Hyun Bae, MD
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278 written reviews
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I had to have an emergency disc replacement and fusion C-6/C-7 after a disastrous appointment with a new chiropractor. Dr. Bae and all of his staff, especially Lisa Cano, are the very best at what they do. I received excellent care, information, everything from the surgery to scheduling follow up appointments. Thank goodness my own doctor brought Dr. Bae in to help me - I was flat on my back unable to move and in danger of spinal cord damage. I will always be grateful to Dr. Bae and his staff.
Hyun Bae, MD
I chose Dr. Bae over three other, highly recommended spine surgeons and I'm totally convinced I chose brilliantly. I'm 85 years young and have been handicapped with spinal stenosis for forty years. My walking numbness, painful irritation and lack of good balance was ruining my life. I couldn't even walk my dog without sitting on the curb four or five times. I was afraid of an unsuccessful surgery, so I tried two other non surgical solutions. One was a San Fernando Valley fraud chiropractor who promised laser treatments would cure me. The only thing he cured was his empty wallet. Another "doctor" promised that pulling my spine apart with an expensive pulling machine would cure me. He robbed me of $6,000 without doing my spine one bit of good. I finally visited Dr. Bae because two close married friends both had been very happy with his surgery and the wonderful permanent results. Dr. Bae was wonderfully reassuring when he saw my MRI printout, and the successful results of the surgery proved him 100% right. I feel like a young buck again. Thanks Hyun Bae for making me feel smart as hell as well. Also, thankfully, Dr. Bae's P.A., Lisa was always available with intelligent and helpful answers to all of my questions. Jerry Mayer 5/16/17
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae is a brilliant surgeon. He went to bat for me when my insurance company refused at the last minute to cover a disc implant surgery. Everything went perfect. His staff is very professional and sincere. I feel that Dr. Bae has the ability and above average knowledge of the spine, to handle just about anything. He has your health in his best interest.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae did my disc replacement L5-S1 in Oct 2015. He did an outstanding job. Recently I went to go and visit him because I have been having pain in my buttocks and he never hesitated to order and MRI and possible injections. Every time I leave his office I leave with a smile because I know I can count on Dr. Bae. His professionalism and sympathy for his patience just make him one humble man. Thank you to Dr. Bae and his staff, especially, Hugo, Alexis and Lisa for helping fill out my forms. I am looking forward continuing my treatment with Dr. Bae and his staff so I can recover 100%. Thanks! Adriana!
Hyun Bae, MD
In February, I had a bad fall and was in agony. My primary caregiver at Cedars said that all of the surgeons at the Spine Center were highly competent but her recommendation would be that I see Dr. Bae because of his personal attention to each patient and caring manner. I am so grateful for the recommendation because after two lumbar spinal fractures (one burst) I was in excruciating pain but was hesitant to undergo surgery. I actually had no choice in the matter because, in addition to the horrendous pain, my spine was left unstable after the fall. Upon awakening from a three-hour surgery by Dr. Bae, I was instantly relieved of 90% my pain. I am now pain free at the six-week mark post-surgery and have been approved by Dr. Bae for outpatient physical therapy. I couldn't be happier with the results and cannot praise Dr. Bae and his entire team enough!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
If you have a spine issue, I highly recommend you take the time to see Dr. Hyun Bae. I had severe cervical disc herniations from a car accident causing incredible amounts of pain in my neck, shoulder and arms and prevented me from sleeping, work, and my daily activities. (Had to sleep sitting up and on opioids for the pain). Dr. Bae took one look at my MRI and said "I can get your life back..." After the operation the pain in neck, shoulders, and arm was gone, and I could sleep lying down flat again. Dr. Bae is an incredible surgeon. I'm convinced in my opinion he is the top in his field... He responds to all of my emails regarding any concerns, and his staff is amazing too! I am off all pain killers, virtually pain free compared to before the surgery! Please if you suffer in pain from spinal cord injury, take the time to see Dr. Bae, Three other surgeons recommended spinal fusion, and I was against that after reading hundreds of failures on Spine Universe. Dr. Bae fixed my problem with ADR and I'm very grateful to him for restoring my life back. Thank you Dr. Hyun Bae, I can't say it enough..... Nathan Rish............. Cervical ADR C4-C6
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae is the best ortho you will find! My wife had years of back issues and suffering. During her first consultation with Dr. Bae, he said the words that no other ortho (and there were many) had said to her...."I can fix you"! She just went in for her 6 month after surgery check up and she is "fixed"! Straighter, taller, and flexible. The care that Dr. Bae, Dr. Lisa and the rest of the office was nothing less than perfect. If Dr. Bae tells you he can fix you, believe him!
Hyun Bae, MD
I had a lumbar fusion 6 weeks ago and am doing wonderfully. I am sorry I waited a year to do it while I tried every alternative to stop the pain running down the back of my leg. Dr. Bae is the best. He knows his skill and his confidence helped me feel relaxed and assured it would go well. Also the PA Lisa was terrific. She responded to my emails almost immediately. So wonderful to have surgery with them.
Hyun Bae, MD
I have had the pleasure to have Dr. Bae perform two surgeries on my spine, both extremely successful! On both occasions once in 2011 and again recently in 2016, he sent me to get an MRI, I brought them to him, and within moments of reviewing them, he was able to diagnose my particular issue regarding the pain in my back! I found him the first time through 1-800-cedars1, and was a little worried because he looked at my MRI, for about 10 seconds, and told me what I needed, I thought "how could anyone know that from just a 10 second investment"? Well I trusted him, and was glad I did, he is very cutting edge, and works out of the Cedars Spine Center, which deals with the latest cutting edge technology! I highly recommend the Cedars Spine Center, in particular, I highly recommend Dr. Hyun Bae, don't be put off, by how quick the process seems to move, they know what they're doing!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae operated on me on July 20, 2016, and six days later I went mall walking! Excellent surgeon and I am really thrilled with the results!!! It just keeps getting better each day....I could not even walk a block before surgery and now I am walking 30 minutes! Dr. Bae "forgot" to tell me there would be some pain, but he did a helluva good job.....
Hyun Bae, MD
I am writing exactly one year after my procedure to give Dr. Bae and his office the highest possible recommendation. I did not write earlier because the entire procedure of having two levels of cervical spinal discs replaced went so well and so easily that I forced myself to wait to make sure things remained great. And they have. I was diagnosed in May 2016 with degenerative disc disease with C4/5 and C5/6 bulging directly on my spinal cord, causing numbness and a lack of agility in my hands. Local doctors in the Bay Area said my only choice was a two-level fusion, two nights in the hospital and formidable recovery. I did a lot of reading online and decided that everything about artificial disc replacement seemed better, from procedure to recovery. The only problem was that insurance would not cover it. We bit the bullet and decided to self-fund the surgery. I have never regretted the cost because the experience was AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME. Same-day surgery; I flew in a few days before for pre-op and stayed 11 days afterwards before flying back. The surgi-center was awesome, the surgery went quickly and well, and my recovery was negligible. When Lisa Cano, Dr. Bae's FABULOUS PA, told me that I would not experience much pain I was skeptical, but she was right. I only took one pain pill throughout, the first night. I was out to dinner and going to museums later in the week. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae and Lisa and the staff at the surgi-center highly enough. If you face anything like I faced, with cervical spinal disc issues, you could not do better than to see Dr. Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Terrific surgeon couldn't be better operated on my lower back over a year ago now after rehab & weight loss I couldn't feel better. Dr. Bae works Cedar Sinai Medical Center as well as St. John's Hospital. He's the best in my book!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
Good Dr, He elongated my neck and now my spasms don't throw my mid back out.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae did something that 7 other well-known LA neurosurgeons refused to do: take on the tough challenge of correcting a 7-year-old botched surgery. Revisionist surgery is a delicate and difficult undertaking. Everyone else looked at my spine, saw too many problems, and backed off. Dr. Bae looked at the same problems and came up with a plan to fix them. He essentially rebuilt my lower spine. As promised, he took away the constant pain, for which I will be eternally grateful. My initial surgery in 2007 was to correct a foot drop; that "celebrated" surgeon, Dr. Patrick Johnson, not only did NOT correct the problem, but created several more: a deterioration of muscles from the foot on up my entire left side, rendering me unable to walk without knee-high bracing, and with a wheelchair looming in my future. Dr. Bae arrested that progression; there'll be no wheelchair for me now! Nonetheless, even Dr. Bae, amazing as his talents are, couldn't bring back what is already atrophied. However, with the massive remnants of scar tissue and blockages removed, a stronger spine and now pain-free, I can finally attempt to "wake up" what muscles remain and, if I work hard in PT, at least bring back much-needed stability. As you can tell from my story, I'm unfortunately familiar with way too many doctors. I know the difference between waking up from one kind of surgery and the way I felt waking up from this one. One guy was in a hurry, one guy was an artist. Which is why, without reservation, I can confidently recommend Dr. Hyun Bae to help others as he has helped me.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae an amazing doctor! Last December I injured my spine while in North Carolina. The doctors there did what I call temporary fix on my third lumbar which didn't work! Searching for more answers to my problem, Dr. Bae was referred to me as being one of the best in L.A. My first appointment with Dr. Bae was professional in every detail. There was a chance that my spine would heal and he wanted to give it two months. Well, after 4 weeks, I knew something needed to be done. Dr. Bae expedited my appointment and set me up for surgery the following week. He explained clearly everything that would transpire during the one and one-half hour operation. Leaving his office I had complete confidence that I had selected the right doctor. The day of surgery, staff and the doctor were so positive that I was very comfortable leaving my back destiny in his hands. I am happy to say that after surgery the pains have disappeared and I can walk again. I would like to thank Dr. Bae, his excellent assistant Lisa and the entire surgery staff for making my first every hospital stay an easy one. I would also like to thank Amy and Rob for recommending this fantastic surgeon.
Hyun Bae, MD
I was recommended it to Dr. Bae by my boss who is also a physician, so I trusted his opinion. He said Dr. Bae is "the best." I am young and used to be extremely active until this excruciating back pain took over my life. No matter what I was doing, even laying down, I was in horrible pain. Dr. Bae quite honestly gave me my life back. Initially, he treated me as conservatively as possible, having me try injections, and even seeing another surgeon for his opinion. I ended up going through with surgery with Dr. Bae. I'm 7 weeks post-op now. Dr. Bae and his PA, Lisa, were extremely attentive. They checked on me multiple times after my surgery while still in the hospital. A couple weeks after surgery, I ended up in the ER because I over-exerted myself & my pain came back so strongly. Dr. Bae let me come in the following day even though he is so busy. Lisa also responds very promptly via email with any answers to questions and/or concerns you may have. I'm still recovering everyday, but I wouldn't trust anyone but Dr. Bae with my back.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae installed a Prodisc artificial cervical disc at my C5-6 two months ago. I had talked to 5 other ortho surgeons prior to this about my neck and arm pain. I am 65 years old, had spondylosis and radiculopathy from degenerated C5-6. Three surgeons recommended fusion (wouldn't do artificial disc) and the other two offered this and artificial disc. I chose Dr. Bae because of his publications in the field, his excellent reviews, and his calm and forthright demeanor during the diagnosis/intake office appointment. I dismissed the negative yelp reviews about bedside manner, concluding these were people who had trouble trusting people, requiring people to spend an exorbitant/unnecessary amount of time with them in order to gain their trust. I didn't want that. I wanted a doctor who is plain and direct, and professional. The surgery went well, no complications. I could have gone home the same day, but chose to stay overnight at Cedars Sinai. I had slight/moderate pain for a few days, and then just some limited movement and discomfort for another few days. I only took one pain pill during this period at home. In 12 days I was back swimming and playing tennis, and within a month I had no pain left at all, and wonderful extra neck movement from the artificial disc. Dr. Bae basically gave me a new life, and I am grateful to him for it. I also loved the compassion Dr. Bae showed prior to my surgery in the surgery prep room at Cedars. He came in and just held my hand for a bit, and exuded an ease, confidence and comfort level you won't see many surgeons exhibit. I know; I've had many surgeries in my life. Dr. Bae's Surgery Fellow, who assisted the procedure, and visited me afterwards, praised Dr. Bae's skills in a reverential way, which is what you would expect with a surgeon of Dr. Bae's caliber.
Hyun Bae, MD
After 30+ years as a police officer, my back was really messed up. I went to Dr. Bae to see if there was something he could do to help me. He was wonderful but after an MRI, X-rays, etc....it was his opinion that surgery was needed to fix me. Surgery was at Cedars and they were great. Dr. Bae went in to my C-7, T-1 and fixed it. While he was there, he noticed that I had a potential worse problem just above it at C-6, C-7 so, he fixed that too. I woke up with blood running down my forehead (screws to hold my head in place during the surgery) which made me look like Herman Munster LOL, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN. My surgery was in late 2010 and I am still pain-free with no limitations. Thank you Dr. Bae, Lisa (PA) and Julie (#1) for your excellent work. BTW, I have referred several other police officers and firefighters to Dr. Bae and they all have the same opinion.
Hyun Bae, MD
I couldn't have picked a better Dr. for my disk replacement. For over two years I suffered with debilitating neck and shoulder pain due to a damaged disc C5-C6. I saw two surgeons here in Las Vegas and tried all the nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, two rounds of physical therapy and epidural steroid injections) to no avail. Both local surgeons eventually recommended spinal fusion. NO WAY, I said. For over a year, I spent hours researching alternative treatments and that's how I found Dr. Bae. On June 2015, I had my initial consultation. When you enter Dr. Bae's office the first person you will interact with is Julie, Dr. Bae's medical secretary. She is incredibly efficient, helpful and skillful at communicating with nervous patients like myself. When you meet Dr. Bae the first thing you will notice is how confident and forthright he is. First, he examined my medical history and MRI images, he showed my husband and I where the prolapsed disk was pressing against the spinal cord and then he explained (in plain language) what could be done surgically to free up the nerve. Both my husband and I were extremely impressed with Dr. Bae's minimally invasive approach to surgery, his communication skills and sincere desire to stop my pain. The surgery, insurance coverage, hospital stay, follow up care, etc was all made possible by his wonderful PA Lisa. Lisa was instrumental in coordinating the "long distance" planning of my surgery in Santa Monica - most of it through email and phone calls. She was SUPER quick replying to all of my questions! Thank You Lisa. Seven weeks ago, Dr Bae replaced my degenerated disk with a Mobi-C cervical disk and I'm feeling fantastic. I Just completed the first week of physical therapy here in Vegas and for the first time in years I'm starting to live free of pain. If you are struggling with a spinal condition, trust Dr. Bae and his amazing team!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae changed my life by giving me back my vitality and eliminating my pain. I am a 47 year old athletic female that suffered 3 herniated discs at the same level (L 4-5). I had two microdisctectomies prior to arriving at THE SPINE INSTITUTE that did not hold, I felt better for a while and then suddenly the disc would re-herniate. Dr Bae worked with me (and my insurance company) to get me the disc replacement that would eventually fix me back up. He is so wonderful, I never doubted his decision or his skill. I had many questions that he answered patiently and thoroughly. His office is wonderful, his PA, Lisa, is fantastic. Yes, sometimes there is a wait but that is not the norm (in my experience). I'm very, very pleased to say I'm back to my original activity level and pain free!!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I was referred to Dr. Bae by one of the this countries other .leading neurosurgeons because of the complexity of the injury to my back. I had been suffering from severe back pain for 15 years at the time, and already had two surgeries performed by my referring neurosurgeon. It didn't take long to see Dr. Bae once I received authorization from workers comp. From the moment I arrived at Dr. Bae's office I was treated with respect, kindness and compassion starting from the ladies at the front desk to Adriana and the P.A. LIsa. . Once I meet with Dr. Bae he fully explained my condition to me in great detail. Dr. Bae talked to me, not at me or above me, and just as important HE LISTENED TO ME!!!!. He fully explained what I was to expect and gave me realistic odds. Dr. Bae talked to me with respect, compassion and kindness. Surgery day came along and on a Tuesday, and I was released the following Fri. I had a rough first couple of days, but Friday came along and I did a complete turnaround and was released. I cannot thank Dr. Bae enough for the treatment he gave my wife while I was in surgery. The surgery was done in two parts and Dr.Bae took a break in between and sought out my wife to give her an update. After the surgery was over Dr. Bae looked for and found my wife ( in the cafeteria due to a 5 hour surgery) to give her another update and tell her where I was now. My wife was VERY impressed with his demeanor and treatment of her. Dr. Bae treated my wife with the very same kindness and compassion that he showed me. Each follow up visit has been great and again could not be happier with the demeanor of Dr. Bae and how he fully explains EVERYTHINtG!!...Dr.Bae fixed a broken disc from my previous surgeon and had to fuse my low back . That surgery went as well as can be expected , but there are other issues with my back that Dr.Bae is trying to address, but has been slowed by workers comp. Dr.Bae is on my side fighting to give me all the care that I need .Dr. Bae has told me that because of the condition of my back I will have to have another surgery within the next 5 years. I have NO hesitancy and will be going going back to Dr..Bae as I believe I am in the best possible hands as I trust him completely. I highly recommend Dr,Bae and cannot sing his praises enough, nor his staff!! ..If you need back surgery I highly recommend Dr.Bae...He is simply the best!
Hyun Bae, MD
Perhaps my review is colored by the fact that I am an informed consumer of medical services whose Father was a doctor, but not only do I sing Dr Bae's praises, I am flabbergasted by some of the negative comments posted as they do not reflect my experiences with Dr Bae in the least. I had neck problems for years, annoying, but not life altering. He recommended against surgery, explaining that physical therapy, mild medications, eventually shots, and maybe other therapies were all available before I should consider surgery. He was available for consultations when I needed him, he was not expensive, and I went about 15 years, probably more, playing golf to a sub 5 handicap and tennis to a national ranking of 62 in my age group, without surgery. Eighteen months ago, the discomfort became more regular and after multiple consultations and photographs, he told me that surgery was indicated. At this point, Dr Bae behaved differently from most surgeons and differently from a couple of the posts that ante-date this one. First, he did not press me to have the surgery immediately, he told me that I could wait to go on medicare as long as certain symptoms did not show themselves. He went over them and explained consequences. Second, he urged me to get a second opinion and to share it with him. I later went for a second opinion (to the hospital for special surgery in NYC) where I was urged to have the surgery ASAP and asked why I would wait. When I explained why, the doctor there agreed that I could wait. Third, Dr Bae understands the billing process and what various insurance companies and medicare will pay for. I have had no other doctor who knew that. I had the surgery a year ago, one fusion, one synthetic disk. I had discomfort for about 36 hours due to swelling. That was it. I have been back to normal activity and sports for nine months, no pain, no numbness, no discomfort. Dr Bae's manner is a bit matter of fact rather than hand holding. I actually prefer that approach, perhaps it is because of my background or my personality. If you are looking for a warm and lengthy rah rah session, you won't get it. If you want a fabulous doctor, you will. I am writing him a thank you note today, my first anniversary.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae and his team are very professional and highly competent. After searching for a surgeon and really doing my homework, I settled for Bae. I was extremely impressed with his credentials( you can google them) and I made an appointment to see him. After my initial visit, I instantly felt comfortable. I didn't feel pressured, I just felt I found the right guy. I called his office back a week later and scheduled my L5 s1 fusion/ decompression surgery that I sort of already intuitively knew I needed. I then just went along with my intuition that "this was my guy." As I sit here writing this two weeks to the day post operation, I can only give my utmost gratitude to Bae and his team. Thanks so much, and keep up the wonderful work! I am feeling better each day.
Hyun Bae, MD
Ok so if you have done your homework, you will learn very quickly that this guy is as good as it gets. I saw "all" of the best guys in town (@500 per appointment) and let me tell you flat out if you want to have or are considering a cervical disc replacement, this is the guy to see. Period. 4 days post op and although my throat is a bit sore it is amazing how little impact my surgery was. He has done more artificial disc replacements, than anyone. Unless you want to simply fuse your neck, there is not a better solution in the LA area period. I will write more later. Do your homework, watch the videos online. This guy knows his craft.
Hyun Bae, MD