger. You trust a doctor to not be rushed and know what they are doing, clearly he had other things on his mind that day. I didn't notice until almost two hours later when I thought the gauze was on the wrong finger. When I called the office and told them what happened and I said I'd like to come back and have the correct finger injected that day they said they would have to see.

Only after I pushed the issue did Dr Lechner miraculously reappear so that I could come back. There was never an apology, or a we are so sorry. What I got from Dr Lechner was" you get two injections for price of one today" Two weeks later I was sent a bill for their mistake. When I called the office and said I don't think I should pay this they finally relented when I said your lucky I didn't file a complaint with the medical board or file a suit with the practice.

Fast forward to today five months later. I show up for my appointment to have the finger looked at again. Dr Lechner walked in sat down with an attitude and said " I don't think I want to work with you." I didn't make the mistake here he did. "He kept saying I was looking for a fight". No idiot, you were I simply wanted the respect of you saying I'm sorry and apologize for your mistake.

So because I question you you fire me. Like you're the only orthopedic doctor in town. The guy is negligent to the extreme. He gave me a steroid shot in the wrong finger and I'm the bad guy! Today after my 30 minute drive to the office, then the collection of my co pay before a service is even rendered, and over a 30 minute wait He simply got up and said, "I'm done.

You need another doctor." From what I can gather, he is comfortable sticking a needle into your hand and then, if indicated, performing a surgery. But there's more to being a doctor than that. He doesn't listen, he doesn't remember, his ability to even diagnose a problem seems fundamentally impaired, he contradicts his own diagnoses with no acknowledgment of the contradiction, he has no respect for your time or the investment you've made in coming to see him, he doesn't own up to his own mistakes, and he has a bad habit of shutting down his patients and suggesting that they are overly dramatic or hypochondriacs if he can't figure out what's wrong.
Todd Sessoms
Nov 29, 2021
They found the pain and said they couldn't do anything. I had to ask if there was anything that I could do to get it better then they started saying a workout plan but wouldn't help me out or give me the plan. They said to just take meds for the pain. Terrible people skills. Find another place don't waist your time.
David Brown
Nov 24, 2021
The nurse there told me that she was unable to ask for X-rays from a hospital other than Mission - really wish they would have told me this beforehand so I could have called them myself and saved the cost and hassle of additional rescheduling or X-rays. For a business filled with Bibles and books on Christianity, they were certainly not the friendliest. Please keep your religious views to yourself.
Holly Hensley
Jul 23, 2021
Outstanding practice, great communication and easy to deal with. Dr. West & Travis PA-C treated both my shoulder & knee and the entire process was impressive and much appreciated.
Designer Maid
Apr 12, 2021
My experience with Carolina Hand & Sports Med was great. From the moment I entered, I felt that "these poeple know what they are doing". My care giver was Dr. Chris Lechner. He was direct, to the point and within 10 minutes had pinpointed my medical issue. X-Rays proved him correct. I have a follow-up in 4 weeks. I strongly recommend 2 things (1) don't get old (2) if you must, then have a strong team available to take care of you.
Pam Granger Gale
Apr 08, 2021
When I called CHASM for a broken right wrist, I asked for the best surgeon as I am an artist and depend on the flexibility of my dominant hand. Dr. Minkin saw me the very next day. He was extremely professional and honest about the seriousness of my break which required surgery. He did an excellent job with the surgery giving me back 98% functionally of my wrist.

I could not be happier with Dr. Minkin's surgery, care, and patience as I asked questions which he has probably heard a thousand times. His front office staff, nurses, and x ray techs were all kind and professional as well. I highly recommend Dr. Minkin if you have an unexpected hand issue.
Ethan Knowlton
Feb 15, 2021
Not a bad doctor. Helped fix my hand up when I needed it. They told me I didn't owe a copay. Then sent me a bill months later that I needed to pay the copay. I spent a little time doing research to figure out if I owed it or not, and then payed it. Shortly after paying it I received a letter stating I had $40 sent to collections by them. Horrible office staff, great nurses and doctor.
Pamela Johnson
Jan 13, 2021
I was treated by Dr. Lechner for a severe dog bite that almost took half of my finger. I was well taken care of, my surgery was quick and very professional. I was also treated for a broken ankle there and had the same professional and effective experience. Everyone was highly trained and knew their job and my recovery went quickly. I would go there again for treatment and surgery any time I needed it.
Thomas Noah
Jan 12, 2021
Doctor Thornburg was amazing. Reading the reviews I was worried but it was the easiest visit ever.from the moment I walked through the door, the atmosphere was just welcoming. Ladies all had smiles and were so happy to help me. He's respectful, kind an actually listens to his patients. Strongly suggest Thornburg. Thank you all for your help
Christy McKeown
Dec 07, 2020
I've had conflicting experience. One doctor was amazing. They explained things well and were personable. I would gladly see that doctor again, and I would absolutely recommend that doctor to other patients. The other doctor was unprofessional, unethical, and quite frankly, probably should have been reported to the NC Medical Board. Also, take note if you've been in a car accident -- this office will refuse to see or treat you even if your insurance company guarantees that your claim will be covered at 100%. Do they have the right to refuse service? Yes. Is it fair? No.
Erica Abrams Locklear
Feb 08, 2020
My dad doesn't have a google account, so I'm posting this review of Dr. Lacy Thornburg and Carolina Hand and Sports Medicine for him: I am eighty-one years old and have met with my share of surgeons over the years: from double knee replacements, to two hernia repairs, to cataract surgery, to many more procedures, I understand what it's like to be treated well (or not) by your physician.

Over the past five years, from 2015 until 2020, Dr. Thornburg has performed six hand surgeries for me: two carpel tunnel surgeries and four trigger finger surgeries. I could not ask for better experiences. Each and every time he was always more than happy to explain to me what I should expect from the procedure, he took the time to get to know me as a person, and his skill as a surgeon is evident. Were it not for him, I would have lost most use of my hands by now. His staff is also exceptional: they are respectful, courteous, and efficient. My only regret is that Dr. Thornburg wasn't able to perform every surgery I've had.
Nancy A.
Nov 03, 2019
Dr. West was amazing, I wont go too ANYONE else. He helped me with my fractured shoulder, now I'm going to see him for a issue with my knees. I love the fact that he did not dismiss me because of my age 71. Told him I needed to continue to be active. He listened!
Dene O.
Oct 26, 2017
Dr. Abrams and his team are the best! Excellent treatment, friendly knowledgeable staff, and I highly recommend the practice! Elizabeth Dene Owen
C. A.
Oct 22, 2017
Dr. Jay had the "corticosteroid" injection in hand before he looked at my xrays. He clearly decided what he was going to do before examining me. I asked him if it was covered by my ins & he said, 'yes'. It wasn't completely so I was surprised with a $247 bill, which was not appreciated. I definitely will NEVER return nor would I refer anyone to them. I am not sure what he injected but I felt nothing as a result. Don't depend on these people to look out for you. They are about their bottom line.
Sascha F.
May 01, 2017
Competent and thorough. I just had surgery today. Everything was explained clearly and I hope my healing will b quick.
Kym Hendricks
Feb 17, 2017
Dr Lechner fixed one of my hands and then 2 years later, he fixed the other. I recommended him to my mother-in-law and earlier this year I took her to the Surgery Center where she was treated like a queen! Just last month, my husband also saw Dr. Lechner. Nothing invasive required this time but AGAIN, we were treated with excellent care. This was consistent, excellent care through 3 members of my family from office to surgery center to rehab over the course of 16 years. I would highly recommend him to anyone!