Dr. Carlo Bellabarba, MD

I went through 4 previous surgeons for spinal fusion where the cages dislodged. Dr. Bellabarba's expertise in complex problems is incredible. He is a compassionate provider who really listens tohis patients. He is also great at reviewing radiology and fully explains what shows on the films.I recommend Dr. Bellabarba to everyone who tells me about their back or neck issues.

Recommended spine fusion without doing physical exam. There was no spine instability and no indication of pressure on nerve. During surgery he misplaced the rods and had to redo surgery a week later. Probably a decent doc but totally missed the real reason for sciatica (peripheral nerve compression) because he didn't spend the time to do a physical exam.

I had an ALIF spinal fusion with Dr Bellabarba in Sept 2023 and I have had an amazingly successful recovery. Him and his team are amazing and so caring and I really feel like I received the best possible care. I had appts with many different doctors for my surgery and eventually chose Dr Bellabarba because of his amazing team, particularly his PA, Joseph Lim and his Patient Care Coordinator Robert Lawson. Both took the time to listen to my endless questions and help me feel a little less lost in the scary process. I am so grateful for Dr Bellabarba’s expertise and his whole team of caring and knowledgeable staff.

14 years ago, Dr. Bellabarba n team at that time. Put me back together, with the guidance of GOD! I had a poly trauma sacral incomplete spine injury! Was paralysis blow waist after coming out of a drug induced coma! I am now able to walk at time n I know am a better person all the way around, because of Dr. Bellabarba's gifted hands! Thank you very much, you have a hand in me being a miracle, thank you!

I went from backpacking, hiking, running, kayaking to barely being able to move due to an injury on my lower back. Several doctors told me I would just have to live with it. Dr Bellabarba told me we could try - after a long surgery fusing l2-S1, and some recovery time and work, I was able to return to doing the things I love. My backpacking trips aren't as long, and now I walk instead of run, but I'm back to living the life I love thanks to Dr Bellabarba. I can't recommend him enough.

1000% he saved my leg, I was told it was lost and he saved my leg and I'm still living, golfing, all thanks to Dr. Carlo and it has been 20 years since my last surgery with Dr. Carlo!!

This review is intended to be a fair and honest representation of my experience at Dr. Bellabarba's office. I arrived fifteen minutes ahead of time, as requested by the office. Upon arriving the receptionist indicated that Dr. Bellabarba was running 45 minutes to an hour late and asked if I would like to reschedule. I had waited something like a month for the appointment and had taken time off of work to attend so I was fine waiting it out. Everyone I interacted with was pretty nice. However, after I had been in the room for maybe 80 minutes, a notification popped up on my phone that my appointment had been rescheduled with Dr. Bellabarba's PA. He arrived in the room maybe 10-20 minutes later. He was very knowledgeable and answered many of my questions. He then indicated he would go and get Dr. Bellabarba to come in for a few minutes to get his opinion. I considered this a very important appointment because it would inform a major decision on surgery, so I stuck it out as long as I could. I even missed my next appointment of the day which came with a pretty costly no show fee. However, when about 20 more minutes passed and the PA had not returned with Dr. Bellabarba, I could not wait any longer. I could not miss the third appointment I had bundled into that day's time off of work. It had been 2.5 hours and as I left I let reception know I could not wait any longer. They said "okay" and I left. I sent a message through the UW portal to let the office know I had to leave and why and noted that I thought it would be fair for them to at least acknowledge my experience and maybe consider refunding my co-pay. However, as of almost three weeks later, my messages have gone unreturned. I don't know if this is a common experience for patients or not, so I can't comment on that. Nor can I say what I thought of Dr. Bellabarba as I didn't get to see him. But the overall experience was quite poor.

I was involved in a serious car accident with life threatening injuries. Dr. Bellabarba performed fusion surgery on my neck and a subsequent fusion on my lumbar. Not only I am extremely happy with the outcome of my surgeries, I found him to be very caring and a decent human being. He patiently listened and replied to all my questions. His responses were very direct and clear. His team we’re also great. I highly recommend Dr. Bellabarba to anyone.

I saw him once to schedule the surgery. I never saw him again after he did the surgery.

I came to this Dr referred by my mother also a physician. Perhaps he resented such a referral. In any event I have been receiving healthcare now in Houston. Up and down my spine are significant problems with nerves being pinched. Dr Bellabarba treated me as a nuisance instead of treating me as a patient. Easily he could have referred me to another doctor. Instead he told me my scoliosis, spondylitis, sciatica and legs weakened by spine disease… well… nothing about me mattered to this doctor.

Best of the best. He did my L4-L5 laminectomy and work on my C-spine after an accident. I have complete faith in Dr. Bellabarba. Harborview is a teaching hospital and he is making the world a better place by training others to function at his same level. I am pain free and completely functional and enjoying a wonderful quality of life thanks to this man. He has my eternal thanks and I've referred several people with complete confidence.

Very competent spine surgeon, I couldn’t be happier with the results of my c-3 to c-7 laminoplasty. Received excellent care from Dr. Bellabarba’s team.

I have referred Dr. Carlo Bellabarba to many, many people! I will continue to refer people to him! He is a very nice caring man and doctor. He has done several back surgeries and one neck surgery on me. If Dr. Bellabarba had not taken care of me, I know that I would be in a wheelchair! He has given my life back to me and I am extremely great full! Thank you Dr. Bellabarba for all that you have done for me! Donna DiNicola

Had my first appointment 2 weeks ago. Upon review, was told I needed surgery. Was instructed to have a CT scan first. After the scan, the doctor seemed checked out asking me how I got injured after I had told him just a week prior & then said no surgery. He then gave me follow-up instructions to get an xray. I had xrays done at my first appointment at the clinic!!!! Kind of obvious he didn't review my file before coming into the room. I waited an hour past my appt & 2 hrs for my 2nd appt.

Most amazing spinal surgeon!!! I needed my back fused with a cadaver bone at L-4 L5 . Before surgery I was having excruciating leg and foot pain and back pain. My left leg would give out on me. I had this pain since my early 20's.By week one i was walking 1/2 mile, week two a mile a day, week three two miles a day. Dr. Bellabarba was very humble in telling be before surgery all the risks and that he thought he could help with the leg pain. He cured both leg and back pain. Love this guy!!!

He wasn't willing to admit that his work wasn't perfect when I had new issues after surgery.

Came to him after years of back pain. Legs were going numb and would give out on me. Years of heavy pain medication. After my complete spinal fusion. I'm no longer on any pain meds. The day after surgery I could tell my pain was gone. I have referred him so many times. In my eyes he's a GOD