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Dr. Alan Moelleken, MD

Dr. Alan Moelleken, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Alan Moelleken, MD is an orthopedic spine surgeon in Santa Barbara, CA and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University Penn in 1983. He is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.2 Star Rating
Based on 93 reviews 4.2 Star Rating (93 reviews)

Practice

401 E Carrillo St Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Telehealth available

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At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Moelleken specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. 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
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Moelleken's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Moelleken

4.2
93 ratings, 17 with a written review
5 star
77%
77%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
4%
4%
2 star
3%
3%
1 star
15%
15%

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Excellent Surgical skills
Dr. Moelleken did an excellent job on my neck surgery. I am very grateful he took me on as a patient and that my neck continues to improve every day with improved movement and diminished pain. I am thankful he is the one who will be in charge of my spinal health from now on.
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
Hannah Irwin – Jun 26, 2024
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This is the BEST OF THE BEST DOCTOR AND OFFICE I EVER SEEN in 15 years!
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Laura A in Oxnard ,California – Feb 15, 2024
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Best back surgeon ever!
Dr. Moelleken fused L3-L4. Post surgery, I didn't even need a walker to walk or ascend/descend stairs. The surgery was to address severe pain that I had in the right-side of my back. Since surgery the pain is completely gone. Thank you Dr. Moelleken!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Richard L., Grover Beach, CA – Nov 29, 2022
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Dr. Moelleken performed my back surgery and did an awesome job. I’m back to my old self.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
Feb 01, 2021
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Dr. Moelleken and his entire team has proven time and time again to be professional and personal. This is a time to Let people know they can help you. Thank you so very much.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
Scott C – Jan 29, 2021
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Dr. Moelleken is an excellent doctor and surgeon. I was nervous before my procedure but it has made such a positive impact in my life and reduced my pain drastically. He is very caring and took the time to explain things to me and make me feel comfortable and I really appreciate all he has done for me.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Carson – Dec 08, 2020
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Dr. Moelleken performed a disc replacement on my cervical spine and the results were excellent. I have no pain or discomfort now. I would definitely recommend Dr. Molleeken.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Greg Morton – Nov 21, 2020
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Dr. Moelleken is a doctor who is an incredibly compassionate person. He operated on my neck when I needed a fusion. After, the operation, he made sure all of my medical requirements were taken care of and addressed all of my questions and concerns. His staff are also very proficient and caring will follow up and make sure whatever the doctor is ordering is being done in a timely manor. Finding a surgeon was such an intimidating experience and I'm so grateful that I'm happy with my recovery results and the relationships I have built with this doctor and his office.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lauren Azeli – Nov 20, 2020
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Just a mill. Maybe you see the doc for 30 secs
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Jul 03, 2020
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Good surgeon...office staff less than to be desired.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 23, 2020
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He and his staff are amazing and very knowledgeable
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 16, 2019
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Dr. Moelleken, his staff and Cottage Hospital were the best! I had artificial disc replacement and would recommend him to everyone!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Darla in Tehachapi, CA – Nov 01, 2018
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Dr. Alan Moelleken did my surgery on L5 S1 on December 14th,2017. I researched doctors in Stanford area. I concluded not driving up to San Francisco for a talented doctor. Dr. Alan is fellowship trained in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He is the Michael Jordan of spine surgeries. I appreciate the direct straight to the point methods Dr. Alan uses. The doctor will make all the difference in surgical outcomes. I'm satisfied with my surgery. Brilliant Doctor!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
T. Joshua Parrish in Atascadero, California – Jan 23, 2018
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Dr. Moelleken is my hero. I went from not being able to walk without a walker or being able to sit up to a complete recovery. I have my life back and am now pain free. His staff is extremely helpful and friendly. All my questions were answered with complete honesty and explained thoroughly. He is a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Arroyo Grande, CA – Jan 17, 2018
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Dr. Moelleken Was Very Respectful and Very Knowledgeable and Explained To Me In A Very Well Understood Manner. We As A Team Weighed Out and Discussed All Options Possible And We Agreed On The Best Option, Which Was Surgery!!! He Performed An Anterior Cervical Discectomy n Fusion Of The C-5 & C-6 In July 2017 And All Has Been Great. He and His Team Did An Amazing Job!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
Alfonso Aguirre in Santa Maria, CA – Oct 24, 2017
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Dr. Moelleken, is the best ! He is a miracle worker ! I was paralyzed from the waist down from an injury, I am now walking again. No, I can not run the marathon, but after losing my ability to walk or stand up for many months, I now can walk with a walker and around the apartment I am able to walk without. His PA's are exceptional and Dr. Moelleken , and his team truly cares about his patients. There are not words to say what exceptional man and Doctor his is. Thank you Dr. Moelleken
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
George Hart in Santa Paula, CA – Feb 15, 2017
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Excellent surgeon and PA's. Very detailed explanations of what is wrong and what they can do to correct the problem. I'm extremely happy with the results from my surgery and the entire surgery center staff in Santa Barbara. Thank you.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ken P in Clovis, CA – May 26, 2016
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About Me

care philosophy

At The Spine and Orthopedic Center, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care relating to back and neck conditions. Additionally, we also specialize in treatment of orthopedic conditions, including shoulder, elbow,...read more
  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery

  • Spinal Cord Injury Medicine

  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Interventional Spine Medicine

  • Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Spine Surgery

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

  • New York Downtown Hospital

    Fellowship Hospital, 1994
  • University Of California Los Angeles

    Internship Hospital, 1989
  • University Of California-los Angeles

    Internship Hospital, 1989
  • University Penn

    Medical School, 1983
  • Suny-upstate

    Undergraduate School, 1979
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopedic Surgery
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.
  • California Orthopaedic Association, Member

  • English

  • German

  • Spanish

  • Rated by Becker's as one of the top spine specialists in America, 2010 & 201

Locations

Practice

Carrillo Surgery Center Inc401 E Carrillo St Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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

Office2725 16th St Ste 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301
2
Office640 S B St Ste 250 Oxnard, CA 93030
3

Practice

The Spine & Orthopedic Center-Zhang326 W Main St Ste 120 Santa Maria, CA 93458
4
  • 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

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

    400 W Pueblo St
    Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all 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

    86%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    21% higher than the national average

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