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Dr. James Killeffer, MD

Dr. James Killeffer, MD

Neurosurgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. James Killeffer, MD is a neurosurgeon in Knoxville, TN and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Killeffer has extensive experience in Nervous System Neoplasms. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1994. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.7 Star Rating
Based on 71 reviews 4.7 Star Rating (71 reviews)

Practice

1932 Alcoa Hwy Ste 360 Knoxville, TN 37920
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Killeffer is affiliated with Parkwest Medical Center Knoxville, a highly rated hospital.

Dr. Killeffer is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Killeffer specializes in the area of Neurosurgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Killeffer's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Killeffer

4.7
71 ratings, 46 with a written review
5 star
87%
87%
4 star
6%
6%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
6%
6%

Your trust is our top concern.

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The staff text the wrong number to bring in an MRI disc and was 'oh well' about it. Nick was knowledgeable but wanted disc and was 'oh well' also. Explained it was not a rush and it didn't matter when I got it for them. I went immediately and got it brought it back. It has taken months to get an appointment. I'm disappointed that no one cares how bad I'm hurting. I was so excited to see Dr Killefer bc I was told he would know what to do and I still know nothing.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Apr 20, 2025
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Very Competent
Dr. Killefer is easy to talk to, provides meaningful discussion about the condition(s) at hand. I have had multiple MRI tests to monitor cavernomas. Dr Killefer always provides useful and meaningful diagnoses following the tests.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 11, 2025
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Office visit
This was my 3rd visit with him. I have appreciated his openness. He talks with you and answers everything. I highly recommend this doctor !
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 10, 2025
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His dad was great. Jr here is aloof and rude.
He's condescending and had no time for my questions. Very narcissistic attitude.Definitely not like his late father that operated on me many years ago.He acts like what he is.A brat with a Dr shingle on the wall. A real snotty ego.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Steve Glass – Mar 06, 2025
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MRI review
I’m having severe neck pain and wanted Dr. Killifer to review the MRI results. I chose Dr. Killifer because he had helped my husband with spinal stenosis. He did a fabulous job and gave truthful answers when the pain re-emerged 10 years later. I wanted the same truthful answers. Although it wasn’t what I wanted to hear, he listened carefully and gave thoughtful answers as what to do. I would highly recommend him for those who want an accurate answer with kind and encouraging words!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nancy Parrott – Jan 28, 2025
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Calm snd reassuring
Dr Killifer did a great job with the surgery, explained things, and has a calm and reassuring manner.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 19, 2024
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Second visit
Dr K is very impressive Tells to U not down to U like so many Doctors do and is very precise in what he tells UWould highly recommend Him!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 10, 2024
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Best Doctor Ever!
Dr Killeffer did an outstanding job, from figuring out the problem to the aftercare from surgery.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JOwenby – Sep 15, 2024
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Telehealth
Great Dr. Not ready to operate unless necessary. Truly listens to the patient's issues and provides sage advice
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 01, 2024
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Health
Friendly, careiing and very good. Great staff.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Hal Grigg – Aug 01, 2024
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Highly recommend Dr Killeffer
Took time to talk me through the surgical procedure, answering any questions or concerns I had.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 13, 2024
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Dr. James Killeffer is superb.
Dr. Killeffer is superb, as a surgeon, as a diagnostician, as a teacher to the students who accompanied him during my recent office, and as a medical specialist who is open to seeing a patient in their totality. His willingness and ability to frankly and usefully address far-ranging questions in real time is unmatched in my experience.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 13, 2024
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My visit with the doctor was great
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 09, 2024
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Wonderful Lumbar Back Surgeon
Attentive and listen carefully. Reviewed MRI and gave pointed updates on issues. Very clear on future needed corrections.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 09, 2024
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Good impression
Was pleased to learn that Dr. Killeffer did not immediately jump to propose a surgical treatment option. He did a good job explaining the two primary conditions that were causing my problems and briefly discussed options for treating each. His explanation for treating one condition was better than for the other, with no definite timeline for when to start treating the second condition. He was good at listening and did not try to overwhelm the conversation with his own talking. Overall, very positively impressed with the doctor. The one significant concern is how long it takes to get an appointment and be seen.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Bill – Mar 31, 2024
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Always
Kind listens well .
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 28, 2024
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He was very attentive to my case and is presently working on a solution
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sandra Stoutt – Mar 27, 2024
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Expertise with a human touch
Dr. Killeffer is always gentle, kind and listens more than he talks. He discusses all the options, and definitely does not jump immediately to a surgical intervention.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Joyce M – Feb 18, 2024
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Dr Killeffer easy to talk to
Dr Killiffer was easy to talk to. Listened well and answered my questions thoroughly and seemed completely present during our consultation.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
ALH – Feb 15, 2024
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He is a good Dr. He doesn't suger coat nothing.
I have to have surgery he never left my room till I was completely satisfied and answered all questions.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Bridget – Jan 14, 2024
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Leave a review

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About Me

biography

Dr. James Killeffer, MD is a neurosurgeon in Knoxville, TN and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Killeffer has extensive experience in Nervous System Neoplasms. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1994. He is affiliated...read more
  • Neurosurgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • West Virginia University

    Medical School, 1994
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
Neurosurgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Dr. Killeffer is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

    Read our methodology

    Locations

    Practice

    Neurosurgical Associates PC1932 Alcoa Hwy Ste 360 Knoxville, TN 37920
    1
    • Call
    • Fax
    • Hours
      • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Directions

    Practice

    Office10820 Parkside Dr Ste 301 Knoxville, TN 37934
    2
    Univ. Neurosurgery PC1932 Alcoa Hwy Ste 580 Knoxville, TN 37920
    3

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • University of Tennessee Medical Center

      1924 Alcoa Hwy
      Knoxville, TN 37920
      Recipient of 4
      hospital awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      86%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% higher than the national average

      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Parkwest Medical Center

      9352 Park West Blvd
      Knoxville, TN 37923
      Recipient of 3
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      85%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% higher than the national average

      79%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      3% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center

      7565 Dannaher Dr
      Powell, TN 37849
      Recipient of 3
      hospital awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      82%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% lower than the national average

      78%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      2% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality