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Despite all the pain and difficult experiences I went through, God placed Dr. Angel Chinea Vicente, MD, in my path — a great doctor who truly took the time to listen to me, properly evaluate my condition, and finally find out what was really wrong.
Thanks to his professionalism, compassion, and dedication, I finally have answers and renewed hope. Sometimes, after so much darkness, God sends people who make a difference and restore your faith in medicine and in life.
I will always be grateful to Dr. Angel Chinea Vicente, MD, for taking my pain seriously and helping me when I needed it the most.
Reply from CNSO
2026.06.06
Dr. Chinea Vicente is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your experience.
My mom is 97 and had a fall and fractured her cervical spine. Upon discharge, the ER told her to follow up in 6 weeks with surgeon. That seemed like a long time to wait for guidance. A dear friend highly recommended CNSO. We made an appointment to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Nowacki the following week. The office was professional and pleasant from the front desk to the medical staff that took my mother's history. Dr. Nowacki thoroughly went over my mother's CT Scan images with us explaining her fracture and a treatment plan. His examination was meticulous and he put both my 97 year old mother and I at ease with clear communication and his expert medical advice. We were able to conveniently have x-rays performed right in his office and he communicated the results in a clear and concise manner. We will be returning for a follow up appointment. I would highly recommend this office, Dr. Nowacki and his staff to anyone in need of expert medical treatment.
For most of my adult life, I lived with constant neck and shoulder pain. I didn’t understand why it was happening, and for years I convinced myself I could just “push through.” I relied on Tylenol and Advil, telling myself it wasn’t serious — and avoiding doctors because I was afraid of what they might find.
Over time, though, the pain stopped being something I could manage. It began to take over my life.
By the time I finally saw Dr. Slavin, I could no longer hold my head upright without physically supporting it with my hand. The structure of my cervical spine had deteriorated so severely that it had become kyphotic — the natural curve in my neck had reversed. My head rested tilted toward my right shoulder in what felt like a permanent, “stuck” position. I was dealing with slipped discs, advanced degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and cervical kyphosis. What I had once dismissed as chronic discomfort had become a serious and life-altering spinal deformity.
Meeting Dr. Slavin changed everything.
From my very first appointment, he treated me not just as a case, but as a person. He listened carefully, explained my condition in a way that made sense, and never minimized what I was going through. Instead of fear, I felt clarity. Instead of panic, I felt I had a plan.
Under his care, I underwent two surgeries to correct the deformity and address the extensive damage. The precision, expertise, and confidence he demonstrated were extraordinary. This was complex spinal reconstruction — and he handled it with both technical brilliance and steady reassurance. At every step, I felt informed, prepared, and supported. The recovery was long and uncomfortable but worth every one of the moments I went through. Dr. Slavin was always there to reassure me and encourage me.
I think what truly sets Dr. Slavin apart from other providers is his bedside manner. He combines world-class surgical skill with genuine compassion. He understood how frightening this journey was for me and met that fear with patience and kindness. I never felt rushed. I never felt dismissed. I felt cared for.
Dr. Slavin didn’t just correct my spine — he gave me my life back. I am profoundly grateful for his skill, his compassion, and the second chance he has given me.
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.18
Thank you for sharing your story and the journey you had to travel. It' brings all of us at CNSO such joy to hear you have your life back. Dr. Slavin is an amazing surgeon and gentleman.
I was extremely dissatisfied with the entire experience at CNSO of West Orange. My appointment was scheduled for 8am, but upon arrival, I found the office closed and the doctor waiting outside. The front desk representative was unaware of the office hours, assuming they were 8:30. During my examination, I felt that the doctor did not listen attentively to my concerns, which I found annoying. The examination itself lasted approximately 40 minutes or longer without any testing, which seemed counterproductive. Additionally, the clerk had retained our driver's licenses and insurance card, and we were not informed of this until I scheduled another appointment and was requested to provide the information again. My husband had driven from West Orange to Newark and had to return to West Orange to retrieve the documents. I had scheduled appointments for my husband and myself on Saturday, April 11, 2025. On that Saturday, at 9:10am, I received a call from the same customer service representative from the previous office visit stating she had been trying to reach me the previous day to inform me that Dr. Slavin had changed our location from Nutley because he was unable to read the images, but the doctors at the other two locations could. I informed her that this was not possible because I have my phone nearby at all times and I did not receive any calls, so I refused the change. I was concerned about the short notice, as we were already en route and the appointment was time-sensitive. My husband and I decided to keep our original appointments as scheduled. Also, I later found out that the crutches were set up incorrectly by Saint Barnabas hospital and the Dr. didn't say anything to me. The whole experience was horrible.
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.14
We apologize that the building wasn't open at 8 am that morning. We did inquire discuss the matter with the building owner. But CNSO doesn't have an office in Nutley nor are we open at any of our offices on Saturday. We would like to try to understand what happened. Can we reach out to you to resolve whatever happened and try to help?
Dr. Modi is truly exceptional. I am very impressed by the care he and the office staff continue to provide. I feel very fortunate to have found such a thorough and of course highly skilled doctor. Dr. Modi took his time to explain everything and advised the next steps clearly. The way he made sure I understood everything made a big difference. I also want to comment on the office staff. They are all extremely pleasant helpful and very thoughtful, especially Sara. The parking at the JC location can be a bit challenging, but if you can make an appt before 1:00 you should have no problems parking.
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.02
Thank you so much. We are working on the parking. We do have spaces and the building has ok'd parking for our patients in the charging stations.
I am so blessed to have been put in contact with Dr. Angel Chinea. During a shoulder scan, I was informed that I had a tumor in my spinal cord. This was traumatizing news but once I met with Dr. Chinea, I knew I was in good hands. He listened to me with interest, asked a lot of questions, then went on to explain, in layman’s terms, my options; he then walked me through the process of removal. He took his time and we did not feel rushed. The surgery went very well and I have follow up appointments scheduled for the next year.
The staff at CNSO are all amazing as well, with a special acknowledgement to Melisa who helped me through the pre-surgical process and paperwork. Each and every person I dealt with was friendly and so very helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend this team and would give them ten stars if it were an option.
Thanks again Dr. Chinea for getting me through my surgery without any complications. I’m forever grateful.
Donna Poplaski
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.02
Thank you for all your kind words. Dr. Chinea Vicente and the staff at CNSO are spectacular!
I had multiple overwhelmingly positive experiences at CNSO in Morristown. What truly stood out to me was the people.
From the moment I walked in, every single staff member made me feel supported and cared for. I was very anxious going into my procedure (I have a history of fainting), and not only did the whole team acknowledge that- they actively worked to make me feel at ease, checked in on me, and created such a comfortable environment.
Katie and Stephanie at the front desk are SO warm and welcoming, and to name a few others: Tatiana, Sandra, Elise, Kayla, and Dr. Kutlu were all so incredible. Everyone brought such a positive, personable energy to an experience I was initially dreading, and they all made such a huge difference.
They did everything to make me feel relaxed during the operation- let me choose music, distracted me, and got me in & out of there so fast. What really surprised me is that I didn’t faint after my surgery (something I was fully expecting), and I truly believe that’s because of how well they took care of me.
I’m so grateful for this team. If you’re nervous about a procedure, this is absolutely the place you want to be. While I hope I'm not sent back for any reason, I just may have to stop by every once in a while to see all these lovely people!!
Reply from CNSO
2026.03.19
So glad you had the courage to try! Thank you for taking the time to share your journey.
I’ve had a wonderful experience with Dr. Umanoff for pain management. He has an amazing bedside manner and always makes me feel heard, providing great education and reassurance at every visit. I’ve had several injections done by him, and he consistently provides the utmost care. The entire CNSO staff is also professional and incredibly responsive with quick turnaround times. I truly appreciate the high-quality care I’ve received here—highly recommended!
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.02
Thank you so much!
Dr.Chong Oh was very professional and gave helpful explanations about my condition and the future treatment plan. I really appreciated how clearly everything was explained. He gave me confidence that I can recover well.The staff were also very friendly and helpful.
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.02
Thank you for your kind words! Dr. Oh is wonderful and so is his staff!
There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Dr. Raab and his entire team. Facing major spine surgery is one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through, and from the very beginning Dr. Raab gave me something priceless: confidence, trust, and hope. I want to start off by saying I had seen 6 different providers before coming to CNSO. I found Dr Raab through a ton of google searching and prayers for clarity and answers. I live an hour from CNSO and would drive anywhere for Dr Raab. He is that incredible.
Dr. Raab is not only a brilliant and highly skilled surgeon, but also an incredibly compassionate human being. He took the time to truly listen to me, answer every question, and guide me through a very complex and life-altering decision with patience and honesty. I never once felt rushed or dismissed. I felt genuinely cared for.
My surgery was extremely complex, and I will forever be grateful for the expertise, precision, and dedication Dr. Raab brought to my care. When you are placing your spine and your future in someone’s hands, you pray for a doctor like him.
I also want to recognize two extraordinary members of his team, PA Peter Liu and NP Venus Murati-
PA Peter Liu went above and beyond throughout my entire journey. He is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and compassionate, and he made sure I always understood what was happening and what to expect. He never made me feel like just another patient.
NP Venus Murati was equally incredible. Her kindness, responsiveness, and genuine care made such a difference during a very vulnerable time. She was always there when I needed support or guidance.
This entire team works together with such professionalism, compassion, and dedication to their patients. They made a very scary experience feel manageable, and I truly felt supported every step of the way.
I will carry immense gratitude for Dr. Raab, Peter Liu, and Venus Murati for the REST of my life. If you are looking for a surgeon and care team you can truly trust with something as important as your spine, this is the team you want beside you.
Reply from CNSO
2026.04.02
Thank you for writing your experience of working with Dr. Raab, Peter Liu and Venus. Your words mean so much to all of us here at CNSO.
Over 3 weeks ago, I called this office to make an appointment with Dr. Haber. He is listed as a provider, with my insurance plan, as a pain managment doctor. My last pain mgt physician is no longer in my plan. After several follow up phone calls, I am told that Dr. Haber, nor anyone else in the office, administers pain medication. That I have had treatments for my back pain, and they can do nothing additional. Injections and ablations are not a cure all, and often need repeated.
They should not list themselves on insurance as a pain management providers. They wasted my time, and because of the opinion of a PA who never met or examined me, I need to restart my search for a pain management group. This will delay treatment and medication management.
Reply from CNSO
2026.03.03
I am sorry for your frustration. Sometimes it takes too long to obtain the medical records from other practices. If you call the office an provide management your full name, we can see is one of our other specialists can help you based on your medical history.
As a 94 year old patient, I was more fearful of the anesthesia than the actual surgical procedure. Six weeks later I have recovered and still know who I am. Dr Slavin demonstrates both the science as well as the art of medicine.
Reply from CNSO
2025.12.21
Thank you for saying so. Greatly appreciated.
