Excel Spine

Patient Experiences

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    5.0 Google

    Review from Dusty R.

    Source: Google | Feb 19, 2025

    Not to be overly dramatic, but Dr. Choll Kim was heaven sent. He saved my life. I went from being crippled, back to a full human being again, in less than 8 weeks. Before surgery I'd lost feeling in both legs and had extreme pain from my glutes all the way down my legs. I couldn't stand vertically and couldn't walk more than a few feet. Dr Kim performed a minimally invasive surgery fusing L2 to S3 and L3 to L4. I spent one night in the hospital. I have returned to hiking, gentle stretching, and light weightlifting. I will continue to improve. I am 71 years old.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Razel L.

    Source: Google | Jan 19, 2025

    I’m a nurse from New Zealand who had been suffering from intense and relentless low back pain for 2 years due to a work-related injury. I have tried every conservative management there is such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, and steroid injection and nothing worked. I went online searching for other alternatives and came across Dr. Kim Choll in youtube. I found his surgical techniques fascinating and decided to book a consultation via zoom. He initially suggested to repeat my MRI as the last one was a year ago. After reviewing the results, he advised to have a second steroid injection, this time, on the affected level of my prolapsed disc with annular tear for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The first one I had from another doctor was on another level to target my left leg pain. This goes to show that he is not someone who recommends spine surgery without exhausting other conservative options. I went to get the steroid injection which diagnostically confirmed my pain generator but unfortunately did not help with my pain. That’s when Dr. Kim advised that I undergo laser endoscopic spine surgery. At this point, surgery felt like my last and only option. I felt desperate, and exhausted from the never ending pain I had to endure day in and day out. My partner and I decided to fly to San Diego in September of 2024 to undergo surgery. Dr. Kim and his staff were very professional and kind. Dr. Kim made me feel comfortable and that I’m in good hands. He took his time in explaining the process and allowed me to ask questions and answered them clearly. On the day of the surgery he came to see me upon admission and clarified any additional questions I had. The surgery went successfully and he came to see me again in recovery. I felt taken care of and was very grateful. I was there in the hospital for a total of 8 hours and was discharged on pain medications. My post operative pain was manageable and I was sight-seeing in San Diego after 5 days. I flew back to New Zealand after 9 days post- surgery and commenced physiotherapy. I am now 3 months post-op and would say that my pain has 50% improved. That for me is a big deal, and I believe it will only continue to improve from here on out. I am now able to do more activities and I couldn’t be happier. I thank God for using Dr Kim as an instrument to heal me. Dr Kim’s surgical skill is unparalleled and his compassion is a blessing. ❤️
    5.0 Google

    Review from Wynda S.

    Source: Google | Jan 15, 2025

    Back surgery 12 years ago. No further issues. Dr. Kim and his team are the best!
    5.0 Google

    Review from Alaina H.

    Source: Google | Nov 4, 2024

    Amazing bedside manner. Actually rare to find sometimes. Thank you dr kim
    5.0 Google

    Review from Christian T.

    Source: Google | Aug 22, 2024

    Dr. Kim and his team are top notch! I had a c5/c6 disc replacement and very shortly after my surgery I had some relief. The body recovery process has been up and down, just as all surgeries go. Dr. Kim has been there to support me every step of the way. I highly recommend him and his team! *** Update - 4 months after surgery, I'm doing better and better everyday.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Lorraine H.

    Source: Google | Jul 14, 2024

    I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Choll Kim for the exceptional care he provided during my recent C4-5, C5-6 Disc Replacement surgery. Nineteen years ago, I injured my back in a fall from a fire engine and have since lived with daily pain ranging from 4 to 10 on the pain scale. I tried every possible treatment to avoid surgery, but nothing brought lasting relief. The pain, along with a pinched nerve in my neck that radiated down my left arm, caused numbness and severe discomfort in my arm and fingers. Dr. Kim came highly recommended by two friends who had undergone similar surgeries with him, and I am so glad I followed their advice. From the very first consultation, Dr. Kim impressed me not just with his incredible surgical skill but also with his professionalism, care, and genuine compassion. He is not only an amazing surgeon but also a wonderful human being. He is approachable, takes the time to listen, and never once made me feel rushed or dismissed. He answered all of my questions thoroughly and in a way that I could easily understand, which made a huge difference in my comfort level going into surgery. While I am not entirely pain-free, my pain has significantly improved, and my quality of life has increased tremendously. I can’t thank Dr. Kim enough for his expertise and dedication. If you are considering surgery and want a surgeon who is not only highly skilled but also truly cares about his patients, I highly recommend Dr. Choll Kim. He has made a remarkable difference in my life, and I am forever grateful.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Fred A.

    Source: Google | Jun 8, 2024

    After interviewing 7 spine surgens I am glad I went with Dr Kim, I can not be happier with the outcome of my disks replacement, where others would tell me my only option was fusion or flat out reject any procedure because "surgery would make it worse" they would tell me.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Jeffrey L.

    Source: Google | May 29, 2024

    Dr Kim’s stellar reputation with minimally invasive spinal surgeries is well earned. Over the past two years I have undergone 2 minimally invasive spinal procedures with Dr Kim and I am totally pleased with the outcomes (facet cystectomies and discectomy). Rather than undergo a more traditional “open” spinal surgery as would be performed by most surgeons, with prolonged post-operative recuperation times, Dr Kim and his excellent team of assistants skillfully diagnosed and treated my condition utilizing minimally invasive techniques that allowed me to return to the gym within a month and proceed with in an extensive European trip within three weeks of surgery. My intense pre-operative pains “magically” disappeared on the first day following my procedures. Having participated in countless spinal surgeries over my 25 year career within operating room settings, I cannot recommend Dr Kim and is entire staff, especially Kendra his PA, highly enough. It’s very comforting to know that Dr Kim is available to handle any future needs I may have.
    5.0 Google

    Review from A.H.

    Source: Google | Feb 26, 2024

    Dr. Kim and the team are fantastic. I seen Dr. Kim for my low back pain and within days was referred to a top notch pain specialist for an injection. Not only did I feel heard by Dr. Kim but truly appreciated how committed he and the team are to providing first rate patient care. Additionally, Dr. Kim provides his cell phone number to patients which is truly unheard of these days. Thank you Dr. Kim and team!
    5.0 Google

    Review from Beatrice F.

    Source: Google | Jan 29, 2024

    I have been a patient of Excel Spine Center / Dr. Choll Kim for several years. I have been extremely impressed with this entire team ! I work closely with Alexandra Mero. She is an extremely knowledgeable, prepared and compassionate provider. I have a 59 degree S curve scoliosis. I have found Alexandra to listen carefully to my concerns and offer suggestions to ease my pain. I recommend this practice, 5 stars all around !
    5.0 Google

    Review from J.A.

    Source: Google | Dec 4, 2023

    Dr. Kim performed nothing short of a miracle on my back, saving me from lumbar fusion. I have a spondylolisthesis that every surgeon I spoke to across the country advised permanent fusion. Dr Kim performed his novel LESS surgery on me and now, after 2 years of being unable to walk for more than 0.25 mile or approximately 5 minutes, I am now walking 3+ miles and am starting to slowly jog again. It has been only 5 weeks since my surgery, which is absolutely insane in my opinion. my incision is about the size of a nail clipping, and I now have 0 pain and no longer experience frequent radiculopathy. I am a physical therapist who has worked in 8 different states, and I've seen many back surgeries and I can say that without a doubt, this has got to be one of the best surgeons in the country. His staff is also top-notch and very responsive with everything regarding my care. Finally, I've had excellent interactions with his talented PA Kendra, his front office staff Lia, and Kelsey.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Julien B.

    Source: Google | Nov 7, 2023

    I went to see Dr. Choll Kim and staff regarding double discs replacement surgery. I was very un easy about another surgery under my belt, especially one been in my cervical region. Dr. Choll kim ensured me I would feel better literally a few days after my operation. 2 days after surgery I was already moving around in the gym doing light weight workouts etc... 8 weeks post op, I'm back to a 110% from where I was and keep getting better everyday. Excel Spine staff is easy to talk too and most important the communication is excellent, and everybody smiles!!!!! recommend it 1000%
    5.0 Google

    Review from Carlton B.

    Source: Google | Oct 4, 2023

    Kendra and Dr. Kim were both very professional and caring clinicians. They were able to correctly diagnose the source of my chronic back pain, which several other doctors failed to do in the past. Also, all of the office staff communicated very promptly and clearly. I highly recommend Excel Spine Center! It was well worth flying across the country to have Dr. Kim do my spine surgery!!
    5.0 Google

    Review from Robert V.

    Source: Google | Sep 5, 2023

    I can not say or give enough words of gratitude to Dr Choll Kim, after a little more than three weeks after back surgery. I can honestly say, that the feeling in my left leg, has returned and can walk like did before my leg went numb. Amazing, I walked into the hospital in the AM and walked out in the PM. I am presently attending Physical Therapy, which I started less than 2 weeks Post Op. Dr Choll did an unbelievable job of explaining what he was going to do in the operating room. This gave me a tremendous feeling of confidence . I will highly recommend Dr Kim , whenever the occasion presents itself. Thank-you again Dr.Kim
    5.0 Google

    Review from Mark D.

    Source: Google | Aug 19, 2023

    I am forever grateful to Dr. Kim for the life changing work he performed on my spine. His medical genius and true professionalism is only out paced by his compassion for his patients. Dr. Kim's entire staff reflects his genuine care for people, and I am fully convinced that thee is no rival to his team, the best modern medicine could possible offer. I would be living a far inferior life physically and my small children would not have been able to share the same experiences with their dad had it not been for the selfless and undeserving care Adrienne in his office provided to me when I was in need. An absolutely terrific surgeon, a good man with a heart of gold and a staff that backs him up.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Joe G.

    Source: Google | Jul 7, 2023

    From start to finish, the staff both from the Dr's office to the hospital were supportive and caring. The procedure was surprisingly quick with little to no residual pain.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Maria L.

    Source: Google | Jun 17, 2023

    Highly, highly recommend the gifted Dr. Kim and his wonderful team. My L4/L5 surgery resulted in a remarkable, life changing difference in the quality of my life!!!! Pain before surgery was 9/10. Leg numbness & tingling was constant. 6 weeks post -op my pain level is 1/10 with zero leg numbness/tingling. And I'm in my mid 80's. Results far exceeded my expectations!
    5.0 Google

    Review from Dino N.

    Source: Google | May 9, 2023

    I can't say enough about my experience with Dr Kim and his staff. As a disabled Combat Veteran I have experienced many injuries, After my L3-5 totally collapsed I counted on Dr Kim to deliver on some pain relief and did he ever deliver. From start to finish and through physical therapy Dr Kim and his staff have been there in every sense of the way.I could barely walk going in but now I have a life again.Dr Kim and his staff even video tape there surgeries and Dr Kim personally sends your family video update , now that is what I call conference and professionalism. See my video on YouTube,the guy with the tattooed Back.See Dr Kim's videos and after Care on YouTube. Thank you Dr Kim and Staff.
    5.0 Google

    Review from Natalie J.

    Source: Google | Apr 19, 2023

    Dr. Choll Kim is not only BRILLIANT he is a VERY caring surgeon. He also is progressive and knowledgeable of holistic as well as surgical approaches to healing. I have had TWO laser endoscopic surgeries with Dr Kim for a ruptured disc and have been VERY pleased with my results.His technique did not take away the pain 100% (Not sure anything would) but allowed me to get mobile again, functionally move well and resume my regular activities. I have sent MANY referrals to Dr, Kim! He is terrific!
    5.0 Google

    Review from Tasha P.

    Source: Google | Mar 9, 2023

    Dr Kim is amazing. This surgery changed my life. I have PGAD and my daily life was difficult and painful. I couldn't walk very far or even stand without it causing pain. Driving/or riding in the car was a nightmare for me. I was so limited. I had surgery Sept 2021 and I was walking around the very next day....as time went on the next month I was riding in the car without pain. It is May now and I still have relief. It was worth it. Dr Kim and his team are very caring make you feel at ease.