Hyun Bae, MD
Spine and back reviews
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97 written reviews
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I suffered from severe back pain for about 20 years due to a high grade spondylolisthesis. I finally went to Dr Bae who recommended lower back fusion. It was a complex surgery and a complete success. I have not had any pain since the operation over three years ago. It is important to know that it lasts! Everything about the process was very supportive and such high quality care. Dr Bae is an excellent surgeon and very kind and patient. I call him the miracle worker. He changed my life! I will always be very grateful to him.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae and his staff are amazing, I recommend Dr. Bae to anyone needing spine surgery. He does amazing work; he is an excellent surgeon. My surgery went smoothly as did my recovery all thanks to his great skill. A year ago, I couldn't walk a block without stopping from the pain I was in and now I can walk a full mile without any pain. Thank you again to Dr. Bae and his wonderful staff.
Hyun Bae, MD
I am grateful for having my life saved. The Doctors who really were responsible for getting me to Dr. McKenna, the surgeon, were Dr. Hyun Bae, my spine surgeon, who noticed my bumpy painful fingers on my right hand. He sent me to Dr. Susko - rheumatologist, who insisted on me having a lung CT scan where cancer was found. He sent me directly to Dr. Markovitz Pulmonary specialist who called Dr. McKenna for me to operate on my lung. Dr. McKenna then saved my life removing my lung cancer and I was released 4 days after the event. I am cancer free and so very grateful for the best doctors anywhere!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae saved my dear friend's life. Literally. After a very successful back surgery, she recently had a follow-up exam. A lump he observed in a joint in her finger prompted him to ask her a seemingly odd question, "Did you smoke when you were young?" She admitted she had. His suspicion piqued, he sent her to a rheumatologist, who ordered a CT Scan -- which revealed a small irregularity in her lung. Needle biopsy confirmed cancer. Surgery got it all, and further testing confirmed it had been caught at Stage 1. What Dr. Bae did for my friend SAVED HER LIFE, and is nothing short of a miracle.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had to have back surgery and I was referred to Dr Bae for a disc replacement. This surgery changed my life. I went from pure agony from the bone on bone damage to not feeling pain in my back anymore. I can’t wait to be fully healed and get my life back 100%. I can’t thank Dr. Bae enough for this amazing procedure. - Estella Sumaoang
Hyun Bae, MD
I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae and Lisa Cano were two of the most caring and wonderful people I've ever met in my life. Dr. Bae performed a very complicated procedure on my lower spine that was both anterior and posterior. I was in surgery for 6 hours. He and his team had to virtually rebuild my lower spine. I would be in a wheelchair if it was not for him. Lisa was by his side and mine through the entire ordeal. God bless them and their staff for their dedication to their practice!
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.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae fixed my neck. I had a couple of failed disks from an injury sustained in JiuJitsu. He replaced the failed disks, and the arm weakness I had experienced the past 18 months was gone as soon as I awoke from surgery. Ask me questions and I will be happy to answer. I want others in pain to get the relief I have had, and navigating your care is not always easy. I know, I have been a RN for 20 years and see the difficulty people have.
Hyun Bae, MD
Had 1 appointment with Dr Bae. Overbooked and office staff has very POOR manners, specifically Dr Hyun Bae's physician assistant named "Lisa" - inhuman, insensitive, poor manners, disrespectful and disgusting.. Don't waste your time or money. Stay away from the American Spine Surgeons. All the best spine surgeons are outside of USA.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had been putting off surgery for probably two years longer than I should have. You can't blame me though anytime you're messing with the cervical spine well they can be scary. Finally the pain was too much and after seeing several orthopedic and neurosurgeons I decided to go with the doctor that came most highly recommended by friends who have had extremely successful surgeries with. It has now been one year since I had a cervical disc replacement by Dr. Bae. I wish I could go back several years and Yell at myself and say don't wait any longer do it! Do it! It is so worth it. Trust Dr Bae with your spine, he is the right doctor. Just to add a little perspective to my review, I have been critical care nurse for 25 years so I know a lot of people in the health industry and you can bet I explored it all. When it finally came time to make a decision the answer was clear, Dr. Bae. Like I said it's been a year since surgery and the answer is still crystal clear, Dr. Bae. Thank you so much to you and all of your team. It feels wonderful not to live with so much pain.
Hyun Bae, MD
I have been suffering from back pain for 40 plus years, sometimes debilitating, sometimes manageable. In the last year it got to the point where I was getting numb more and more frequently and had difficulty standing or walking more than a block. Dr. Bae came to the rescue. I had a laminotomy and spinal fusion. Of course I was nervous but felt confident that Dr. Bae would perform a miracle and he did. I am now 3 months post surgery, returning from Europe where I walked without pain or numbness or any ill effects. In the last week I walked a total of 30 miles sightseeing. I am beyond grateful - the quality of my life is back full force AND I am over 70 and feel like new. Lisa, Dr. Bae's PA, is incredible as is the entire staff. Questions which are probably somewhat irritating are always answered quickly with kindness, adding to the security I felt. A 12 on a scale of 10. Thank you to all!
Hyun Bae, MD
I had sciatica pain for many years. First time I had was sometime in 1996 after a soccer game. Very minor in the beginning but became worse and worse as time went by. When I couldn't walk even two blocks because of this pain, I decided to get a surgery. After searching for doctors, I picked Dr Bae. He took care of my disc, L4/L5 & L5/S1, in 2016. Now, I'm post-op 20 months. Walking, no problems at all. No back pain. He did a great job! When one of my friends developed the same issue I didn't hesitate even 1 second to recommend Dr Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae is talented and professional. He has an excellent staff. Lisa (his physician assistant) is amazing! They made the process of having spine surgery a lot less stressful. Thank you for all you do!
Hyun Bae, MD
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
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
Hyun Bae, M.D. is the finest spinal surgeon in the country, perhaps the world. I had multiple procedures performed by a plethora of doctors, all of which failed to give me relief. Dr. Bae removed all of my structural and neural pain. He is brilliant and wise. I pray Tiger Woods consults with him! There is none better on this planet!
Hyun Bae, MD