Dr. Christopher M. Uchiyama

Two back surgeries were the biggest mistake of my life in 2008 and 2009. I am on disability for the rest of my life. and On a great day my pain level is in eight.

I contacted the office. An appointment was made with his PA. She ordered other tests. At this point the pinched nerve she saw in the MRI HAD to be operated on, or I would have permanent damage. She was going to communicate with Dr. and get back to me. 10 days later I had not heard. In pain, I called again and again. Finally PA called me. Told me surgery doctor suggested. She would have the insurance and scheduling people set it up. 2 months later I have heard nothing, after several calls to office. Luckily I had contacted an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. I called his office and have had the the surgery. I never saw Dr.Uchiyama, and no one has returned my calls. Who practices medicine like this? It remains to be seen if Dr. Uchiyama’s negligence in my case will case permanent damage. I have never written such a negative review, but I thought you should know. I contacted the office. An appointment was made with his PA. She ordered other tests. At this point the pinched nerve she saw in the MRI HAD to be operated on, or I would have permanent damage. She was going to communicate with Dr. and get … More

Would not recommend Dr. Uchiyama. When he walked in to see me for my first and only consult, I politely asked him to review my MRI report, which he refused. He relied on himself to visually look at the images. This is never a good sign. A neurosurgeon's job is top operate, a neuroradiologist's job is to interpret these images. Almost everything the radiologist noted - severe cervical stenosis, foraminal stenosis, facet arthropathy, annual disc tear, he denied was there. Didn't make any sense. Although he did spend a good amount of time with me, it ended up being a waste in the end because he did not appreciate the level of pain and neurological deficits I was suffering, due to all my disc issues. Even the non surgical treatments he suggested, like physical therapy and/or pain management - he did not provide a prescription for. After getting a copy of my medical records, he also wrote things in there that did not actually occur during my office visit.

Dr Uchiyama is a wonderful Neuro Surgeon who truly cares about his patients. I had ACDF of C4-6 in 2017. Unfortunately, I have to undergo a second neck surgery & I trust Dr Uchiyama tremendously. He is strongly recommended to see for your neurological/spinal needs. I researched other surgeons in CA & WA with different approaches. However, I felt Dr Uchiyama’s recommendation was less invasive & had a much stronger success rate. Truly one of a kind. Professional & compassionate. Sandra, his Office Coordinator: /Super Hero is also amazing & Dr Vastola is extremely patient & kind. She shares her expertise to keep you at ease. Everyone at Scripps Green is caring, helpful & professional. Although I am not looking forward to this second neck surgery, I am confident in my Team.

after a severe car accident, i had c567 fused to my previously fused 2,3,4 by another neurologist. I still had severe pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in both hands. I re-visited the 1st surgeon - he saw nothing. I went to an orthopedic and another neurosurgeon - nothing. They wanted me to go to a pain management dr for a life of medication and a surgical implanting of a device. Not a cure nor a correction. I had initially bypassed Dr Uchiyama due to the long wait for an appt and the intensity of my pain. When further neurologic complications were threatening, my neurologist (for migraines) got me into Dr U. By taking more xrays than the others did - he immediately found the problem. Surgery was scheduled and I am pain free finally! It was a huge operation, a long 6 wks on the couch/bed but it was WORTH THE WAIT to see him. He is patient, thorough, compassionate, measured and knick-named the 'Dr's Doctor". His skill and staff - the BEST after a severe car accident, i had c567 fused to my previously fused 2,3,4 by another neurologist. I still had severe pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in both hands. I re-visited the 1st surgeon - he saw nothing. I went to an … More

RUDE wish could give minus stars

It is my belief that Dr. Uchiyama is a reincarnated Angel! Dr. Uchiyama performed a very extensive 9.5 hour cervical surgery on my neck (Spine/vertebrae). Although it was six years ago this month that his skilled and precise hands performed the operation, I continually find myself praising his thoroughness, skills, expertise, knowledge and abilities! A quick recap of the procedure; The C5 vertebre was removed, Three disks removed (C4,C5&C6). The spinal ligament & spinal cord membrane were fused together and needed to be peeled away from each other, After removal, the C5 vertebrae was ground up and placed into the plastic cage that was installed into my cervical spine along with a titanium plate & screws to ensure that all was secure (everything from C3-C7). After years of abuse and damage (including) eight concussions, enough damage was caused that my body tried to repair itself by laying new bone in the cervical region thus severely reducing the canal which in turn adversely caused my spinal cord into a "U" shape. Suffering from partial paralysis, permament paralysis was assured. Again, Dr. Uchiyama is simply AMAZING and I could not have been in better care! It is my belief that Dr. Uchiyama is a reincarnated Angel! Dr. Uchiyama performed a very extensive 9.5 hour cervical surgery on my neck (Spine/vertebrae). Although it was six years ago this month that his skilled and precise hands performed … More

Dr. Uchiyama performed surgery for spinal stenosis in April 2017, which involved the partial removal of a disc, bone graft, inserting titanium rods and screws as well as a fusion. The surgery was a total success but just as important as his surgical skills is his manner and caring. His patience and kindness is without comparison. His staff is amazing, professional, prompt and compassionate. There is absolutely nothing that I can say that begins to explain how much I appreciate him and his team. Dr. Uchiyama performed surgery for spinal stenosis in April 2017, which involved the partial removal of a disc, bone graft, inserting titanium rods and screws as well as a fusion. The surgery was a total success but just as important as … More

He may have good hands, but he is sorely lacking in a good heart. He gave me pain meds post surgery and, when I asked for supervision, neither he nor his assistants were available to me. I had a bad reaction and even worse withdrawal. When I gave him a less than good review and asked if I could speak to other patients, he initially said that if I mentioned my opinions to anyone else he would "terminate me as a patient" (his EXACT words) and refused to allow me to speak to any other patient.

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Can't comment on him as a physician but I can comment on his office's scheduling skills. I was taken almost immediately from the main waiting room to the small medical room. In the small room, I waited 60 minutes and STILL Dr Uchiyama didn't show up. I was told after about 20 min that he was running behind and after 50 minutes that it would be another 10 or so. After an hour, I gave up and left. If you can see this Dr, I heard he's good. But a 60 min wait in the small room is unacceptable. I have a job and can't spend all day there. I was given the option to reschedule to see a PA or if I wanted to see the Doctor again it would be another 6-8 weeks. I chose neither. His staff was polite, friendly and apologized and maybe my experience is unique. But I can only rate my experience. Can't comment on him as a physician but I can comment on his office's scheduling skills. I was taken almost immediately from the main waiting room to the small medical … More

A very caring and professional person. Did a fanatastic job participating and leading a team of surgeons on a complicated long surgery. Highly reccomend!!

I can't speak to his skills as a physician but I'm sure they're good. I can speak to his office's scheduling skills and they're poor. I was called almost immediately from the main waiting room and then I waited 60 minutes in the small room. I was told he was running behind twice. Granted the nurse was very polite. But after 60 min, I left. I was told I could reschedule.....in 2 months or see a physician's assistant. I chose neither. Sorry, waiting 60min + in the small room, not acceptable

The most kind and compassionate doctor ever! Dr. Uchiyama is my Superman. He always takes the time to explain things and has never given up hope in finding solutions. He also has an awesome supportive team-his PA’s- Josh & Alia, RN’s-Andrea & Gina and his secretary, Sandra is the absolute best-who always stays on top of dealing with the insurance companies. I highly recommend Dr. Uchiyama!

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I was recommended to Dr. Uchiyama by my primary doctor who was treated by Dr. U. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment but it was definitely worth it. He is thorough, offers explanations that are easy to understand, attentive, patient and listens. I needed surgery and he and his team were amazing all of the way. The person who rated him a one star must have seen a different doctor. His team is extremely responsive, easy to contact, very professional and I 100% recommend.

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I saw dr uchiyama for low back pain. I ended up needing surgery. Dr uchiyama is extremely knowledgable, straight to the point, experienced, honest, caring & only will suggest & do what is best for you. His PA, Joshua Del Hommee is also wonderful! I would NEVER even suggest that a patient see anyone except these two! I have found the best & will stay with them! Staff if kind, empathetic & understanding also. What a great package deal ~ i have NO complaints AT ALL (i'm usually critical too!)lol ??

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Great Dr. He pays attention and fully explains medical conditions. Very thorough. Love is PA, Josh as well. Fully recommend!

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