Dr. Stephen Houston, MD

I found Dr. Houston to be completely dismissive with no bedside manner at all. He was late to my appointment, didn't apologize and made me feel as though I was making my pain up. He used one data point for diagnoses and didn't take into consideration the other diagnostic/scientific factors at all.

Dr. Houston is really a one of a kind and a skilled surgeon. After seeing my MRI, he had me in surgery within a week since my case was pretty urgent. I had already seen two other surgeons for different opinions since spine surgery was something that I wanted to avoid. He took his time to explain everything to me and answer my questions. I never felt like a number or rushed. When looking for a surgeon one of the most important factors is experience, and he has this in spades. This is a guy that's seen it all with over 4000 surgeries. If it can be done, he can do it and he doesn't give up. I went from extreme/excruciating pain in my neck and arm/hands to the point where I could only sleep one hour a night - to post surgery zero pain. It was a literal off switch to my pain and gave me my life back - and I owe that to him. His staff, and particularly his PA (Mr. Echeveste) went out of his way post surgery with follow up calls. Thank you Doctor for giving me my life back.

I have had 3 lumbar minimally invasive surgeries from Dr Houston in the last 15 years. I was very pleased with his care. I have seen him at least 10 times over the years for problems related to spinal stenosis in the neck and back, torn fascia, bulged disc and scar tissue removal. This has been at three different sites in the lumbar regions probably related to a car wreck in my 20s. Houston has been very conservative in recommending surgery and easy to talk to. He is quiet but very responsive to questions.

Dr Houston is the best! I am lucky he had the time to do my surgery. I am grateful. He was kind and honest. I couldn't ask for more.

I was very nervous due to some reviews. Dr. Houston was amazing. I was in the office within 2 minutes. He came in with 3 minutes. He was friendly, courteous, direct. He answered all of my questions. He did not promise 100% after surgery. He told me realistically I would be at 80 or 90%. That works for me. He put together a detailed treatment and after surgery care. I was very impressed!

His office assistants make decisions that require medical knowledge, which they do not have.

There is a real ease about him. He listens and takes the time to explain what to expect in your recovery.

Down-to-earth, compassionate, non-dismissive, really cares about his patients. Good staff, too. Performed craniotomy to remove large-ish non-malignant brain tumor. Didn't sugar-coat recovery, described issues that might occur (some did, some didn't). Overall, a good experience (as good as it could be under the circumstances).