Pacific Brain and Spine Medical Group

I would give zero stars if I could. Some of the surgeons here may be good but the one I saw wasn’t & the office staff is horrific! I have suffered from cervical spinal stenosis for two years. Even though I am not an athlete who is worth millions of dollars, I am still young, & I am currently in a ton of pain & not able to work. They did order an MRI but when my GP doctor asked them to also order an additional test, Pacific Brain & Spine’s staff turned it into a huge hassle. I had to change where I had the MRI & other tests done etc. The new tests revealed that unfortunately the stenosis is in my cervical spine has gotten much worse. I also have facial & neck swelling that is so bad I barely even recognize myself. I also have more than one finding on my MRI that the stenosis may possibly be causing a spinal fluid leak which is why my face & neck are swollen. None of this was explained to me by the surgeon. Instead the surgeon referred me to every other kind of doctor under the sun. I’ve gone through medical hell due to this place because all of this happened after waiting several weeks for an appointment with the Pac Brain & Spine Neurosurgeon (because they rescheduled one of my appointments on their own). Fortunately I found a different neurosurgeon to consult with before Thanksgiving & now I am hoping & praying for a Thanksgiving miracle.

So far I’m extremely impressed. My spot was postponed at first with no reason given but I felt like I had to give the benefit of the doubt to a neurosurgeon who must come up against emergencies etc. all of the time. The NP Michelle went over my history and symptoms first which is common practice. When Dr. Randall came in, he clearly had already reviewed all of my reports, forms and MRI. He explained in great detail to me what he saw my problem as and what surgery he felt could do for it. No sugarcoating, but optimistic and took the time to answer any and all of my questions even though he was running behind. When he left, Michelle stayed to explain things in more detail and answer more of my questions. And she was one of the sweetest, patient and compassionate healthcare providers I have ever seen! Dr. Randall was extremely pleasant, respectful and articulate as well. I am scheduled for surgery and feel like I am in extremely competent hands, and caring ones as well.

Went to the Danville office to be evaluated for severe neck pain. Now I am older and some other doctors didn’t seem to feel I was active enough to be bothered by my neck pain (I ride horses and am very active taking care of them every day). Dr. Dickinson not only took my pain seriously, but quickly diagnosed the issue and recommended surgery. He explained why and how the surgery would be done and everything went wonderfully. Around eight weeks after the surgery I was back on my horse and best of all, pain free! Thank you Dr. Dickinson! Staff nice and location easy to find.

This is for the office in Castro Valley.
When I first went for my initial appointment in September I should have known this office does not handle business well. The door was locked so I thought maybe since it was around lunch time they were just not all back yet. A nurse opened the door and the whole office was pitch black. She said fill out the paperwork and she would talk to me. Went to the exam room expecting to talk to Dr. Randall but was only talked to by the nurse saying he was not in. Ok so why was I scheduled if no Dr was present? She told me she can prescribe pain medication and a give me a referral for a MRI which would be mailed to me due to insurance. I wasn’t really interested in medication I just wanted to talk to the Dr. As I was leaving the nurse said expect a call in 2 – 3 days to schedule a follow up once I get the MRI on my back. Well now it’s December and 4 calls to that office to try to get a follow up or my referral (since I received nothing) and the only response I received from a receptionist was «if someone said they will call you then maybe there still working on paperwork, they will call soon I will give them a note». I called my insurance company and no request was sent in for a pre-​auth for the MRI. I’m still in pain and I just received a bill for 375 $ for talking to the nurse who did NOTHING for me. The office staff is very lazy and seems annoyed every time I called. So the 1 star is for the office (I shouldn’t even give them that) clearly since I haven’t even seen the Dr. or can comment on his work.

I’ve had two surgeries on my neck. One thirteen years ago, the other 3 weeks ago. Both were done by Dr. Dickinson, and both were very successful. Like most, they seem to prefer the natural approaches and preventive maintainance (pilates, healthy exercise, etc), but when surgery is needed (cord compression, unstable/​unsafe slippage, etc.), this is the place (and the doctor), I would choose every time. Dr. Dickinson is not only intelligent and skilled, he is gifted and meticulous.