Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/treatment-options/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. Treatment choices and shared decisions · Patient experiences # Hyun Bae, MD. *Treatment choices and shared decisions reviews.* 14 five-star reviews for Dr. Hyun Bae discuss treatment choices and shared decisions. Patients share stories of clear explanations and compassionate care. Your questions and priorities belong in the conversation. Read what patients share about discussing their choices. 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/treatment-options/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/treatment-options/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/) [Treatment choices and shared decisions experiences across our team →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/treatment-options/) [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.* Patients often remember how the choices were explained. These reviews mention options and decisions, offering a starting point for your own questions. - How can I make sure my priorities are part of the conversation? - 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 treatment choices and shared decisions. You can read every rating and written review on [the full clinician profile](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) . 14 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > Dr. Bae and the team made an excellent first impression. Dr. Bae was extremely personable, a great listener, and took the time to fully understand my concerns and answer my questions. I especially appreciated his thoughtful approach to shared decision-making—he clearly explained my options without making me feel rushed or pressured. His combination of expertise, compassion, and genuine care made me feel very comfortable and confident in his recommendations. A. alijani Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 5 weeks ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109146127957742399300/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr.Bae is the 4 th surgeon I consulted with for my cervical and lumbar issues.He gave me the least invasive, cutting edge and advanced surgery options with the quickest recovery! Hopefully the results will follow 🙏🙏 very impressive Dr. H. O'Melia Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jul 1, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104846441423120523903/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 > I was suffering terribly with neck pain for years and my last resort option was surgery. Prior to going to Dr. Bae my option was fusion of the discs in my neck that would limit my neck movement. Dr Bae offered another option that would give me complete mobility in my next that would not involve fusion. He spent a lot of time with me explaining the procedure and its previous successes. His staff was amazing as well. I am so happy with the results; no more pain or debilitating migraines and I now have complete flexibility of movement in my neck. Dr Bae has been a godsend and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is suffering from spinal issues. A. Miller-George Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Apr 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111152352430931793050/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae and his staff weee very helpful and informative. I did not feel rushed in and out. He was very understanding of my personal apprehensions of surgical options, and reassuring as to the concerns I had of surgery affecting my ability to continue my work. E. Harp Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Feb 13, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114088068058589808812/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I would give 10 stars if I could to this team and Dr. Bae. Extremely knowledgeable and discusses your options in plain English. He and his team truly care about you as a patient and wants you to have the best outcome. Special thanks to both Bernadette in August for all their help. A. Vahdat Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Feb 9, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114660068973128763350/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr. Bae was very helpful in informing me of my options. G. Strauss Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Dec 14, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117728327799150830048/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > He spent a good amount of time answering my questions and thinking out loud what the options were. It significantly reduced my anxiety. He's very present and purposeful. 5 starts all around. L. kranefuss Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Oct 23, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100036873681781969793/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: 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. D. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 4/11/23 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=NxC7ij8DJvQBJJcRooHvLA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Dr, Bae changed my life!!!!! After seeing several outstanding back surgeons across the country, I chose Dr. Bae for my decompression back surgery after he explained in detail all of my options. On my first appointment I was using a walker and in severe pain...for over 6 months. I was nervous to have back surgery but he gave me confidence it would all be successful...and it was! The day after surgery I was walking normally and pain free. Its now been three months and trusting Dr. Bae was the best decision I've ever made. This 70yr old grandma now feels like she's 40 again. M. W. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 1/17/20 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=_FHhGOfzEGlCtcsqmtxegw&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 > 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. H. M. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 9/10/18 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=oB-PjnL_Vi2IPD5gPWJ_Ng&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: 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. N. F. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: 8/20/14 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=jfS6_adMQvMZOrcDwOMECg&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 warm honest and answered my questions before I even asked them. While the assessment was concerning, he also offered options. It is easy to see why close friends urged me to see him. R. Johnstone Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 6 days ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106246881852112271173/reviews) Source link type: reviewer activity Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD A little more understanding ## Feel ready for *your next conversation.* Choosing your care ### [6 questions to compare treatments around your life](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) A good treatment decision connects the evidence with your life: what you hope to do, which risks concern you, and what recovery would ask of you. Your priorities belong in that discussion. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 14 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/treatment-options/hyun-bae-md/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. 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