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Dr. Mark Stern, MD

Dr. Mark Stern, MD

Neurosurgery*
45+ years of experience
(858) 437-9941

Dr. Mark Stern, MD is a neurosurgeon in Escondido, CA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE in 1977. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Palomar Medical Center Downtown Escondido and Palomar Medical Center Escondido. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.4 Star Rating
Based on 87 reviews 4.4 Star Rating (87 reviews)
(858) 437-9941
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Accepting New PatientsTelehealth AvailableSecure Call
705 E Ohio Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

Brought to you by and on staff at

Palomar Health

Office Hours

Monday

9 am
to
5 pm

Tuesday

9 am
to
5 pm

Wednesday

9 am
to
5 pm

Thursday

9 am
to
5 pm

Friday

9 am
to
5 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed
(858) 437-9941
Call us 24/7 to securely book an appointment
705 E Ohio Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

Locations

Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery

Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery705 E Ohio Ave Escondido, CA 92025
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions
New Patient?
(858) 437-9941

Ortho1 Medical Group

Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery9834 Genesee Ave Ste 416 La Jolla, CA 92037
2
New Patient?
(858) 437-9941

Palomar Health Medical Group - Graybill

Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery326 S Melrose Dr Fl 2 Vista, CA 92081
3
New Patient?
(858) 437-9941

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Stern is affiliated with Palomar Medical Center Poway Poway, a highly rated hospital.

Dr. Stern 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.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of Expertise • Dr. Stern specializes in the area of Neurosurgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well • Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth • This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital • Patient Safety Excellence Award™ See hospitals

More Neurosurgery Specialists at Palomar Health

Experience Check

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Dr. Stern's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Stern

4.4
87 ratings, 60 with a written review
5 star
83%
83%
4 star
3%
3%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
14%
14%

Your trust is our top concern.

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The worst doesn't even deserve one star
Worst Doctor ever every visit I went in there feeling good walked out of his office couple hours later I go through the worst experience ever every single time he doesn't listen to nothing he does whatever he wants to do and he doesn't give you the time of day I had a pain pump put in all I did was give me more pain now that it's out I feel great he lies about everything so does his staff and the best decision I ever made my life was to get rid of him
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Sep 13, 2024
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Great Dr & surgeon!
I met Dr Stern, by referral, around 2015-16. He implanted an intrathecal Baclofen pump. All I knew was the name. Dr Stern explained the pump procedure, answered my questions & what would occur at my 1st refill. I had my 1st, required, pump replacement in 2022. Dr Stern is pleasant, nice & easy to talk to. My pump med refills, every 3 months, are painless & quick. I couldn't have asked for a better Dr! Dr Stern has terrific bed side manners. He is the absolute best!
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
Feb 14, 2023
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Dr Stern was awesome, surgery went as planned could not be happier. Staff was great too.
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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 27, 2022
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Excellent follow up. My surgery was a complete success.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Eric – Apr 21, 2022
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Disc replacement and bone spurs on cervical spine
In July 2021 I had 2 discs replaced in my cervical spine and bone spurs removed that were pressing on my spinal cord. Dr Stern performed the surgery. I'm 9 months post op and doing soooo much better. The excruciating pain I was feeling is gone, the limitations to what I could do are gone. I feel like a different person. I would definitely recommend him as a surgeon.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Tina C – Mar 11, 2022
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Would not recommend to anyone!
My experience was not great. In fact I ended up in the hospital only hours after my procedure. I called his office to let him know that I was not doing well three times. Even when I was in the hospital. He never called me back, and it has been a week since my procedure, and not a word. Needless to say the procedure was a failure . If I give him any stars they would all be BLACK!
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 01, 2022
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Outstanding car and followup
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
Helpful
Steve Holbrook – Dec 10, 2021
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Very happy with Dr. visit and recomendations.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Isaac – Sep 08, 2021
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Dr Stern has once again, been so helpful in overseeing our care. My husband Jim and I are long term patients of Dr Stern’s. All the decisions that we have collectively made in surgical choices, and pain management issues, have been spot on! We have recommend Dr Stern to many friends and family
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Barbara Miller – Aug 28, 2021
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Dr. Stern is the BEST because he is patient to explain the diagnosis and empower the patient with knowledge. He does the latest state of the art procedure for cervical spines. His procedure without fusion has much better recovery, range of motion and almost immediate restoration in muscle strength. Dr. Stern is very funny too and pays attention to specific details. He is sure to answer your questions too so be sure to write them down!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Barbara B. – Aug 20, 2021
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Four your check up, feeling good doing great.
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
Helpful
Dennis Parker – Aug 18, 2021
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Visit was quick and questions answered staff is friendly and establishment clean as for my surgery it seems to be a success drastic pain level change from bad to very good
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 05, 2021
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I’ve had magnificent results with Dr.Stern
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
Helpful
Boyd Gardiner – Jul 16, 2021
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Good
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 09, 2021
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I had a ruptured disc that forced me to basically lay in bed or in a recliner all day to avoid pain. Dr. Stern performed Arthroplasty on my C5/C6 and C6/C7. Just like he promised I walked out of the hospital on my own 24 hours later. 2 weeks after surgery I was back playing golf 5 days a week pain free. He’s an absolutely amazing surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone. I still can’t believe how fast recovery was and I owe it all to his work. Thank you Dr. Stern.
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
Helpful
Jun 17, 2021
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Great we recommend to everybody he really make sure all was going well
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 08, 2021
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Great visit Very happy with the pump program we will try
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
Helpful
Billie jean ceglia – May 21, 2021
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Very attentive doctor and staff. Would definitely recommend.
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
Helpful
Katherine – May 19, 2021
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My visit was great Dr stern is amazing I feel great I’m healing real good he goes over everything with me answers all my questions & concerns
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
Elizabeth Baronian – May 06, 2021
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Very productive much improved
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Robert mayfield – Mar 17, 2021
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About Me

care philosophy

Thank you for choosing Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery for your health care needs! At SCINS, your health is our number one priority! We strive to provide the highest quality neurosurgical care possible, emphasizing the importance...read more

biography

Mark S. Stern, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Neurosurgery. He is an active member of the American Association of Neurosurgeons, California Neurosurgeons Association, San Diego Academy of Neurosurgeons, and American Medical Association...read more

  • Neurosurgery

  • Orthopedic Neck Surgery

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery

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

  • Usc University Hospital

    Residency Hospital

  • National Institute Of Health

    Fellowship Hospital, 1982

  • Georgetown University Hospital|medstar-georgetown University Medical Center

    Internship Hospital, 1978

  • Albany Medical College

    Medical School, 1977
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.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

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Dr. Stern is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

    Read our methodology

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Palomar Medical Center Poway

      15615 Pomerado Rd
      Poway, CA 92064
      Recipient of 2
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      83%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% lower than the national average

      72%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% lower than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Palomar Medical Center Downtown Escondido

      555 E Valley Pkwy
      Escondido, CA 92025
      Recipient of 10
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

    • Palomar Medical Center Escondido

      2185 Citracado Pkwy
      Escondido, CA 92029
      Recipient of 14
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      85%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% higher than the national average

      75%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      1% lower than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality