Hyun Bae, MD.
Imaging and diagnosis conversations reviews.

Dr Bae took his time to think out and explain everything. He showed us pictures of my neck stenosis MRI and what the surgery entailed. He was kind and thoughtful. He was very reassuring and recommended one more test before the final decision.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae was great. He was very friendly and personable. He went over the MRI and explained everything in a nontechnical that I could understand and he put me at ease about having surgery.

Hyun Bae, MD

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.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae and his staff are very together. Good consultation and thorough examination of my MRI, referral for further treatment.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae and his staff were great. I went for my first consult and he explained everything that was going on with my back after looking at the mri result. He went into detail of what I need and I didn’t even feel scared when he told me that I needed surgery to fix it. I will definitely go back to see him again.

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

Dr. Bae has successfully removed three discs in my upper spine and saved me interminable suffering of tingling and pain in my fingers and hands on both sides! He is a surgical “artist”’ both technically and aesthetically. He is conservative in his diagnostic approach and careful to recommend all PT efforts be taken before resorting to surgery. I trust Dr. Bae as I have been through 2 surgeries and several consultations over the past 10 years.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae is an excellent diagnostician who zeros in on the real source of a problem. Then he fixes it. He empowers patients by educating us. He works from a simple approach to a more challenging one, if necessary. His staff is organized and treats patients as human beings. Dr. Bae is someone I trust based on two surgeries, one larger and one small.

Hyun Bae, MD

After numerous epidurals and PT I came to the realization that my only remaining option to resolve my back pain was to consult a spine surgeon. After extensive research and review, Dr. Hyun Bae jumped to the top of my list. What a great find! Dr. Bae was warm, friendly, down to earth and exuded a tremendous amount of confidence. After reviewing my MRI he indicated that he could help me, but it would involve surgery. No problem, as that was what I expected. He explained what he would do while pointing that out on my MRI. He used the words, 'easy peasy" to describe what needed to be done. Easy for him to say, but in reality it was a minimally invasive procedure. I felt totally comfortable with him. I might add that every person whom I can in contact with at Cedars-Sinai or the Spine Institute was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae highly enough. Thank you, Dr. Bae.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Incredible results from an incredible spine surgeon! Dr. Hyun Bae possesses a completely different level of understanding and surgical skill-set that elevates him well above his peers in his field of expertise. Just look at his resume, it's clear why he's considered the best spine surgeon in the U.S. by those who've had the pleasure of being repaired by him. It wasn't by chance that I went to Dr. Bae, I researched spine surgeons in the U.S. extensively and interviewed several before concluding Dr. Bae was clearly the most talented surgeon I could select. And he didn't disappoint me! The entire staff at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration is very professional and highly efficient. This included scheduling my appointments, working with my insurance company, coordinating my surgeries and all follow-up appointments, including phone calls checking on my recovery progress. Tackling my complicated issue required two separate cervical spine surgeries. The first consisted of a posterior laminotomy, medial facetectomy and foraminotomy at level C7/T1, followed 3-weeks later with a complete 2-level anterior disc replacement at levels C5/C6 & C6/C7. State of the art titanium/polymer artificial discs were securely implanted, providing me with a full range of motion and pain-free use of my neck. Both surgeries were performed at the Advanced Surgical Center of Beverly Hills on an outpatient basis, which would have been unimaginable just 5-years ago. Amazingly, my disc replacement surgery began at 7am and I was in my vehicle being driven home at 1pm the same day, wearing only a soft neck brace for the ride home, which I never needed to wear again. My recovery and pain management has been way better than anticipated. In fact, the most difficult part of my entire recovery has been forcing myself to take it easy to give myself time to heal, simply because I feel so good. It's only been 7-weeks since my second surgery and I honestly feel like I can physically do anything without pain or limitations. I'm patiently waiting for Dr. Bae's clearance before returning to my regular workouts, active lifestyle, and pursuit of competitive golf. My recommendation to anyone in the U.S. searching for the finest spine surgeon available to diagnose and perform spine surgery on them is to include Dr. Hyun Bae on your list to interview. Resist the urge of selecting your spine surgeon simply based on geographical conveniences. Travel if necessary, your spine is too important.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Bae is a genius. Years of study at Ivy League universities and residency at the nations finest orthopedic hospitals has prepared him to give superior diagnostic care and spinal intervention when needed. I had spinal fusion under his direction and care. Yes I was afraid, but now I am grateful . Lisa, the assistant PA is marvelous, caring,and on top of your healing and pain management! Don’t hesitate see Dr Bae at LA Spine Institute!

Hyun Bae, MD

In early 2017 I slipped on some ice and suffered a stable fracture of the L1 vert. Once the trauma of the fall settled and I thought I could return to normal, I soon discovered I'd never see normal again. The fall changed EVERYTHING, as most traumatic injuries do. I was also suffering from a bad knee I believe was exacerbated by the fall. About a year and a half after the fall, I went to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of my Dr. He took a look at my MRI and noted I had a bone spur hitting the nerve someplace below the L1 where the break was, something others had missed (bulging discs, not much to do about it). He assured me this was easy to fix and I'd be good as new. BACK SURGERY!!! AHHHHH!!!! I was terrified. He noted that while I had some disc degeneration, he felt my spine overall looked no worse than someone else's my age, or his even, which made me feel good--he's young. Anyway, in November 2018 I had surgery to fix the bone spur. I've had several surgeries in my life and I woke up sick and out of it every time. This time I woke up like I just had the best nap of my life. I was up and going to the bathroom shortly after I woke up and I was home a few hours later. The office follow-up was great, and I thank Lisa Cano for her kindness and thoroughness during a small rough patch about three weeks post surgery. I'd been feeling a little blah and I could tell I was retaining water throughout my body. I just felt...swollen. I got a massage, and while the masseuse was very careful around the incision, she moved things around, as massage will do. A few hours passed and as I got up from the couch to go to bed, my back was wet. Long story short, the incision opened up and was leaking fluid. I immediately called the office (around 9pm, so it was the exchange I got), and Lisa called back immediately, asked me to take a picture, then told me how to cover it, etc. and had me come in the following morning. Dr. Bae was extremely concerned, said he'd never seen this so far out post surgery. He was NOT dismissive or cavalier, which I appreciated. His concern actually made me calmer about it (we can address the psychology of that another time) He swabbed for infection, then dressed it and sent me home with dressings and orders to take pictures after every dressing change. Within a day or two he called and said he wanted to go back in and surgically put a drain in. I finished a round of antibiotics he normally gives post surgery, and he put me on a second round. I was very against going under again, and within a few days the incision began tunneling. It was clear I had an infection but it wasn't bad enough to make me ill-no fever, no pain to speak of, just a little uncomfortable and a lot unnerving. He finally prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic and within a couple of days the tunneling stopped and the incision closed. These things happen. Drs work diligently to prevent infection, but it happens. The competency and care I experienced with Dr. Bae and his PA Lisa cannot be overstated. I was not worried for a second, and when I objected to going under again for the drain, Dr. Bae was firm that we shouldn't wait too long, but he didn't push. I sent Lisa gross pictures of the wound and the bandages every day, and it was enough to ruin the strongest of stomachs. Her communication was right on, and frequent. Saving the best for last, my back is good as new. The only negative was that with a repaired back my knee situation came to the forefront and proceeded to cause me suffering the back couldn't hold a candle to. I got that taken care of in September of 2019 (see my review of Dr Andrew Yun). I cannot say enough about Dr. Bae and his staff. He is just wonderful and he'll be my go-to if any future issues arise.

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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.

Hyun Bae, MD

If you need back surgery, you cannot find a better surgeon than Dr. Bae!! My diagnosis was spinal stenosis. My symptoms were pain in my right hip and leg, plus muscle weakness. I am 78 years old and was nervous about back surgery, so I opted for steroid injections in my back, and this reduced the pain for a couple of months, but did nothing to help the weakness. Then, four months ago, I had been sitting on my couch and as I went to stand up, I leaned over to one side and must have twisted my back, when suddenly I was in immense pain and was unable to move my right foot! I went to the emergency room and had an MRI and was told I needed surgery! This is when I called Dr. Bae's office and was told to send my MRI disc and was given an immediate appointment after talking to Dr. Bae's assistant. I saw Dr. Bae on Friday, and watched him review my MRI - his comment was "wow, you need to have surgery, and we can do it on Tuesday!" I was sent nearby for an immediate second MRI and giveen my pre-op instructions for checking in to St. John's that Tuesday. I walked out the next morning with no pain. My leg weakness is steadily getting better with therapy and I was able to return to playing badminton in 2 months! Dr. Bae has literally saved my way of life. I could not walk without a walker when I had my surgery. Now I am walking my Border Collie and playing badminton!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I went to Dr. Bae after finding him through an online search for a second opinion. I am so lucky that I had him operate instead of the doctor that I saw before him. I had spinal stenosis and spinal decompression surgery with a spinal fusion was the standard procedure for my diagnosis. Dr. Bae told me about a clinical trial that I might qualify for that could be performed instead of fusion. I qualified and had the surgery. He performed the surgery at an outpatient hospital and I walked out the same day. I was able to drive in a week and returned to work very part time in two weeks. I am able to do so many things I couldn't do before the surgery and am seeing more and more improvement in the four months since the surgery. I had complete confidence in Dr. Bae's abilities and would highly recommend him to anyone that has spinal problems. He is the best!!!

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Hyun Bae, MD

I just celebrated my one year post op from a major C1 - T2 fusion. My review almost a year ago is still on Yelp. My life has changed radically because I went in knowing that I made the decision to lose mobility to save my quality of life. Having wished for death from the pain I was having, I look back and know I made the right choice. Dr. Bae has walked along side me during this year. He has always been a straight shooter, (and I think some people might struggle with that kind of upfront honesty), but I find it refreshing. He never promised my life would be cake walk, but he said that regarding my pain, I would be at least 85% better. I'd say it's better than that. When I first had my surgery, he thought I would have tremendous pain post op. I had none. The only difficulty has been getting used to not moving my head like I did. But honestly, those who know me would tell you I used to lay in bed all the time I wasn't working not being able to face another day. I will take this life instead. Next month I am starting to deal with my low back, as I have put that off for a long time. There is no one else I would trust with my care. I find Dr. Bae to be the most intelligent and sharp surgeon I've ever met, and I have met many. I continue to find his diagnostic skills second to none. I find him to be caring, funny, and personable. I offered my phone number to him for anyone who had to have a very serious surgery like mine so that they could speak with me directly. I still offer that. I am a very busy person, and I continue to fulfill my role as a college professor in as effective a manner as I ever had at the age of 61. I owe that to Dr. Bae for giving me my life back. One year later and still raving about this man!!! Finally, his staff rock. They are all kind and helpful, and I have pestered them enough to where they could have been annoyed. They answer every question and are also kind and patient. What a blessing to have found Dr. Bae.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Hyun Bae performed lumbar fusion surgery May 15, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. My diagnosis was extreme lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesus, and scoliosis. My legs were giving out from under me and I couldn't walk from the car to the front door even tho' I am athletic and in great shape for 70. Long and short of it, I am extremely happy with the results and grateful we found Dr. Bae. We interviewed several surgeons but found Dr. Bae to be the most informed about my condition and treatment option. His professional attitude was confidence-inspiring, answering all my questions and providing me a sense of security. Back surgery is generally the last therapeutic resolution to extreme back problems and I did everything to prevent having to have it so I am happy but surprised with the results. His staff and his assistant Lisa, were caring, efficient and available throughout the process. That's important if you want your doctor to focus on you! -Guy M.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Bae performed disc replacement surgery on me in Jan of 2018, very very pleased with the result. Since surgery I have had very good range of motion, x-rays look great, and no pain. I can return to all activities provided the rest of my body agrees and I don't try and do too much too fast. The whole experience has been very positive. Dr Bae has a warm, confident, and intelligent way about him. He is very patient and easy to talk with. He took as much time with me as needed to explain and educate. He does that for everyone so waiting may be in the cards as he is a very sought after surgeon with a strong track record. Thank you, Dr Bae. Very happy.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Hyun Bae, MD