Hyun Bae, MD
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105 written reviews
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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 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 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.
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 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
Excellent surgeon. Knowledgeable, smart and caring. His assistant, Lisa, is kind and listens to every word. The whole staff is A-Plus!
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
My surgery with Dr. Bae for L4 L5 S1 decompression has been successful and I am pain free! I am so glad that I found him...My accupuncturist recommended him. I can walk and move without pain. The staff, Lisa, Diana and Nora ,etc. have helped with all the administrative and clinical questions that I have had. I could not be happier ! Highly recommend Dr. Bae!!
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 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.
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
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
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!
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
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. Bae an amazing doctor! Last December I injured my spine while in North Carolina. The doctors there did what I call temporary fix on my third lumbar which didn't work! Searching for more answers to my problem, Dr. Bae was referred to me as being one of the best in L.A. My first appointment with Dr. Bae was professional in every detail. There was a chance that my spine would heal and he wanted to give it two months. Well, after 4 weeks, I knew something needed to be done. Dr. Bae expedited my appointment and set me up for surgery the following week. He explained clearly everything that would transpire during the one and one-half hour operation. Leaving his office I had complete confidence that I had selected the right doctor. The day of surgery, staff and the doctor were so positive that I was very comfortable leaving my back destiny in his hands. I am happy to say that after surgery the pains have disappeared and I can walk again. I would like to thank Dr. Bae, his excellent assistant Lisa and the entire surgery staff for making my first every hospital stay an easy one. I would also like to thank Amy and Rob for recommending this fantastic surgeon.
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 and his team are very professional and highly competent. After searching for a surgeon and really doing my homework, I settled for Bae. I was extremely impressed with his credentials( you can google them) and I made an appointment to see him. After my initial visit, I instantly felt comfortable. I didn't feel pressured, I just felt I found the right guy. I called his office back a week later and scheduled my L5 s1 fusion/ decompression surgery that I sort of already intuitively knew I needed. I then just went along with my intuition that "this was my guy." As I sit here writing this two weeks to the day post operation, I can only give my utmost gratitude to Bae and his team. Thanks so much, and keep up the wonderful work! I am feeling better each day.
Hyun Bae, MD