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Dr. Alan Villavicencio, MD

Dr. Alan Villavicencio, MD

Neurosurgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Alan Villavicencio, MD is a neurosurgeon in Boulder, CO and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from HARVARD Medical School in 1995. He is affiliated with Foothills Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.3 Star Rating
Based on 146 reviews 4.3 Star Rating (146 reviews)

Boulder Neurosurgical and Spine Associates of BCH

4743 Arapahoe Ave Ste 202 Boulder, CO 80303

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Dr. Villavicencio is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
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  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions

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Dr. Villavicencio's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Villavicencio

4.3
146 ratings, 104 with a written review
5 star
81%
81%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
3%
3%
1 star
15%
15%

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Best ever
When I went for the first time he was very respectful, knowledgeable, truthful with consideration of my situation. He had me try some pain management, then he gave me the options to relieve my pain. I am so happy to have him as my doctor. BEST EVER!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 21, 2024
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total lumbar fusion
i met Dr V in Boulder after 2 previous surgeries on L4-L5. He came in my room and said that the previous surgeon did a “botched job”I consented to let him do a revision.After a few months I tripped while trying to get a walker into a bath room. He said that i had a fracture and scheduled a Total Lumbar Fusion.The implications were not discussed. I was made aware of body cast issues as I was fitted for one. I did well and hoped to recover some part of my life. I never got it back. After the TLF I became a FBS. Failed Back Syndrome.Over 9 years later I still cannot lift my legs enough to walk normally. This condition manifested after my last surgery. I still use walkers or other forms of assistance. I live alone in Florida and use a heated pool to maintain basic flexibility and minimal strength. I needed a neurologist consult but have never seen one. No surgeon will even look at trying to help now. The Veterans administration (VA) has awarded me 100% disability. I struugle daily.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
michael gallagher – Nov 10, 2024
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Cold and dismissive
I am considering surgery for a long term herniated disc. He was so cavalier about explaining what the surgery would look like. He replied to all of my questions like they were stupid and like I was worrying too much. He said he had a 'minimally invasive' technique, but never explained what that meant, even though I kept trying to ask. I asked if he would need to drill through the bone (as another surgeon has told me). At first he said no, and then he said yes. I left more confused than I came in. He spent as total of 5 min with me, then when leaving he said as he walked out the door, 'if you want surgery we are very booked up.' I cried when he left the room cause it was such a horrible experience. The NURSE was AMAZING. SHE STAYED IN THERE WITH ME AND EXPLAINED THE SURGERY IN MORE DETAIL THAN HE HAD!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Ari – Sep 13, 2024
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What a GREAT Doctor!!
Dr Villavicencio and his staff are awesome. He is one of these Doctors in the country for spinal pain disorders like mine. I highly recommend DR V to get relief for your spinal issues!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Matthew Knight – May 09, 2024
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Was referred to Dr V for neurological issues with a spinal injury from my Primary. Dr V office stated my refferal is rejeected despite having all the appropriate diagnosis codes ,images and medical history. Had no issue with same refferal to another local neurosurgeon where I was able to recieve the care i needed for my spinal injury.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
John Bevans – Aug 30, 2023
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Superb Experience
Dr. V. is an extremely gifted surgeon with an excellent staff of professionals who are all friendly, helpful and well-informed. I was always able to reach someone when I needed assistance or information. Eric, Dr. V’s PA is very personable and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dr. V without reservation to anyone considering consulting a neurosurgical spine physician. You could not find a better doctor with whom to entrust your heath and well-being.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Karen Wray – Sep 13, 2022
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Brilliant Surgeon
Dr. Villavicencio is amazing and wonderful. In May 2007 on a Sunday morning my 84 yr old father (an orthopedic surgeon in fact) suffered a brain stem hemorrhage and all appeared lost. Dr. V rushed into the hospital from an early Sunday morning bike ride, operated on him and miraculously saved my father’s life. He was also very helpful afterwards. We will be forever grateful for his incredible skill. My father survived until 92. Those extra 8 yrs were gold. All thanks to this fabulous surgeon. Our highest recommendation goes to Dr Villavicencio. Boulder is very lucky to have him in town!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
aldo stanton – Jun 21, 2022
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Excellent Surgeon!
After being ignored by a previous neurosurgeon, my PCP recommended Dr. V and it was the best decision I made in calling his office. After suffering from what I thought was "just sciatica" for several years and it getting worse, he explained that I needed a fusion of L4/L5 which sounded daunting. But after losing weight and realizing it wasn't going to get better, the surgery went forward and I woke up without the leg and back pain! He and his staff did a wonderful job explaining what would take place and what I would have to do. I'm now 4 months post-surgery and every day is better. No more walker or cane! I cannot say enough about how great the surgery and follow up went. Would recommend Dr. V 100%!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 08, 2022
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Best spine surgeon ever!
Excellent doctor; thorough, thoughtful and comprehensive. I had been fighting pain from a lower back injury and, after going through PT, injections and numerous other non-surgical options, I went to Dr. Villavicencio on the recommendation of a friend and could not be happier. My care was excellent. Dr. V went over my MRI with me in detail and explained exactly what he was going to do and why. He is not the doctor that will just dole out pain meds and send you away. He is a surgeon with the skill to actually fix the problem and not just mask it. I cannot recommend him more highly. I am now optimistic that I will be fully recovered and can resume my normal exercise and activities. Dr. V and his entire staff set a high bar for specialty care.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Lou – Apr 01, 2022
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Wish I would have never went to him. Very rude and blunt!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Appointment was rushed
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 08, 2021
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Following a college football career, I spent 15 years in severe pain. Following an unsuccessful microdiscectomy, I was hesitant to undergo a fusion of the L5/S1. After speaking with Dr. V about my options and pushing the rehab/injection route as far as possible, we decided surgery was the only option. As I sit here now, following my one year follow up appointment, I am stronger, more fit and happier than I have been in years. Dr.V and his team did an amazing job and I couldn’t recommend them more. I just sent my father over to see Dr. V and I continue to recommend him for anyone suffering with back, spine or nerve pain. Thanks Dr. V.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
D.Matson – Nov 03, 2020
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Very professional all my concerns were addressed and the issue that required consultation has been resolved
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
R.H – Jul 14, 2020
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Dr Villavicencio has operated on me twice for cervical fusions and both times he did a marvelous job. I had a fusion previously with another surgeon and it was not a great experience so I know the difference. I highly recommend him to all of my friends and several have had good experiences with him as well.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
M.C – Jul 13, 2020
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I suffered from low lumbar pain which was disabling and significantly interfered with the quality of my life. I had put off back surgery until the pain simply got the better of me. My great fortune was in finding such an exceptional neurosurgeon in Dr. V. The application of his surgical skills have made all the difference. I feel indebted to him for eliminating completely the lumbar pain I suffered from for so long a period of time and, of course, for returning my life back to normalcy. From a grateful patient- J.R. Gama
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Richard game – May 13, 2020
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Quick, friendly staff. Adapted well to current public health orders. Entire experience 5 star start to finish. Back pain is 100 gone.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
W.a – May 12, 2020
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I was able to do an online visit instead of driving 30 minutes there and back. It actually seemed more personal and prompt because the device there was carried from person to person and everyone was very nice. I feel that I received the same care that I would have in the office other than Dr V being able to do a general physical exam. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a top physician without losing half a day of work. Dr V is an exceptional surgeon and my surgery was a complete success. Everything went exactly as he explained that it would.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
r.w – Apr 27, 2020
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I saw Dr. V after another surgeon (Possley, orthopedic surgeon from another practice) did a TLIF on my lumbar spine. Dr. V recommended a blood patch to fix the lumbar headache caused by the first surgeon (Possley would or could not correctly diagnose!) I was ready for a second surgery to repair the first problem when Dr. V advised a less invasive blood patch injection procedure. It worked! He is my hero. He would have made money doing a surgery but had the integrity to recommend this other way. So so very thankful. He has taken over my care because I left the first surgeon. He calls me if I leave messages - within hours - unlike the first surgeon! He is a rock star. He is also highly respected with other docs and patients. Don't ever go to an orthopedic surgeon for your back or neck - go to a neurospine surgeon at Boulder Neurological Associates for a best case outcome!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
B.H. – Apr 18, 2020
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Top notch doctor.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bradley McIntyre – Apr 13, 2020
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It has been a great experience. Dr. V was attentive to my problem and scheduled me for surgery promptly. The aftercare has been thorough and professional. Eric and the staff have quite impressive I recommend Dr. V to everyone.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
J.Oster – Mar 24, 2020
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After two years recovering, I am thrilled with the results of my back surgery. I am pain free and back golfing, among other activities. So glad I had my surgery.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Maggie Fitzgerald – Feb 25, 2020
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About Me

care philosophy

The team of physicians at BNA includes board certified and fellowship trained experts in a diverse array of brain- and spine-related conditions such as functional neurosurgery, neurosurgical oncology, spinal deformity, vascular surgery and cerebrovascular...read more
  • Neurosurgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Duke University Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 2002
  • Cedars-sinai Medical Center

    Fellowship Hospital, 2002
  • Duke University Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 2001
  • Duke University

    Residency Hospital, 2001
  • Harvard Medical School

    Medical School, 1995
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
Neurosurgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Dr. Villavicencio is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

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    Locations

    Boulder Neurosurgical and Spine Associates of BCH

    Boulder Neurosurgical and Spine Associates of BCH4743 Arapahoe Ave Ste 202 Boulder, CO 80303
    1
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      • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
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