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Joseph P. Gjolaj

Joseph P. Gjolaj, MD

Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Trauma SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery

Accepting New Patients
Virtual Visits Available
Virtual Visits
Need help scheduling? Call 305-243-3000

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adolescents (ages 12-18)
  • Young Adults (ages 19-26)
  • Adults
  • Geriatrics (ages 70+)

Languages

  • English
  • Albanian

About Joseph P. Gjolaj

Areas of Expertise

• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Spinal Deformity
• Spinal Trauma
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Trauma

Research Profile

Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics
Fellowship Director of Orthopaedics
Chief of Spine Surgery

Locations

    Expertise

    Education

    • Fellowship: University of Miami -Jackson Memorial Hospital / Orthopaedics Surgery, Spinal Surgery, 2012
    • Residency: Johns Hopkins Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2011
    • Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine, 2006

    Board Certifications

    • Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Insurance

    Health plans that are currently contracted with UHealth are listed below. However, please check with your insurance provider to verify that UHealth is part of your provider network.
    Search plans
    • Aetna - WC
    • Aetna Affiliates/Signature Adm. (ASA)
    • Aetna Behavioral Health
    • Aetna Elect Choice (EPO)
    • Aetna-FL Healthy Kids
    • Aetna-HMO
    • Aetna-Medicaid HMO
    • Aetna-Medicare HMO
    • Aetna-Medicare PPO
    • Aetna-POS
    • Aetna-PPO
    • Aetna-UM Employee-HMO 1
    • Aetna-UM Employee-HMO 2
    • Aetna-UM Employee-POS HRA
    • Aetna/Coventry - Institutes of Excellence (IOE)
    • Amerigroup-FL Healthy Kids
    • Amerigroup-Medicaid HMO
    • Argus Vision
    • AvMed Choice
    • AvMed-HMO/POS
    • AvMed-MDC and JHS Groups
    • AvMed-Medicare HMO
    • AXIS
    • BCBS Blue Options-Network Blue-PPO
    • BCBS BlueCare-HealthOptions HMO
    • BCBS BlueChoice PPC-PPO
    • BCBS Miami Dade Blue-PPO
    • BCBS of FL - except "SELECT" Plans
    • BCBS of FL (Commercial plans exclude HIX Select)
    • BCBS Traditional-PHS-PPO
    • Beacon Health (FKA ValueOption)
    • Beech Street-PPO
    • Broward Health Medical Center
    • CarePlus-Medicare HMO
    • Catholic Hospice
    • CCP-CMS Title XIX (Medicaid Enrolled in South Florida)
    • CCP-CMS Title XXI (Non-Medicaid Enrolled in South Florida)
    • CCP-MMA (Broward County residents)
    • Charlotte County Sheriff's Office-PPO
    • Cigna Affiliates
    • Cigna Behavioral Health
    • Cigna Dental-HMO and PPO
    • Cigna Life Source (Intracorp is part of Cigna Lifesource)
    • Cigna Shared Administration
    • Cigna-EPO
    • Cigna-HMO
    • Cigna-MDCPS Jackson Sr. High
    • Cigna-POS
    • Cigna-PPO
    • Clear Health Alliance-SNP Medicaid HMO
    • CompCare (Comprehensive Behavioral Care)
    • Concordia Behavioral Health
    • CorVel - WC
    • Coventry First Health - WC
    • Coventry Health Care of FL (HIP)-HMO/POS
    • Coventry Health Care of FL (HIP)-PPO
    • Coventry Health Plan of FL (Foundation)-HMO
    • Coventry Health Plan of FL (Foundation)-POS
    • Coventry National-PPO
    • Coventry Summit-Medicare HMO
    • Coventry Vista-Medicare HMO
    • Coventry-First Health-PPO
    • Delta Dental-PPO
    • DentaQuest (ADI)
    • DIKLA
    • Dimension - WC
    • Dimension Plus-PPO
    • EHN - PPO
    • EQUIAN (fka Health Systems International)
    • Europe Assistance/Global Corporate Solutions
    • eyeQuest
    • FCCI - WC
    • Florida Healthcare Plan (Affiliate of BCBSFL)
    • Florida PACE (FPC)
    • Freedom Health-Medicaid HMO
    • Freedom Health-Medicare HMO
    • Gallagher Bassett - WC (MDCPS & FCSRMC)
    • Global Excel Mgt PPO
    • Global Health Claims Services
    • Great West (Cigna)-HMO/POS
    • Guardian Life PPO
    • HAA Preferred Partners
    • Health First Health-HMO/POS
    • Health First Health-Medicare HMO
    • Health First Health-PPO
    • Health Net Veterans Choice HMO
    • Heritage Summit Healthcare - WC
    • Humana - HUMx
    • Humana Behavioral Health (fka LifeSynch)
    • Humana Dental/CompBenefits/OHS
    • Humana National Transplant
    • Humana-EPO
    • Humana-HMO
    • Humana-Medicaid HMO
    • Humana-Medicare HMO
    • Humana-PPO
    • Humana-Premier
    • iCare Health Solutions
    • Interlink Health Services
    • International Kids Fund (IKF)
    • League Medical Concepts-Federal Inmates
    • Life Trac
    • Magellan Behavioral Health
    • Magellan Complete Care-SNP Medicaid HMO
    • MDAbroad
    • Medica-Medicare HMO
    • Medical Development In't (MDI)-Federal Inmates
    • Medicus
    • Metlife Dental-PPO
    • MHNet Behavioral Network
    • Molina
    • Molina - Market Place
    • Molina-Medicaid HMO
    • Molina-Medicare HMO
    • Morgan White International
    • MultiPlan-PPO
    • Naphcare (Federal Prisoners)
    • National Healthcare Solutions Inc.
    • Neighborhood HealthPlan-HMO/POS
    • Neighborhood HealthPlan-PPO
    • North Broward Hospital District-PPO
    • Olympus Managed Healthcare
    • Optum
    • Positive Healthcare-SNP Medicaid HMO
    • Positive Healthcare-SNP Medicare HMO
    • Prestige Health Choice-Medicaid HMO
    • Prime Health Services - WC
    • Quality Health Management
    • Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses-PPO
    • Rockport Healthcare Group - WC
    • Royal Caribbean Cruises-PPO
    • Sanus Health Corporation
    • Simply Healthcare-Medicaid HMO
    • Solstice Dental-HMO and PPO
    • Start Healthcare Network
    • Sunshine
    • Sunshine - AMBETTER
    • Sunshine-Healthy Kids HMO
    • Sunshine-Medicaid HMO
    • Sunshine-Medicare HMO
    • Tricare South Prime-HMO
    • Tricare South Standard-PPO
    • United Behavioral Health (UBH)
    • UnitedHealthcare Affiliates
    • UnitedHealthcare-Healthy Kids HMO
    • UnitedHealthcare-HMO/POS
    • UnitedHealthcare-Medicaid HMO
    • UnitedHealthcare-Medicare Nursing Home Plan
    • UnitedHealthcare-PPO
    • University of Miami Athletic Dept-PPO
    • VUMI
    • Wellcare/Staywell-Healthy Kids HMO
    • Wellcare/Staywell-Medicaid HMO
    • Wexford Health-State Inmates
    • Worldwide Managed Care

    Ratings & Reviews

    4.9 out of 5

    360 ratings, 68 reviews

    UHealth is committed to being transparent with our patients and community. To achieve this, we include positive and negative comments from the care provider section of the medical practice survey. All ratings and comments are submitted by patients who have experienced outpatient care with our providers. Comments are carefully reviewed to ensure that each one accurately reflects the patient's perception of the care they received.

    Likelihood to Recommend Provider
    Provider Explained Things Clearly
    Provider showed concern
    Provider included you in decisions
    Provider discussed treatment options
    Provider treated you with courtesy and respect
    Provider listened carefully to you
    Provider spent enough time with you
    Search reviews
      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/30/2026

      Dr. Gjolaj is the best doctor I have EVER had the pleasure of working with. Med schools around the country should shadow Dr. Gjolaj to see how a doctor should interact with his/her patients. Every staff member I've interacted with went above and beyond, but on a scale of 1-10, Dr. Gjolaj deserves a 50!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/29/2026

      Dr Gjolaj is wonderful ,knowledgeable and caring. He takes is time to answer all my questions and concerns.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/13/2026

      Dr. Gjolaj is knowledgeable, professional and very caring. I'm grateful for his expertise and I look forward to my annual appointment with him to be sure I'm headed in the right direction with my challenges. Everyone at UHealth is top notch!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/12/2026

      Dr. Gjolaj is an outstanding spinal surgeon and medical practitioner. I put my trust in him and it was the right decision. Anyone facing complex a challenging spinal circumstance would be very well served to seek his expertise. He’s the best!!!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/10/2026

      My doctor is awesome!!!!!!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/10/2026

      AAAAAA plus

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/11/2026

      Dr. Gjolaj my hero.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/6/2026

      Absolutely the best!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/3/2026

      Dr Gjolaj is a terrific doctor and we will seek his help if needed going forward. VERY SMART, COMPETENT AND THOROUGH

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/31/2026

      Thank you Dr Gjolaj, you did an Awesome Job.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/17/2026

      Dr. Gjolaj is the best doctor in his field that a patient could want. His knowledge, care, skills and availability are extraordinary.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/3/2026

      Looking forward to a speedy recovery after upcoming surgery.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/27/2025

      Dr Gjolaj is very knowledgeable, kind and caring. Also very calm.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/25/2025

      K

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/23/2025

      On a scale of 1-10, I would rate Dr. Gjolaj a 50!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/20/2025

      Dr Gjolaj is very caring and my surgery was very successful and now I can travel with my husband who also had spinal surgery with Dr Gjolaj and we both highly recommend Dr Gjolaj for many reasons.and Nurse P Lillia Corral is an extraordinary Nurse and she is very caring and she is very thorough and cares about her patients welfare and follows up on their care at home and it’s always a real pleasure to see her.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/23/2025

      Thorough; listens an explains well

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/18/2025

      Very nice

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/11/2025

      Dr explained everything clearly, was generous with his time and very courteous.. would highly recommend him and will definitely use him if I need surgery.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/1/2025

      Dr.Gjolaj is the BEST Doctor I have ever been treated by.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/18/2025

      Dr. Joseph Gjolaj is the most competent, caring, kind, wonderful person. There is no doctor in any field anywhere that comes anywhere near his level of competency and kindness.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/12/2025

      Ideal experience. Dr. Gjolaj listened, answered all our questions. We left feeling he was the right choice for us.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 9/30/2025

      Took the time to explain that surgery was not appropriate and what treatment I should pursue

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/30/2025

      VERY caring and VERY knowledgeable about my condition and willingness to refer me to another department for different therapy

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/19/2025

      Provider always make sure his explanation was understood and that you were comfortable with outcome

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/3/2025

      Dr Gjolaj explains everything so that you understand it He answers questions and explains why he does things the way he does

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/29/2025

      In our family we have had 3 spinal surgeries all with Dr Gjolaj and his wonderful nurse Lillia. Dr Gjolaj’s team is excellent and his ability to get the best possible results for all our backs was superior. All three members of our family back to doing the things that really matter in life with great ability and no pain. Everyone in our family who had spinal surgery with Dr Gjolaj speak highly of him , his ability to perform very difficult surgeries, his caring personality and the great results they have experienced by following his directions to get back on their feet again. I will highly recommend Dr Gjolaj to anyone who has scoliosis or spinal trouble.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/6/2025

      Muy buena

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/24/2025

      Dr. Gjolaj is the best physician I have ever been treated by.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/22/2025

      Dr. Gjolaj made this experience one i will never forget

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/21/2025

      Dr. Gjolaj restored me to a life worth living! He is not only a gifted surgeon but also a kind and compassionate human being. He is what my grandma used to call a mensch.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/21/2025

      We were very impressed with the hospital & staff from the Valet on up to the amazing Dr Gjolaj! Fortunately I don’t need him anymore but would very highly recommend him to anyone who needs his specialty!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/15/2025

      I’m so happy to have FINALLY found a doctor who is willing to perform the necessary surgery on my spine for Degenerative Scoliosis! Dr Gjolaj is this doctor who specializes in this type of surgery! Again, I am very happy and hopeful that my surgery will be successful and that I will no longer be suffering in excruciating pain every single day!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/14/2025

      Excellent facility, staff and a superb physician. I have challenging orthopedic spine issues and the Doctor visit convinced me that my issues can be resolved.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/3/2025

      Dr Gjolaj is the best

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/31/2025

      Dr spent adequate time explaining X-rays treatment and answered concerns

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/11/2025

      My doctor is the best people. He explains everything that's going on with me.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/13/2025

      I find the care and procedures I have decided upon to be very reassuring. I am very pleased with my relationship with Dr. Gjolaj.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 2/20/2025

      Dr Gjolaj is a dream of a surgeon, he is courteous and very easy to talk to. He is interested in my care and getting me to optimal health

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/30/2025

      Came from appointment with a follow up plan which was exactly what I had hoped for

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/21/2025

      Excellent attention and thanks to Dr Gjolajs and his assistant, they have always treated me with respect, concern and professionalism, I will not tire of thanking God for having them in my life!!! And health!!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/21/2025

      Great

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/20/2025

      Out of all the doctors that I have seen. He was the only one that diagnosed me the right way, and he He diagnosed the right route my problem.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/17/2025

      Dr. Joseph Gjolaj is a caring and passionate professional who listens to his patients and exudes a sense of comfort and trust. We are so fortunate to have crossed paths with him. He is exceptional and exemplifies the true definition of a medical physician.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/7/2025

      Dr. Gjolaj is the best. One likable, knowledgeable, special human being. So glad he is my doctor.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/27/2024

      I have already recommended my surgeon Dr. Gjolaj to multiple people.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 12/16/2024

      Dr. Joseph Gjolaj was the BEST. He is a Professional who took the time to talk to me, listen to my health issues and concerns and most importantly he was able to see what no other Doctor did in the past 4 years.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/15/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj effectively and pleasantly presented the alternatives to having surgery, and once I told him of my decision to go forward with the surgery he explained what he was going to do and answered all of my questions in a way that made me completely comfortable. I realize Dr. Gjolaj is a busy man, but he made me feel like I was his only patient.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/12/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj has always seemed to me to be very honest and an excellent professional.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/12/2024

      Excellent

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/6/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj is an amazing doctor. He is caring, knowledgeable, clear, and compassionate.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 9/24/2024

      My visit was thorough and I'm impressed with the follow up today.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/16/2024

      Total atencion a,mis preguntas por parte del Doctor Gjolaj

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/7/2024

      He's an excellent surgeon

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/30/2024

      Doc Gjolaj is wonderful!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/12/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj was awesome.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 7/4/2024

      Dr. Joseph Gjolaj is one of the best doctors I have ever seen. Exceeded my expectations and was so nice and caring and warm. 10/10 doctor and experience. Just fantastic.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/30/2024

      I have already recommended Dr. Gjolaj to friends, which have had surgery with him and were very pleased with the results.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/24/2024

      My Husband, suffered with back pain for years and because of friends telling horror stories, let it go until he was referred to and met Dr. Gjolaj. Dr. Gjolaj immediately put him at ease. He explained the operation in terms we could understand what exactly he was going to do and what the recovery time was. We felt more like family. I am recommending Dr. Gjolaj to everyone.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/23/2024

      I have recommended Dr. Gjolaj and will continue to do so.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 6/4/2024

      Without any doubt Dr. Gjolaj is an excellent human being and the best surgeon in the world.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/6/2024

      I have recommended Dr. Gjolaj to friends and family already.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/5/2024

      Speaking with Dr. Gjolaj is similar to speaking with a friend....he listens, talks in plain language that is understandable and he takes his time explaining everything. We discussed my progress following surgery and my needs for the future. While I consider Dr. Gjolaj to be an outstanding Dr., he is also a person who is caring, considerate, and never misses the opportunity to ask about family who might not be present during the visit. He listens and tailors follow up to the needs of the patient!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/5/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj is an exceptional surgeon with the best bedside manner that I have experienced in my years of life experience.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 5/2/2024

      I was very impressed with Dr G. He operated on family members. They both rave about him. He has an excellent manner and cares about his patients.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 4/21/2024

      Very good

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 4/20/2024

      Dr G listened well, explained things in a way that I could understand. Explained new finding on X Ray that none of the clinicians I had previously seen, had identified. Warm, caring professional.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 4/19/2024

      Dr. Gjolaj was fabulous. He understood my problem and came up with a non-surgical solution. I was thrilled and the solution is already working. What a great guy. I feel so fortunate that he was recommended by a friend of mine.