Dr. Jay Rhee, MD

I almost canceled this appointment but went to hear Dr. Rhee’s perspective. I’ve been told I may have a connective tissue disorder and cervical instability. My seated MRI showed a 2.9 mm Chiari malformation. I brought all my MRIs and CTs, but I don’t think Dr. Rhee reviewed them, as he came into my room within two minutes. I explained my symptoms and the diagnoses from my orthopedic doctor. He dismissed it all, saying I don’t have Chiari and that cervical instability isn’t real. He lacked kindness and came across as rude. I didn’t mind that he admitted he didn’t know the cause of my symptoms, but I did expect compassion. I pray for his future patients that during his career he allows room for learning from his patients. Naturally he should and likely has plenty of CEUs that are required. Maybe one in EDS should be his next choice. You don’t know what you don’t know, and a little empathy matters.

Dr. Rhee clearly explained the minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery that he recommended, including the risks and benefits and made me feel very comfortable with his recommendations. I agreed to the surgery and his office scheduled the procedure promptly after all medical clearances were obtained. I was diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis gt L3-4 and moderate to severe stenosis at L4-5. I am age 83 and I feel that this surgery was very successful. I am grateful for his competence and for his supportive manner.

When I came to Dr Rhee I felt I was out of options. I had been suffering with low back pain, had numbness, tingling in my legs, hands and feet. I had a degenerative disc pressing on a nerve in my spine. I had become mostly home bound, finally resorting to a wheelchair or cane. I tried the Chiropractor, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture-had three non-invasive surgeries including surgical insertion of a new device called the Aurora Zip. Nothing worked. Finally I was referred to Dr. Rhee. Earlier someone suggested to me to make an appointment with Dr. Rhee but I didn't because I was afraid of having surgery but I was desperate so I made an appointment with Dr. Rhee. After looking at my MRI he quickly diagnosed my problem, explained clearly what was needed to relieve my pain. I must admit, I was hopeful but still skeptical. I had the surgery and that same day I got up and walked pain free. Numbness is gone, I'm walking again. Dr R was caring, compassionate, professional & focused. Call him!

The Best! I have seen several Dr's over the years for constant back pain, I was at the point where I could barely walk and was at the breaking point. My daughter saw Dr Rhee for something else and highly recommended him. My first visit I had a recent MRI in hand, he pointed out the problem and said I was past the point of PT and cortisone injections and scheduled my surgery ASAP. I am 2 and 1/2 week post surgery and their are no words to describe the relief I feel, even with the normal surgery type recovery I feel better than I have in years. I was worried about surgery but Dr. Rhee's confidence in knowing this would be the fix I needed was reassuring and helped tremendously with my anxiety. I have seen other nuero/spine Dr's before and none were as concerned, caring and confident in his ability to help me.

An amazing neurosurgeon. I’ve had spinal issues for over 45 years after a 70 foot fall that almost killed me. I’ve had several surgeons before and this guy is the best. Very very highly recommended

Dr Rhee was filling in for another neurosurgeon after a brain surgery. As soon as he entered the room he said you need another brain surgery because things are not looking well, without explaining or giving reasons why another surgery is needed. He refuse to entertain questions, and just walked out of the room. No professionalism, no empathy, just rude and arrogant which is really bad for a neurosurgeon who is suppose to educate and empathize with patients and family that are going through a lot emotionally after devastating diagnosis. I know he is educated and smart to be in his profession but humility even if not taught in medical school should be incorporated holistically to build that trust in a client doctor relationship. I will not let him touch me or my family ever.

I was seaking pain relief from two pain management groups for two years. Once I found Dr Rhee, he gave me the much needed relief I had been desiring for that period of time. He had to remove the devices that a pain management group had implanted, cleaned up the arthritic changes, placed cages, rods and screws. None of the issues I had prior to Dr Rhee now exist. He has done an amazing job.

I was in ER, he billed my insurance company for a 30-74 minute encounter and I never saw him face to face. He supposedly conferred with an ER physician about the CT scan of my head for 30-74 minutes? I called his office and his billing service and Suburban hospital to get proof of the amount of time he spent and of the encounter and never received any calls back or assistance in finding proof of service.

I'm so grateful and blessed to have been introduced to Dr. Rhee by a close colleague of his, who is a friend of mine (small world). My first impression of Dr. Rhee and his staff was amazing from the initial call to scheduling an appointment to day of surgery and beyond. Dr. Rhee, is a very caring doctor. I cannot express how important this to me. I never in my life experienced so much pain before seeing Dr. Rhee. He took the time to listen to me, about all the pain and discomfort I was having. I never felt like my appointment was being rush. His was focus on the need of making me feel better and regaining some type of normalcy in life without living in pain. I left his office feeling confident that I was making the right decision to have back surgery. Dr. Rhee performed two successful surgeries on me October 2020 and June 2021. During, my hospital stay not only did Dr. Rhee visit me, his whole medical team supported him too. If you're looking for a neurosurgeon look no further.

Dr. Rhee saved my life! Compassionate, kind and caring are not often words used to describe a medical specialist. They are THE perfect ones to describe Dr. Rhee. I had a challenging and uncommon issue in the thoracic region of the spine. From our first consult to our last post-op meeting, he answered my and my family's questions, even the ones I deemed "kinda silly". He and his team at Holy Cross provided excellent care performed with the highest level of professionalism and pure skill. I will be forever greatful for my new lease on life. Thank you, Dr. Rhee!

I had an appointment for chronic back pain and brought a full file with MRI's, X-rays, and treatment notes. I explained I'd had severe back pain for more than a year and a half and was hoping he could help me find out why, and advised I would not take opiates but would entertain any other treatment. He was 40 minutes late for my appointment, spent 5 minutes with me, said everything looked great, and suggested I see a chiropractor, and that it was probably muscular or skeletal pain, and to give it time to heal. Mind you, I've had this pain for over a year and a half. I had to hold back tears, I felt so disregarded. I thought neurosurgeons were supposed to have some kind of education or ability to determine the root cause of pain... Instead, I am even less likely to trust any doctor moving forward. I have seen a pain management specialist before who actually took the time to look close at my MRI, and found annular tearing, which he even pointed out on the MRI.

Dr Rhee is extremely skilled and patient and kind. He has energy beyond belief and patience - I know I have been a challenge for him and he has been right at my side I have yet to meet another surgeon in particular with the warmth and caring of Dr. Rhee If there were 6 stars, he would get them

He's friendly, informative, and a commensurate professional within his field. Dr. Rhee has both performed, consulted, and referred me on a number of ailments from an s1-L5 fusion, to addressing spinal stenosis concerns, to planning and preparing for both future victories and challenges alike. I cannot speak highly enough about not only Dr. Rhee's technical prowess, but his sincerity, integrity, and care for his patients. I've seldom if ever encountered a general practitioner, let alone surgeon of his caliber who puts his patients first, second, and third. We are grateful and thankful to have Dr. Rhee looking over us!

Dr. Rhee took great care of my dad.

Dr. Rhee is extremely kind, gentle and above all, knowledgeable. I'm very impressed with his approach. I trust him implicitly.

I found Dr. Rhee to be a very good listener, more than willing to run through my list of questions for him. Post surgery he accepted my suggestions for better communication. My surgery itself went extremely well. Dr. Rhee inspired confidence in him and my own in me. As another reviewer mentioned I did have one appt changed and one post-op visit missed as Dr. Rhee had emergency surgery. He is on call for trauma surgery. While this can be annoying, I also admire him for taking on these cases which save lives.

Amazing doctor. He explained in detail the procedure before and after. Pain is gone and I can move my foot. Thank you Dr Rhee.

You are in great care with Dr. Rhee.

Dr. Rhee performed two operations on my back and I could not be happier with the results. He is both caring and competent, and, each visit, makes me feel as if his entire practice is dedicated to me. He is passionate about patient care. I walked the same day of my minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery. A friend who also had spinal fusion surgery, by a surgeon using conventional methods, took weeks to even stand and he can barely move 8 weeks later. Dr. Rhee has my fervent gratitude.

Dr. Rhee, you are an amazing neurosurgeon AND an amazing, compassionate man -Although professionally and academically brilliant, you never loss sight of a patient that was thrust into an unexpected unknown phenomena. Your patience was unmatched, answering a multitude of questions then and throughout! You are a doctor that has taken to heart, the medical oath – although, this oath was already inherent in you as a person. Thank you for restoring quality of life for me/my family. You are a 10+!