Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/hyun-bae-md/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Family and caregiver experiences · Patient experiences # Hyun Bae, MD. *Family and caregiver experiences reviews.* 15 five-star reviews for Dr. Hyun Bae discuss family and caregiver experiences. Patients share stories of compassionate care. Care often includes the people closest to you. Read what patients and loved ones share about that experience. Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here. [Hear from patients ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/hyun-bae-md/#review-browser) [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [Read this page as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/hyun-bae-md/index.md) ![Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/hyun-bae-md.jpg) A person behind your care ## Get to know *Hyun Bae.* Dr. Hyun Bae is a nationally recognized spine surgeon known for pioneering motion-preserving solutions for the neck and lower back. Rather than defaulting to spinal fusion, he focuses on advanced techniques like artificial disc replacement (ADR) to protect movement and help patients return to active, pain-free lives. Patients often describe him as a miracle worker—not only for his surgical expertise, but for his warmth, clarity, and compassion throughout the process. Many report being pain-free after surgery and appreciate his ability to explain complex procedures in a way that’s easy to understand. His team is equally known for their professionalism and prompt, supportive care from start to finish. Fluent in English and Korean, Dr. Bae brings deep experience, a calming presence, and a strong belief in doing what’s best for each individual patient. Outside of the OR, he stays active with golf, snowboarding, and playing pickleball with his daughters. Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Multi-Level Disc Replacement Motion Preservation Minimally-Invasive Techniques [Meet Hyun Bae at Commons Clinic ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) ## Keep getting to know us. [All reviews for Hyun Bae →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [Family and caregiver experiences experiences across our team →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/) [Staff and office experience reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/staff/hyun-bae-md/) [Spine and back reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/hyun-bae-md/) [Pain experiences reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/pain-symptoms/hyun-bae-md/) [Recovery and return to activity reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/recovery/hyun-bae-md/) [Compassion and bedside manner reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/compassion/hyun-bae-md/) [Listening and clear explanations reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/communication/hyun-bae-md/) Bring what matters to you ## Your questions *belong in the conversation.* Care is sometimes described by someone close to the patient. These reviews mention a family member’s experience and the support surrounding it. - How would I like a family member or trusted person involved in my appointment? - Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about? In their own words ## Care feels personal. *So do these stories.* These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result. This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention family and caregiver experiences. You can read every rating and written review on [the full clinician profile](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) . 15 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > From my first call with August, who assisted in scheduling and preparing for an appointment, throughout the entire check-in process, everyone was kind, informative, and patient. I am a very concerned and anxious Mother, due to the pain my son is currently experiencing. > When Bernadette was examining Nicholas, she was thorough, kind with her examination, and very informative, and clear when answering our many questions. Dr. Bae gave his description and diagnosis after studying Nicholas’ MRI, and we could clearly see the extent of Nicholas injury, and intervention would be needed to repair. In making the decision for an epidural and surgery Bernadette and Dr. Bae were patient and very informative as we were making decisions about an epidural and surgery. > We grateful to be working Dr. Bae and his staff to get our son healed. C. Eppolito Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 37 weeks ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106141935486747708605/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > He made me feel so comfortable about getting 2 surgeries that I was so spooked about getting, but after talking with Dr Bae, I’m actually a bit excited about the whole thing. I’m looking forward to a life without pain. My husband’s getting surgery as well and feels much more comfortable about this experience E. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Sep 10, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111016361150286498837/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I met Dr Bae ten years ago when i jas travelled Europe trying to find a solution for my back pain that didn't involve fusion in my cervical and lumbar spine > I flew to LA from London to me Dr Bae > Dr Bae gave me solutions and more. For the first tine in ten years i was able to dance with my husband at a wedding and he jas neen there for me online whenever I have needed him > Ten years later as my back degenerates further Dr Bae is there for me with options and support > There is no one i trust more > He is years ahead ! Innovative yet always kind. He will never recommend a treatment purely for the fees > One of a kind surgeon and person. G. Dellipiani Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jun 15, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107017444740002004954/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and is an expert in his field. My husband had a very successful back surgery several years ago which was done by Dr. Bae. I have some back issues now and Dr. Bae will be my surgeon of choice if in fact I do need surgery at a later date. V. Schnittjer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 11, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100447506945557697925/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae and his staff are extraordinary. 5 years ago Dr. Bae surgically repaired my wife’s back with a synthetic disc that he created and installed. Three months ago he put 2 new synthetic discs in my lower spine, relieving the nagging pain I’ve dealt with for years. I can’t recommend him and his staff highly enough. He’s the best. G. Harrison Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Feb 15, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112661936010689573095/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > My husband and I both had disc replacement surgery from Dr Bae. The whole process from the office girls to his assistant to seeing Dr.Bae was a great experience! The surgery was the easiest surgery we ever had! We love Dr Bae, he is happy, friendly and very professional. Our entire experience was awesome.We would highly recommend Dr Bae and his team! R. Romeo Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Dec 12, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101128760113846620740/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > My husband had two discs replaced by Dr. Bae only 3 weeks ago. He is out of pain and his mobility has already improved!! This man is a genius and we can't thank him and Bernadette enough. P. Waxman Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Nov 6, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111651920732998232675/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Amazing surgeon and staff. We were able to get an appointment within days of calling. My husband was in really bad pain and unable to walk and Dr. Bae examined him and his MRIs and got him scheduled for surgery within days of our initial visit. The surgery was a success and my husband's on the way to recovery. Great follow up by the doctor and his entire staff. Highly recommend!! B. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 9/16/24 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=z5NklRZT42qBRPrX_81cXA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae is a miracle worker. He’s a brilliant diagnostician and surgeon, ethical, empathetic and a wonderful person. He saved me from having 4 vertebrae fused after 2 other orthopedic surgeons told me it was necessary. Fast forward 2 years and my wife gets a horrible case of vertebral osteomyelitis. After 2 ER bungles, misdiagnoses by another another 2 doctors and 20 wasted days at UCI Medical center and a rehab, Dr. Bae came to the rescue.The 2 months of debilitating pain she endured was gone when she awoke from a 6 hour surgery. She’s now recovering at home. We will both be forever grateful to Dr. Bae. J. mazza Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Mar 15, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108961786038339197202/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I located Dr Bae's name during a visit with a man in a shop near Las Cruces NM. His wife had been to see Dr Bae and recommended him. This man lives in Whitefish Montana and I do not know his name. Wish I did so I could thank him. > > We drove to Santa Monica June 3 and met with the staff of The Spine Institute and came away very impressed and are scheduling my surgery for June 18. Dr. Bae was very helpful and fully described the work needed and the planned schedule and even offered suggestions for a place to stay nearby the hospital and his offices. I look forward to this operation. > > We arrived June 17, checked int Ambrose Hotel and the operation went as planned at St Johns. Was in hospital 2 days due to slight complication during procedure. Stayed in hotel nearby until June 24 when we met with Dr Bae and Dr Cano and were cleared to return home. Drove back to SF Bay Area. > > Stopped using Oxycodone after leaving Santa Monica and then Tylenol within a week and then only one Tylenol at bedtime. Numbness in lower body is nearly gone but comes and goes as expected. > > Local home nurse and PT were set up through The Spine Institute and they are headquartered here in Orinda. All visiting assistance has been wonderful. > > My wife was a wonderful nurse and recovery placed a lot of work on her that I had shared so it must be a team effort when serious operations such as back repair are considered. > > I had a Foley in use for 3 weeks and a complication occurred in that I went into septic shock and was hospitalized for a few days at John Muir in Walnut Creek. At first it was thought my back incision was infected so focus for 2 days was on that possibility, but it turned out I had an extreme bladder infection from the Foley. > > I setup a local doctor to perform the 6 weeks review in order to save another trip to LA and that was OK with Drs Cano and Bae. All was well. > > Walked as much as possible, first on my deck then around a local lake. Now walk a mile easily but slowly and use either my Hurrycane or a walking stick. > > One issue I had was the inability to release urine. Several doctors said they thought this was not related to my nerve pinch in my back. I felt it was. Turns out we were both right since after use of Flomax and the operation and after 3 months working with a local urologist I am back to normal. > > It has been 3-1/2 months now and slowly my legs are regaining sensitivity. It seems slow but with PT my balance and strength are improving. > > I feel the effort to work with The Spine Institute in Santa Monica was well worth the extra effort required. R. P. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 10/4/19 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=zT_Fspx0qJWyxsOpDt61Xw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Finding Dr. Bae was a miracle! I can't begin to list all the reasons why. He drove from Cedars to St. John and showed up at midnight to check on my husband after 5 grueling surgeries. I didn't think doctors existed who would go so far for a patient. Look up his creds, and if you should ever need spine surgery, count yourself lucky if you can connect with him and his amazing assistant, Lisa. Their expert work, kindness, and empathy are very very rare. J. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 7/19/19 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=2KTxQyF41jMmkKL8J2IgQg&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae had a consultation with my wife and suggested that she apply for an FDA trial of LimiFlex for her condition of spondylolesthesis. She was accepted and Dr. Bae performed the operation. It was most successful. In 10 days she was driving and 3 months out she is a very happy person. It surely was a better option that the traditional fusion that others had recommended. On one occasion we were stressed because we had to wait to see him. We were completely de-stressed when he came in with his charming self on a day in which he obviously had a lot of activity. > We have nothing but high regard for this doctor. J. R. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 6/13/19 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=OE_2CIieirlQNMVktGc_Nw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Before Dr Bae I had seen 4 other back dr's. All told me I had stenosis in my L3-L5 region. All told me I would need fusion. I went through this over a 6 year period. I refused fusion since It would debilitate me for life. One of the earlier Dr's began to perform newer, minimally invasive procedures when a friend who happens to be a anesthesiologist told me to go see Dr Bae. > I saw Dr Bae in Nov of 2016. I was more than impressed when he told me I did not need fusion. A Lumbar Laminectomy was his prognosis. I saw Dr Bae again in Jan of 2017. Surgery was scheduled for May 2017. Over the 4 month waiting period things changed and the procedure was changed. Still a Laminectomy but now 2 - 6" Carbon Fiber Rods and a titanium spring would also be implanted. > May 15 2017 I went in at 1:30 pm for Surgery. I was in my hospital room at 6:30pm. At 6:30am the next morning I was walking up and down the hallways. I was released 2 days later. > 3 weeks later I was back doing light work. Recovery was amazing. I was able to walk 1/4 mile at first, then 1/2 mile and finally a full mile. > My only mistake was not going to PT when I was told to. A few issues but 4 weeks later I was a champ again. > Dec 2017 I did a 2 mile walk/hike through the desert. I continued to improve. longer walks. less fear about having to park too far away to a store entrance. Sept 2018 I did a 8.5 mile hike through Malibu creek in 3 hours. I could not remember when I was able to go a distance like that with no pain. > Dr Bae can be cold. However he was the warmest and patient man when it came to explaining everything to my wife. Before the surgery he made all the time needed. Lisa can be short. But they do care. The whole office staff cares. > Amazing surgeon. M. Mueller Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 2, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116402600147045135780/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: 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! G. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 1/27/17 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=dpRTAX_pZgd90h0IYVFRbw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: 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! C. V. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 9/1/15 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=Zl8o1WSnmzUAMDGWkEngpw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD A little more understanding ## Feel ready for *your next conversation.* Choosing your care ### [6 ways a caregiver can help before, during and after your appointment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/bringing-caregiver-orthopedic-appointment/) A trusted person can help you remember the conversation and manage next steps. Decide together what support you want, while keeping your priorities at the center of the visit. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/bringing-caregiver-orthopedic-appointment/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 15 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/hyun-bae-md/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. Next: This is the last review page. - [Page 1](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/family-caregiver/hyun-bae-md/index.md) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. 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