Stanford Spine Center

If there was an option for zero stars that would be my choice. The absolute worst care I have ever dealt with. I’m a huge fan of Stanford and donate to them regularly. They saved my sons life. I had way higher expectations than the care I’ve received so far. The front desk staff and Dr Kennedy’s nurse are great but that’s it! Melissa, Dr Kennedy’s NP, started off fantastic but after the first visit with her she turned out to be no better than Dr Kennedy. He is cold. He doesn’t care. I was literally begging him to help me because I’m in so much pain and taking so many meds. He scheduled an injection which my insurance requested a peer to peer for, instead of doing the peer to peer he cancelled my injection without any explanation. The scheduler called to tell me he’s decided this isn’t the right course of treatment anyway. I was passed onto Dr Wood, this alleged world renowned surgeon. TERRIBLE! He was an hour late for my appointment and spent no more than 5 minutes with me to tell me keep taking the meds and let’s see how you feel after the holidays. It’s become real apparent that these doctors don’t want to disrupt their holidays while patients like me are taking so much medication that I’m throwing up constantly just so I can get out of bed and care for my baby. Please save yourself the heartache and don’t bother with these people.

I have had a lower back problem for three years, treating it with PT, stretching, exercises and NSAIDs. The increase in sciatic pain (constant pulling down both legs) and my increase in sitting (avoiding more exercise because of pain) caused me to seek a second opinion. Dr Kennedy and his resident were clear in their opinion of my MRI and my options (epidural to put off surgery for a few years). The epidural was SO STATE OF THE ART I was most impressed. And more importantly, I am pain free for the first time in three years! I am a nurse and usually very cynical so this is really a miracle!!!

I have been on hold over 50 minutes to just make an appointment — –in the meantime have read all the reviews and am hanging up. Thanks for not answering the phone Stanford, after seeing what the others have written you’ve saved me a ton of frustration and time! I am seeing the Remedy group instead (who answered the phone on the second ring, no waiting at all!).

I have been had nothing but great experiences with Dr. Smuck and his staff. I have a long standing back condition which is deginerative and will require a lifetime of care. I have been to him about 4 times in the past year. He understands my adversion to additional surgeries unless there is no other choice. He and his staff have always been honest with their recomendations while giving me all options. I understand at times an MD can be held up due to issues with other patients or a procedure running over. This has rarely happend at the Spine Center but when it has they have kept me informed of the estimated wait. I would highly recomend the Stanford Spine Center

I have been to many Doctors, Spine specialists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic .etc. I went to get an opinion from Stanford University because they are the best in their field and I know from experience you cannot go to see anyone with expectations. I also know YOU NEED TO GO PREPARED. I went with full MRI and reports. Expecting to be there all day. I saw Dr. Ivan Cheng MD. As everyone stated, his assistant assessed my situation then Dr. Cheng came and evaluated me. He did find a problem and I will be having another fusion in a few months. People need to understand, this is a teaching hospital. Your first appointment is an assessment. Most Doctors do not just hand out narcotics the first visit. If you do not have current records you can’t expect much either!

I had my first visit of at least 3, and so far, it was wonderful.
Let me start with some background info about ME… I’m a nurse. I work with spinal cord injured veterans. I know about rehab and spines! When a doctor here in my office (she is brilliant and I respect her very much) told me that she HIGHLY recommended Dr. Smuck because she spent some time at the Spine Clinic as a resident while attending Stanford, I didn’t even check Unilocal first, I just made the appointment… after spending thousands of dollars on acupuncture and chiropractic care, of course.
The front desk staff was VERY accommodating and cordial. Unfortunately, people think that doctors have the ability to fix everything all of the time… I see it every day. A good doctor will encourage you to get a second opinion if you’re not happy with their prognosis. You absolutely should. When it comes to something SERIOUS, you should ALWAYS get a second opinion! Know your options and risks. You also need to understand doctors can’t always work miracles and your condition just may not be fixable. Bummer, but true… hence, get a second opinion because «You can’t win if you don’t play.»
The Stanford resident/​intern/​whatever saw me at EXACTLY my appointment time. He did a complete assessment, asked me a LOT of questions, and proceeded to give me a pretty $#!++y hypothesis… he tried to tell me that if I waited long enough that the pain would eventually go away. How about I hand you your balls? Don’t worry, the pain will eventually go away. ;-) 1 star for you, my friend. (update: not only has my pain not gone away, but it hasn’t lessened one bit.)
Dr. Smuck came in, asked some more questions, poked around on my back, told me I needed an MRI and I would probably need «the cortisone shot»…I’m super familiar with this whole drill and was expecting it. What I wasn’t expecting was that he would take my trouble sleeping so seriously and my aversion to narcotics! He gave me a prescription for a mild muscle relaxer to help me sleep and I tried it last night. I haven’t had that great a sleep in a LONG time. :p (update: you can’t be on these long term, so since my back pain is the same, I’m back to not sleeping very awesome.)
I will continue to update this with each visit… so far, so good, Stanford Spine Center!
Update: I had my MRI and I have a herniated disc. Boohoo. I don’t know how long it’s been since my first appointment, but I am still in the same amount of pain. I made an appointment to come back, but I don’t want the shots. :(

Dr. Smucks lady assistant was very nice, Dr. Smuck did my steroid injection, with 40% relief.
Went back for follow up of the injection 2 weeks later, another assistant started the visit then Dr Smuck came in to tell me I needed another injection.
Well I was not feeling very happy to have another long needle stuck in my spine.
I went to Scientific Acupuncture in Foster City this weekend, my pain is gone!!!
If you have back pain from a herniated disc — go to Scientific Acupuncture!

My husband went to see Dr. Ivan W. Cheng at the Stanford Outpatient Clinic in July/​2012 after having back pain for over 20 yrs., and then having it get worse to the point of having one leg going numb and a foot starting to flop when he walked. He was referred there, and we decided to try to see if there was something that could be done. We had already heard of the Desert Spine Center in Rancho Mirage that did the minimally-​invasive surgeries for herniations, but didn’t really want to go there in the summer. My husband had some stenosis and two herniations (L-​4, L-​5). Dr. Cheng was very informative, helpful and and answered every question we asked during the consult. We felt very comfortable with him.
We were EXTREMELY pleased with Dr. Cheng, and everybody involved at Stanford. Because of my husband’s pain level (9), and the fact that we were supposed to fly back east in 6 weeks, Dr. Cheng arranged his schedule to accommodate us and told me that he would be OK to fly 18 days after surgery. It was true!
The surgery lasted 3 hours, but my husband walked out of the hospital the next morning. After the 3^rd pain pill, never took another one. He only took the pain pills for the 4 hour ride home, and to sleep that first night home. His pain was gone! His scar was only 2 ½ inches long. He seems like a different person now, and only gets tired after a long day of physical exercise. He is 65 yrs. old, and is taking care of his back but still mows our huge lawn and gardens with me. He just built a bench in the garage last week!
I can’t thank Dr. Cheng enough for being such a wonderful surgeon!!!

Avoid Dr Frankenchen. He is a fraud. Don’t see him for second opinions. He will only say uh «nothing». «I can’t see recommending any treatment at this time». He will not answer any questions either. He will however, do an x-​ray and gladly charge you for it. I’m suffering from a surgery gone bad. It was only to be a «couple» of vertebrae fusion. It turned into 21 pins T2-​L1. After seeing three «out of home hospital» surgeons, I went on my scheduled appointment with original surgeon and the first thing he says when he looks at my back and the CT’s i had done without his approval was «uh-​oh» «you have increased kyphosis from post op and this bump on your back is getting worse.» I strongly believe these surgeons have their own society and part of that is to not put down in writing anything that would damage anothers reputation. It was weird for me. 2 of the three I saw would say something that was damaging to the surgeon but not put it on the report. Cheng just takes your money and sends you on your way. I urge anyone thinking of surgery to read all you can before going for it. As far as my surgery is concerned, I used to wrench on cars, I’m now one year post op, had to sell my business, and I’m on more drugs than before I went in. What a waste. I would say I learned a lot, but at a price no one wants to pay. I feel like I will never work again. The pain just increases and I’m helpless. Lawyers in the field of medical malpractice won’t touch my case. They hear «back surgery» and run. I’ve talked to 16 lawyers offices. I will get attention soon though. You can file complaints. Try

About 10 years ago, my husband was diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis by a doctor in Nevada. The diagnosis was pretty evident by the x-​rays that showed a 40 degree curve in his lumbar. For several years, he had nerve blocks and epidurals (band-​aids) to mask the pain but eventually, the shots no longer worked and he had no other choice but to have corrective back surgery.
We lived in Nevada at the time and did our diligence in seeking out the best spine surgeon in the state. So we moved forward and my husband had 2 surgeries, one day apart to correct the curvature with caging, rods and screws. Prior to the surgery, we asked the doctor what we could expect as far pain goes after a year. He said «you should be chipping and putting within 6 months and if you have occasional pain, you will be able to manage it with Ibuprofen.» I DONT THINK SO!!!
HIs pain was not subsiding but seemed to be getting worse and we felt we were getting the brush off since the doctor did his part. I will spare the agonizing details of being referred to many pain relief doctors for medicine cocktails, more nerve blocks, nerve ablation, and spinal cord stimulater. Absolutely nothing worked and my husband literally wanted to die. This coming from a man who is athletic, a world traveler and a lover of life. Now he was for the most part, bed ridden and planning his suicide.
Not one doctor, including the surgeon could tell us what was causing his pain — not one! We were desperate and my husband asked his pain med doctor to refer him to Stanford. His records were sent and shortly after we were contacted by Dr. Cheng’s office to schedule an appointment.
We met with Dr. Cheng and by looking at his x-​rays (nothing new, the old ones sent from his doctor in Nevada) he immediately knew what was wrong. He told my husband that he had «Flat Back Syndrome» and this was an unfortunate result of his corrective surgery. This is what was causing all his pain and it made perfect sense when he talked us thru it. He explained that my husband would need another operation which would result in creating the lumbar curvature.
We were told this was a major operation — you can youtube it — its called Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy. We should plan on an operation that would take up most of the day, about 10 days in ICU, blood transfusions, bone graft from his hip (which would add to his recovery time), a torso brace, etc, etc. As horrifying as all that sounds, we were ready to do it.
So fast forward to today — his surgery was March 8 — not even 3 weeks ago. Dr. Cheng had one of the OR nurses call me every hour with an update — his policy to help keep the family nerves at bay. After 6 hours, Dr. Cheng walks out with a wonderful smile on his face. The surgery could not have been more perfect. Instead of all day, it was 6 hours, he was in the hospital only 7 days, minimal blood loss, no bone graft from his hip, no ICU, no brace is needed and the best part… he was able to recreate a 32 degree curve in his lumbar which is what most of us walk around with naturally. All I could do was cry.
My husband was moved to a live in rehab on March 14 and will be released this weekend. He does not need any special equipment to live, i. e, walker, cane, special toilet seat, blah, blah. His pain went from a 7 or 8 before surgery to a 2 to 3 today and we are only 2 ½ weeks out from his surgery!
I’m so sorry you all had such a bad experience, but as far as we are concerned, he is the best spine surgeon on the planet. He gave my husband his life back. For the first time in years, I have seen him smile and heard him laugh. I honestly wish I could tell the world about him — he is that amazing!
I would never hesitate to send any of my loved ones to him — THANK YOU DR. CHENG!

My wife and I visited Dr. Cheng today as we wanted to get a second opinion on treatment options for a complicated back condition my wife has been suffering with on and off for over a year.
My wife worked hard to arrange this consult and we had high expectations for Stanfords Spine Center.
Unfortunately, we were dissappointed.
We left Dr. Cheng’s office feeling pretty crumby. He was basically non-​commital about any treatment options. He didnt really have any solid recommendations. He mentioned that he saw 20 people like my wife a day… indicating my wife’s condition was common… but then really didnt have any options for us.
In my mind I expected more from a doctor of this caliber and from the Stanford Spine Center. When I look at this guys web site… it looks like he might be a guy who can actually help people… but he didnt help us. Even worse… we felt like he didnt even try to help us.

I was just about ready to write my review about Dr. K and read Christelle C.‘s review. I absolutely whole-​heartedly agree with her on every single point (and I wonder if we didn’t see the same person) — including the assistant (in my case it was an RNP).
So copy and paste Christelle C.‘s review in here and add that I was in an acute flare with a chronic condition, and PT was prescribed, but nothing for the flare. Went to another doctor (more money out of pocket) who prescribed me what I needed. Stanford Spine Center does NOT prescribe meds. Not even steroids (Prednisone).
The ONLY reason they get two stars from me is because of his nurse practitioner. Stanford should be so grateful that she is there to actually care for his patients because it’s obvious he does not.

Okay, just to say I should be doing 2 different reviews.
This one’s for Dr. Smuck, or should I say, Schmuck.
I waited about 40 minutes before I got into the office, where I was taken charge by another doctor (Schmuck’s assistant) and an intern.
I must say that the assistant was trully competent, the best doctor I’ve seen. She had a broad knowledge of my condition and even suggested options I could do. If I ever come back there, I’ll ask for an appoint ment with her, not with Smuck. She’s a healthy dark skin woman in her late thirties. She deserves 5 stars, but since dr. smuck deserves 0 stars, it explains this ranking!
As for Dr. smuck, he came about 2hours later than my scheduled appointment, and didn’t seem to care about my back problem. He really had a bad attitude.
It seems that while he was looking at me he was just thinking:
— «It really sucks to be you.
— I’m sooo glad I’m me.
— I’ll be charging your insurance company 800 $ to pretent to be listening to your problem…
— Hum, I wonder if I’m going to be buying that yacht in the Bahamas finally…»
At the end of the consultation, I asked what my options were, and he just told me: «Well, YOU tell me»
I wouldn’t be here if I knew what my options were, stupid as***le!
I was trying to be polite, but at some point I had to tell him he wasn’t helpful at all…
He’s a jerk. Try another doctor.
If you’ve got to see someone, Ask for his woman assistant, even though I don’t know if you can schedule an appointment with her only and avoid the schmuck. Worst case scenario, ask for her within a Smuck appointment, and leave before the schmuck comes!

Doctors are decent (although none have ever been able to figure out where my pain comes from, even with MRIs and X-​rays). The old lady who works as a receptionist is quite unpleasant.
You have to show up 30 minutes before your appointment, which is a bit early, but fine if the doctors can keep their time commitments…
OK, fine, I’ve done that repeatedly, including today. I showed up for my 3:00 appointment at 2:30 today. At 3:32 today I was still staring at a wall waiting for the doctor to show up. Like I don’t have a job to do or a life to live. I finally walked out, completely unnoticed. In the past, the Spine Center and Orthopedics doctors have been at least 30 minutes late to my appointments (for which I show up 30 minutes early as required).
This is a business. I am a customer. This kind of service is completely unacceptable.