Excel Spine Center | Choll Kim, M.D., Ph.D. | Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon

I have been suffering with extreme spinal stenosis for 6 years. I am 64 years old but very active Golfing, pickleball, snowboarding, surfing and riding dirt bikes. I continued my activities by stretching and core strengthening everyday. I’ve done 2 epidural injections as well that did’t last. I was nervous about getting back surgery and was prolonging it as long as I could, until I finally decided that too enjoy my life without pain I would need to do surgery. I was referred to Dr Kim by my wellness Doctor in San Diego. I did an initial constitution as well as two other highly respected medical institutions in LA and San Francisco. I felt Dr. Kim gave the best advice and time with me. He actually scheduled a second consultation just to make sure he had all the information on my condition.

Dr. Kim and his entire staff are outstanding. I had two discs replaced 3 years ago and the results could not be better. I have zero pain in those areas along with much increased mobility. But, it has now exasperated the pain at the next two levels up so I am going back in a week to have two more discs replaced. The fact that I travel from FL to CA to use Dr. Kim should tell you all you need to know about how much I trust his capability. I did a great deal of research, including surgeons in Europe, before choosing Dr. Kim. You cannot go wrong.

This review is LONG overdue… I’m truly grateful for Dr. Kim and his entire staff at Excel Spine for the outstanding care and treatment I’ve received over the past few years, especially after Tarlov Cyst surgery in August 2025. This practice is NEXT level. I’m mean, what Surgeon has as much enthusiasm, passion, energy, knowledge, and uses cutting edge technology as Dr. Kim does? NO ONE. Dr. Kim is a true genius at his craft. His social media content is on fire and amazing to watch. I was referred to Dr. Choll Kim by a fellow colleague of his, Dr. Richard Todd Allen at UCSD, who found a Tarlov Cyst. He referred me to Dr. Kim who specializes in this type of rare disease. My journey began at Excel Spine. Dr.Kim always takes the least invasive measures possible. He carefully evaluated me,

Do not use this doctor. He does not care about the people that come to him. It’s a money grab. He does not take insurance. After paying him $500, he was super disrespectful in my consultation. He acted like he didn’t have time for me. He cut me off when I was asking questions, gave me no answers, and told me I’d have to do several consultations to “figure out” what’s wrong after I gave him my X-rays. I did not want to use him so him and his office are now withholding my X-rays and not giving them back to me. DO NOT USE HIM.

I am so thankful for the expertise Dr. Kim has. My life has been restored and was able to get back to activities I previously scaled back, within four weeks. Following the post-op process with Physical Therapy and personal motivation, I was back in my pilates routine by 6 weeks. 3 months post-op, I feel 100%. The entire team deserves a shout out for making the process a positive experience! I waited so long to accept that my pain was not going away without an intervention. After meeting with Dr. Kim and team, I had no hesitation moving forward with surgery. You are the best! Thank you from Washington state-