He is NOT a caring surgeon. I would NOT go to him.

Submitted Sept. 6, 2018

Dr. Carlson is compassionate, caring and a great surgeon & doctor

Submitted Jan. 16, 2017

I had a 9:30 AM appointment with Dr Carlson as a new patient today. At 11:10 AM I saw the doctor shooting the breeze with some pharmaceutical reps in front of the treatment rooms. At 11:15 he walked into another patient's treatment room. His staff was clueless as to when I may be seen by him. I gave up and left his office. Learn from my misfortune! ...Andrew

Submitted June 10, 2016

Dr. Carlson is the most outstanding, knowledgable and caring Dr. who has helped our 17 year old daughter and is now pain free after much needed surgery.

Submitted Aug. 13, 2015

Wonderful doctor that displays amazing bedside manner during appointments. He performed a cervical fusion on me that stopped awful trapezoid pain. I was referred to Dr. Carlson by two other doctors for his reputation and skill. I could not say enough nice things about this man.

Submitted May 18, 2015

Fell off a ski lift at 50. I'm a waitress and kept going to my chiropractor to ward off the pain of the injury. As time
went on I lost the strength in my arms and legs. Paralysis was setting in and the x-rays taken by my chiropractor
showed degeneration of my 3rd-7th disc caused by my fall. I was in my 60's when Dr. Carlson performed the
surgery. I am almost 69 years old and still a waitress at the Crab Cooker in Newport. If you have to wait to see him
it could be because he answers all of his patients questions and gives them the courage to accept what needs to
be done . The doctor did not create my pain. The surgery outcome is only as good as the patient. A healthy attitude and a whole lot of faith...seeing the light , when all you see is the darkness ahead. Thank you Dr. Carlson.
You studied hard...you did a great job. I work,I'm the Grandmother of four boys,I have a loving husband that I
witnessed falling apart in your office.....In this moment I have my family because of you...Ten bolts and two titanium rods! If patients experience pain after their operation might I suggest acupuncture, deep tissue massage,
Homeopathic healers. Dr. Carlson did his job. The rest is up to us...seek and ye shall find.....

Submitted Feb. 9, 2015

Waited over 2 hours to see Doctor. Waited 1 month for appointment. Brought x-rays and MRI as instructed. 2 hours and 15 minutes later taken into exam room by assistant who didn't bother to introduce themselves or explain their function. His first words were "Do you mind if we take an x-ray today?" I answered "yes" I do mind there is already an X-ray there. When Dr. Carlson finally entered room he explained (after I questioned it) that additional x rays were to see my spine in different positions. He apologized for being late; when I said you were over 2 hours late the mighty Dr. made it my problem and said " I was a very caustic person". In other words if you have a problem with how I do business you are the problem. My 2 hours in the waiting room were filled with people asking about my appointment time to try to figure out when they would be seen. Apparently, he is habitually late. I heard stories of repeated surgeries. It was extremely frightening and discouraging to listen

Submitted June 2, 2014

I have been a patient of Dr Carlson since 2004. I am very pleased with professional/medical caliber of Dr Carlson who is very compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable, takes conservative approach & techniques, alternatives prior to recommending surgery. He is on the leading edge of Orthopedic procedures, surgeries, and answers all my questions prior to surgery & afterwards too. I have had excellent care following surgery too & Don, his Physician Assistant, Monica & Manny who will respond quickly to questions, phone calls and follow up. I have severe osteoarthritis throughout my body, including degenerative disc disease, kyphosis, osteoporosis, etc., throughout most of my life. I believe that it is my body & I want a team effort between my doctors & myself and that is why Dr. Carlson is an important part of my medical team. I highly recommend him as a leading Reconstructive Surgeon and Orthopedist!

Submitted Feb. 11, 2014

Dr carlson is the Best Spine Surgeon in Orange County! He is honest and truly cares about the outcome of his patients! His staff is very professional as well. I refer all my friends and family to this awesome dr!

Submitted Nov. 15, 2013

The best doctor that i have ever visited. Always very helpful. Discussed every aspect of of procedures and results prior to surgery. I had a fusion of my L3-L4. After fourteen years of back pain I'm walking PAINLESS. Thank you Dr. Carlson.

Submitted Sept. 26, 2013