Dr. Gordon Tang, MD

I have been a patient of Dr Tang since 2018. I am deeply dissatisfied with the care I received. Dr Tang has nearly zero direct communication with patients . No online portal or email. There is no way to call him, patients have to leave messages with office staff who pass them to him. After a year of tests, Dr Tang admitted he could not diagnose my shoulder pinched nerve pain. He referred me to renowned spine specialist Dean Chou at UCSF Medical Center. Dr Chou successfully diagnosed a cervical disc as the problem. Now Dr Tang questions the diagnosis even though he has no alternate one or ideas of his own to offer! I find this incredible and really awful. I am searching for a new neurosurgeon, have no confidence in him now.

Great surgeon. In 2019, he successfully operated on my lower spine to cure a very painful sciatica on my right leg that prevented me from walking. (stenosis). I was 73. I highly recommend him.

I consulted with Dr. Tang about 15 years ago for a herniated disk. At the time, he suggested that I would likely heal in a few weeks without surgery, and I did! A recent bad decision on my part (lifting incorrectly), reinjured two of my disks, and combined with age-related deterioration, I lost some feeling and function in my leg. The sciatic pain was also debilitating. Dr. Tang operated on me in a quick, surgery center procedure that immediately alleviated my pain and restored full function. The process was as "covid-safe" as seems possible, and I'm back walking, working and playing golf two months later. Overall a very positive experience and great outcome for me. Dave C.

After progressive numbness in my hands and lower body, I was referred to Dr. Tang for surgery. My diagnosis was severe cranial spinal cord compression, and I needed surgery ASAP. This was in April-May 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus. Dr. Tang (via a zoom appointment) explained the results of my MRI and my medical options. I chose surgery. Without surgery, I was looking at possible paralysis. A week later I had surgery. My hospital experience was very positive. The staff was great, and everyone followed coronavirus precautions. Only patients and staff were allowed in the hospital as a extra safety precaution. My surgery went well, and I feel so lucky to have my body back. Thank you, Dr. Tang!

On January 30, 2019, Dr. Gordon Tang operated on my wife’s spine to correct Stage IV spondylolisthesis (of the L4 and L5 vertebrae) with debilitating sciatica. Her sciatica disappeared immediately after the four-hour procedure, replaced by temporary surgical pain. After four days in the hospital, she was able to walk around the block, about a quarter mile, upon returning home. With the aid of a strong “can do” attitude toward exercise and PT, she had made a complete recovery in about three months. All that remains today is a slight decrease in range of motion, as you would expect from fusing two vertebrae together with metal rods and screws. Not only is Dr. Tang a skilled surgeon. He is also a highly intelligent and articulate man, more so than most surgeons we had interviewed. He was able to explain the steps in the procedure and the risks of surgery, without minimizing them or scaring us, in a way that a “quant” could understand and appreciate.

I saw Dr. Tang for a herniated disc at L5-S1. He recommended several options and discussed them all with me, and let me choose my own course, even though I think he knew I'd end up at surgery one way or the other. Ultimately, I did, and he was my surgeon. He sees each of his patients himself, and takes time to explain the options, procedures, expectations, recovery, and next steps. I felt heard, cared for, and supported the entire way through from initial appointment to post-op recovery. While I can't recommend surgery, he was a fantastic doctor and surgeon, and I would recommend him if anyone needs this type of care.

I had sudden onset of a herniated disc, with foot pain and weakness. After a brief treatment course with a physiatrist, I was referred to Dr. Tang. He saw me promptly, and after extensive discussion, we scheduled surgery. A laminectomy and disc removal was done as an outpatient. Pain resolved immediately and has not recurred. Weakness gradually resolved over a year.

Dr. Tang performed a very successful spine surgery for me - L4/L5 micro discectomy. I wouldn't hesitate to have surgery with him again, though I've been pain free for five years (with physical therapy work)!