Hyun Bae, MD
Patient reviews
← Back to the clinician profile
278 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
I've had degenerative disc disease most of my adult life. In my mid 40's I decided to get into shape to reduce the side effects of a bad L5 and in doing so started to get sciatica 5 yrs into my fitness obsession. I went to my first ortho who did nothing but put me on Vicodin (which I refused to take) and prescribed me physical therapy. That only made my situation worse. I had 2 epidural shots which seem to work momentarily but eventually wore off. Then I found dr. Bae!!! This man is an amazing surgeon and doctor! His staff is the best, his bedside manner is great, he's a life changer and I can't recommend him to enough people! He's also into cutting edge technology with the use of stem cells for spine rejuvenation (I think I'm saying that right). Anyway, if your suffering and your quality of life is affected def go see him.....it's worth the time to have your life changed for the better!! Thank you Dr. Bae!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
If I could give Dr Bae and his team more stars, I would. Today I am post-op day 4 ( anterior cervical disc replacement and hybrid fusion on another level)- I feel amazing. My arm, hand, shoulder and scapula pain was gone since post-op day 1. I have minimal incision pain, a resolving sore throat and some muscle spasms which are expected, but overall I feel much better than prior to my surgery. Dr Bae and his team exceeded all my expectations. I can never thank him and his team enough for giving me a new chance to live a good life- quality of life is very important. :)
Hyun Bae, MD
I just returned from my first visit with Dr Bae today, 5 weeks after two fusions, L-3-4,4-5. Believe me I tried for two years to avoid surgery but after 3 epidurals I was in so much pain I had no other choice. I went to others for their opinions but when I met Dr. Bae I knew I had the surgeon(fine carpenter) that I wanted to take the risk with. Well....the minute I opened my eyes after surgery I knew the devil that had lived in my back was GONE! I'll be honest, the first few days required a lot of pain meds but after a week I felt so much better. I did everything that was asked of me and now I am feeling so grateful for the magic that Dr. Bae performed on my spine. Lisa is his PA. She is a great complement to Dr Bae and she was always available (best by e-mail) for any questions or concerns. You know you have made the right decision when you walk in to the hospital the day of your surgery and every member of the hospital staff tells you...Dr. Bae...he's the best!
Hyun Bae, MD
I had surgery on my back in March 2014 and I had a number of issues finding a doctor which you can read about (if you want... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/noam-friedlander/affordable-care-act-costs_b_5149120.html). I have to say, that of all the doctors I visited, Dr Bae's office was the most helpful - even before I actually made an appointment to see them. In total, I ended up meeting with around six surgeons, I did A LOT of research, and settled on Dr Bae and his team. He had operated on TWO of my friends, all successfully, and is an expert in his field. The surgery - a massively herniated disc L4/L5 - WAS a success. I received plenty of help prior to the surgery and my emails and questions were all answered in a timely manner PLUS I had a number of follow up appointments to check my progress. I tried everything I could to avoid having surgery, and, as was suggested, I did physical therapy before the operation to see if that could alleviate the pain as well as two epidurals. I found that the office NEVER tried to push me to have an unnecessary surgery, they were incredibly kind and patient, and, it was swiftly apparent to all after my MRI that surgery was now my only option. There aren't many people I would trust to stick a knife in my back, but I truly trusted Dr. Bae, and was rewarded with my mobility back. Everyone's post surgical results are different - physical therapy, diet and looking after myself are all my responsibility BUT I feel I gave myself the best shot by selecting Dr. Bae to be my surgeon. Highly recommended.
Hyun Bae, MD
I thought that I would always be in pain. I had back problems since I was a teenager, Dr. Bae couldn't see the problem, in my MRI but could see that I was in excruciating pain. He sent me for bloodwork and a biopsy which confirmed that I had an infected disc and an absess in my psoas muscle. He removed the infected disc, Drained the absess and worked with an infectious disease specialist To find the right antibiotics to make sure the absess didn't come back 8 weeks later, I walk better than I ever have and am completely pain free. His PA, Lisa Cano, kept my family posted every step of the way. I feel so lucky......I feel 20 years younger and starting exercising again. Thanks Dr. Bae!!!! L. d.
Hyun Bae, MD
I went to see Dr Bae after doing a lot of research on spine surgeons. I found Dr Bae to be the most qualified surgeon in SoCal. The first time we met Dr Bae made me feel comfortable and confident with the decision to operate on my C5-7 discs . The surgery went perfectly and 7 weeks out from surgery I am definitely improving. Dr Bae's bedside manners were awesome and even had my Dad commenting on how nice and profession he was. His staff is professional and curtious . His right hand Lady Lisa ROCKS! Super nice and caring. I was extremely nervous about the impending surgery and she eased my concerns. Obviously you can't please everyone but I am definitely on happy patient. I am a local firefighter and the injury I have is very common in my industry. I have recommended Dr Bea to a number of my coworkers.
Hyun Bae, MD
As you see I don't spend a lot of time on yelp anymore, now that I'm mobile but not completely pain free, I must share that Dr. Bae took the time to call me regarding my last review.. Wow that just made me SMILE, so with that being said, I will be calling, my Insurance today to make sure I AM COVERED CORRECTLY, I will do all the things I was SUPPOSE to do the first time around and have him perform my surgery...;-)
Hyun Bae, MD
I finally made an appointment with Dr. Bae and that decision and the surgery that followed has changed my life. I feel incredible, pain- free, and filled with gratitude to him. I am a new person, with hope again for all that life has to offer. That sounds dramatic, I know, but when you've been in pain for so long, it's true. Dr. Bae thoughtfully considered my medical background and integrated it with my lifestyle to come up with a personalized solution for me. He is intelligent and caring, you couldn't find a better doctor and surgeon. He deserves the highest praise!
Hyun Bae, MD
Thank you Dr Bae for giving me back a pain free life. I can't believe that it's only been two month since the surgery and very very happy with the results. Would recommend Dr. Bae to anyone with a back problem.
Hyun Bae, MD
I just had L 2 to L 5 decompression the 12Th. of this month, February, 2014, pre opt I suffered from Spinal Stenosis in the worst way and struggled with the easiest of task's such as walking up and down stairs, immediately after the procedure was done, not one or two days later, I had unbelievable relief, this coming after what Dr. Bae was able to do considering how messed up it was in there (my spine) which was worse than what had shown on the recent MMRI. I just today, two weeks and one day went for my first Post opt visit only to find out that I have cleared except going back to the gym (understandable) to get back to my normal routine. The Dr. is exceptional at what he does, I am basically pain free and have been in that state immediately following the procedure. I feel as though I can have my quality of life back and do the things I did way prior. I would highly recommend Dr. Bae to anyone who is thing of having a procedure done, he will get it and you right. Thanks Les Short
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae did spacers and fusion on c5-c7. He was very kind before and after the surgery. He has a great deal of integrity and does not perform surgery unless he really sees a benefit for him. I was in horrible pain before the surgery. 6 vicodin a day, two trips to urgent care a week, trigger point shots In my neck. I left the hospital only taking Aleve. Dr. Bae gave me back my quality of life!
Hyun Bae, MD
I would highly highly recommend Dr. Bae to anyone suffering with back pain! Through the years I have gone to several orthopedist and neurologist. I was actually scheduled to have a fusion in my lower back. I heard about Dr. Bae and got an appointment to see him. On my first visit I could see that he was so knowledgeable,kind and caring. He recommended that I sign up for a clinical trial. I was approved and got an injection about a month later. After about two and a half weeks I felt a significant improvement. I did not have the lingering ache, that I have had for years. It's a miracle!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I highly recommend Dr. Bae to anyone who is suffering from back/spine pain or injuries. From the moment I called Dr. Bae's office, I found his staff to be thoughtful, attentive and very helpful. His medical assistants are intelligent, thorough and focused. Most importantly, Dr. Bae is knowledgeable, personable and capable. He has a great bedside manner and genuinely seems to care about his patients and his practice. After seeing and speaking to other spine doctors, I was very discouraged by the medical system here in LA but Dr. Bae is an exception and other doctors could and should learn from the way he runs his office.
Hyun Bae, MD
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Bae and his staff. I have had back pain for past 2 years and seen 3 orthopedics and non of them ever gave me a straight answer. When I met Dr. Bae for the first time, he knew exactly what was wrong with my back and was so confident that he could fix it. I loved his confidence and knew how smart he is and went with his suggestion and had surgery. I am pain free and soooooo happy and impressed, I walked right after the surgery and the recovery is so fast. If any body out there is suffering from back pain please see Dr. Bae. He is amazing. Shiva Nelson
Hyun Bae, MD
I just came back from my 8:am appointment at cidar sinai spine center. Dr Bae, actually took the time to explain pros and cons of all possible procedures for my back pain, very knowledgeable and I have done my research. His clinic is participating in a clinical study that might give a solution to my problem (lower back pain without radiation to the legs). Very sincere guy, was truly helpful, and hopefully this will lead to a solution long sought. I just started to read about it...intresting stuff..relievan sense relief. I'll keep you posted
Hyun Bae, MD
Arrived at the office, short wait, staff was personable, friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. Dr, Bae was friendly, sincere, intent, and explained what the images of the MRI revealed and what is causing the pain in my neck. More recent tests are required to accurately diagnose the injury. My doctor strongly suggested I go see Dr. Bae. Best advice I've gotten in a long time. He and his staff are absolutely the best. Thanks Glenn
Hyun Bae, MD
A 3-minute post surgery call for $150 seems like a lot. But it was all good news, so not a whole lot to talk about other than 'great!" and my thanks for a job well done.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae as a surgeon was great and we couldn't expect more from him, he was absolutely WONDERFUL! However stay away from his useless office staff. Both people at the front desk have 0 manners and are lacking in education (especially Hugo). They have no idea what "customer service" means and are absolutely obsolete and very rude. Every time we come here the wait is over one hour sometimes even two. The billing department is also terrible. For example, Hugo (the receptionist) says there is no charge and a month later we receive a bill in the mail and when confronted they claim it's an error. I think it's a scam to see who actually falls into the game and ends up paying more and more bills (dr. Bae probably isn't even aware of it). The only one in his office that was absolutely brilliant and always keen on helping is Lisa Cano, she and Dr. Bae are probably the only reason as to why we agreed on still coming.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae has been great. I had a lower back injury and participated in a clinical trial. Dr. Bae was my physician for all follow-up appointments for a period of 1 year following my procedure. I found him to be kind, direct, thorough and attentive. If you're looking for a caring, qualified physician in this field, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hyun Bae, MD.
Hyun Bae, MD
OK, amazing surgeon. The BEST there is. Amazing hospital staff. Billing person is an idiot, and has the personality of a leather shoe. When a patient speaks with your billing person prior to a procedure and asks what the total out of pocket including deductible is going to be, you give them a number. Not an explanation. Speak a language we understand so that there are no surprises. Please, Dr. Bae, get a billing rep that speaks the same language you and the rest of your staff do; that of an experienced professional with a friendly, down to earth and hospitable attitude. Also, staffing at Cedar's office has to get it together. When a patient comes in a few weeks post op for follow up in immeasurable pain, do not make them wait an hour past their scheduled time to see you. This is not worthy of a surgeon the caliber and experience of Dr. Bae. I hate to give this incredible establishment only 3 stars, but sadly, the devil is in the details.....
Hyun Bae, MD
While I am sure Dr Bae is a talented surgeon, he comes across as apathetic and unwilling to educate or communicate with his patients. He hardly addressed my questions, and when I asked him to explain the potential benefits and risks of his proposed surgery, he picked up his phone and started to record a voice memo (about me) rather than respond. He told me I ought to consider myself lucky to have him as an in-network doctor with my health insurance policy, and to come back when I was "ready for surgery." I left feeling a bit insulted, and very frustrated that I had waited over a month for this appointment only to leave with little understanding of my options. If you already have a full understanding of your diagnosis and are 100% sure that surgery is right for you, Dr Bae might be able to help. But if not, I would highly recommend finding a different doctor who is willing to explain your options.
Hyun Bae, MD
He ordered an MRI without contrast knowing I had a previous back surgery. He then told me I had a cyst on my spine I needed to be surgically removed. Ended up just being scar tissue. I'm so happy that I didn't go down the road of surgery with him especially when he was so quick to jump to conclusions... Wrong conclusions.
Hyun Bae, MD
No one should ever go to a physician who has so many bad reviews. Most truly good physicians have a few if any bad reviews. My husband had to have another lumbar surgery (by a great orthopedist) to fix what he did not. Bae is arrogant and only showed up once during the several days of hospital recovery. There is no need to use him when there are so many truly excellent surgeons. Run, do not walk, away from him!
Hyun Bae, MD
It was a waste of time and money, you can't see the Dr. unless you paid $250.00, we waited for 90 minuts after our appointmnt time to see him and during that time nobody came to tell us anything. He spend about 5 minutes with us wich made the cost $50.00 per minute. Somebory whrote the he's all about the money and we agree 100%. BB
Hyun Bae, MD