Hyun Bae, MD
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70 written reviews
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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
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. 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, with luck and 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 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
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
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 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