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Dr. Igor Fineman, MD

Dr. Igor Fineman, MD

Neurosurgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Igor Fineman, MD is a neurosurgeon in Pasadena, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Fineman has extensive experience in Nervous System Neoplasms. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine in 1994. He is affiliated with medical facilities Adventist Health Glendale and Huntington Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.2 Star Rating
Based on 33 reviews 4.2 Star Rating (33 reviews)

Practice

630 S Raymond Ave Unit 301 Pasadena, CA 91105
Telehealth available

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Compare with other Neurosurgeons

Compare Dr. Fineman with our nearby Neurosurgeons at Riverside Community Hospital.

Make an appointment at Riverside Community Hospital today at
(951) 335-3393.

Dr. Fineman 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.
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  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions

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Dr. Fineman's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Fineman

4.2
33 ratings, 20 with a written review
5 star
79%
79%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
3%
3%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
18%
18%

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My experience wasn’t great
I saw the doctor on the recommendation of my pain specialist. I went through quite a few hoops to get all of my records to him and completed all of his forms. During my appointment it was clear that he had not read the paperwork , which I found insulting. He also checked or read his Apple Watch numerous times during my appointment. However, he did examine my MRIs carefully and I have no reason to believe that his conclusions were incorrect. He may be a great surgeon as other reviewers indicate but I sensed that he thought my presence was a waste of his time. Might have had a different experience if he felt I needed his help - who knows …
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't explain conditions well
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 31, 2024
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A very Top Neurosurgeon - Jenn Birch is great too!
In another County I had two blotched extensive 5 level + surgeries that ended with lots of pain medication and injections all the time. When I moved Counties it to a while but God sent to dr Fineman and jennifer and staff- I knew they would succeed to repair and rebuild my cervical spine- So much pain all over went away and i got feeling back. i was in hospital 3 nights them always doing rounds- At home I was only on pain medication two weeks. I have very good movement but i just need to be careful. Honestly there's not one minor complaint I have! They included reports to detail, the images look so good- it's been 10 months and almost healed.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Paul W Orloff – Jun 17, 2023
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A fine physician!
I recently visited Dr. Fineman with severe back pain. He was spot on in his diagnosis and management of my symptoms. I appreciate that he didn't just whisk me off to surgery, he has treated me conservatively with medications and injections. When and if I need surgery, he will be my surgeon. He was a little bit late seeing me but I understand that he is a busy surgeon.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Michael J. – Jun 12, 2023
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Disappointed
Unfortunately, Dr. Fineman was not helpful, but frankly curt, dismissive, and presumptuous. His staff was more business than patient care. I came into his office unable to walk on my own and in a full 10 pain level. Rather than provide security or comfort, he made me feel like I was over exaggerating. He recommended pain management which I did and a series of MRIs which clearly indicated an L5 full disc bulge impinging on the nerve. The injections worked for a while. However less than a year later, I was in the same pain. This time I chose to see another doctor who recommended immediate surgery based on the MRIs Dr Fineman ordered and the updated MRI. The low grade is not to “bash” Dr Fineman, rather to explain that as a patient I was in need of a doctor who was willing to make an accurate assessment and proceed with an effective treatment. His staff turned a blind eye. He belittled me as a patient by not addressing my injuries, and prolonged my healing and health by more than a year.
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 30, 2023
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Definitely
Thorough, patient with questions, thoughtful and competent staff. My whole experience with Doc Fineman, Jennifer and staff has been first class. My NPH surgery went well, followup has been excellent. 100% recommendation.
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
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
N. Smith – Jan 27, 2023
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Outstanding doctor.
Dr. Fineman and his wonderful staff were there for me through two surgeries. One in my cervical spine and one in my lumbar spine. He and his assistant Jennifer make a wonderful team. I have made a full recovery and now for the most part I am pain free.
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
J.M. – Jan 19, 2023
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Science & Humanity
My first contact with Dr. Fineman was extensive surgery in July2017. Through the process at each point the knowledge and skills were evident. As important was the manner in which surgery and follow up were conducted. This January was the most recent follow up and all is well. And, once again, the personal touch was evident. Both Dr. Fineman and Jennifer Birch are outstanding health care providers
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
Thomas Fisher – Jan 19, 2023
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Worst bedside manner
This dr saw me at huntington hospital and also for follow ups. Barely says anything during appts, only answers questions when asked and even so with one word answers. Absolutely no bedside manner, office staff good but he is not a good physician. Nothing about my interactions with him in the hospital or at his office gave me confidence or helped me understand my condition. How on earth is he on staff at Huntington? Find a better dr.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Disc injury – Dec 20, 2022
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Terrible Surgeon
Terrible Surgeon. Ruined my back.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 09, 2022
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Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Spine Surgery was not taken lightly I suffered for years pulled hamstring etc saw masseuses my chiropractor nothing helped my spine left my spine by approx 13-14 centimeters. It was a surgery that became STAT and got my papers in order to get Medicare disability and accomplished surgery took place 1St week of January 2011. Dr Fineman and Orthopedic doctor Roy Ashford did the impossible so I thought I could walk without pulled hamstring pain my lower spine walking with ease cause I suffered so long since my thirties and they saved my well being etc they have Gods hands and I can’t thank these Genious doctors enough
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
Deborah SullivanGarcia – Sep 02, 2022
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All About The Money
All because I have LA Covered Care I am not receiving the best treatment procedures/surgery to help with my pain from herniated disc. Dr. Fineman recommends lesser treatment if you don’t have very good insurance.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 07, 2022
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Saw Dr. Fineman with pain in back, hip and knee. He prescribed medicine, recommended an epidural and spinal fusion. All three worked well; pain was controlled, and amazingly very little pain after surgery! Now six weeks post fusion and while I am bored by the limitations on bending, lifting, twisting, and sitting I have been pain free since the day after surgery.
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
W Wright – Oct 22, 2019
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Excellent with Dr. Fineman. Staff not so reliable - they sometimes make mistakes on return calls and information taken.
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
Oct 04, 2019
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my surgery was a total success .I had high pain for 4 years I JUST SAW dr.fineman 6 months ago with medication the pain was under some control but once it returned Dr FINEMAN suggested the pro and cons for this procedure so he scheduled the surgery for Apirl 18 at Huntington Hospital where I Received great care for the 3 days I was there I had no infection or any problems after the surgery . THE PROCEEDURE IS CALLED LEFT SUBOCCIPITAL CRANIOTOMY FOR MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION .
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 28, 2019
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I have my life back!I’ve been seeing Dr. Fineman since 2004 (horrific race car accident 30 yrs ago).After 15 yrs of helpful PT and injections,I started losing the use of my arm with extreme pain.I didn’t hesitate to have Dr. Fineman perform the anterior discectomy c4-c6 fusion surgery,along with Jennifer Birch,his surgical nurse(so skilled and full of compassion).When I awoke from the surgery my pain was GONE!Just had my 6-week check-up and I’m brace free and feeling fantastic!Exceptional team!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 15, 2019
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Dr. Fineman took amazing care of my dad after he herniated a disc in his neck. Dr.Fineman trialed conservative measures first and allowed my dad the opportunity to heal. Unfortunately, he remained weak and eventually my father underwent surgery. After surgery, my dad made a complete recovery in the hands of this great surgeon. You can hardly see his incision as he artfully hid it in a crease in my dad's neck. Thank you, Dr. Fineman for your kindness, compassion and skill.
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Amazing surgeon in Arcadia, CA – Jan 25, 2019
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I had surgery with Dr Fineman for a herniated disc and the whole process was a wonderful experience. I was being treated by another neurosurgeon and I ended up with Dr Fineman due to being admitted to Huntington Memorial Hospital from the emergency room. Dr Fineman and Jennifer (his assistant) quickly put me at ease and made me feel very confident thru their professionalism. I believe Dr Fineman was the better man to do the surgery and I am glad I had the surgery with him instead. 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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
none – Aug 23, 2018
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Dr Fineman is an excellent surgeon. He treated me for stenosis in 2010 and I never had pain again in that area. It is now 2018 and I am experiencing the pain of stenosis in another area, I am changing my insurance from Kaiser so I can be healed by this doctor. Only downside is trying to get information from staff who answer the phones...concrete operational thinkers :-(
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Aisha Lanier – Jan 18, 2018
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Dr. Fineman and his staff are wonderful.. The wait might have been long but they were very accommodating
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
Pasadena, CA – Apr 26, 2016
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I was sent to Dr. Fineman's office after one year of horrible back pain. He talked to me about what I was going through and gave me his recommendation after seeing my results from the MRI. I was not able to work or live my life so when he recommended surgery for my L4 and L5 I said yes. I found him to be very nice and easy to talk too as well as Jennifer Birch his assistant. I am doing great and so glad I put my back in their hands. Thank you so much for giving me back my life.
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
19 others found this helpful
Helpful
Toni Loska in Upland, CA – Apr 10, 2016
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About Me

care philosophy

Our approach to neurosurgical care is based on partnering with patients and their familities to determine the safest and most effective means of treatment. All available non-surgical and surgical therapeutic modalities are considered. The highest...read more
  • Neurosurgery

  • Movement Disorders Surgery

  • Neurological Skull Base 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.

  • Ucla Medical School, Division Of Neurosurgery, Chief Resident

    2000
  • Ucla Medical Center

    Fellowship Hospital, 2000
  • Ucla Medical Center

    2000
  • Ucla Medical Center

    Residency Hospital, 1999
  • Ronald Reagan Ucla Medical Center

    Internship Hospital, 1995
  • Ucla Medical Center

    Internship Hospital, 1995
  • University Of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1994
  • Ucla School Of Engineering & Applied Science

    Undergraduate School, 1990
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.
  • English

  • Armenian

  • Russian

  • Spanish

  • Repair of small cerebrospinal fluid leaks

  • Spatial Selectivity

  • Nural prosthetics

  • macaque intraparietal sulcus

  • Kynurenic acid

  • Neocortical plasticity

  • Proximal tubule cells

  • Hypoxic insult to the retina

  • Tumors and myelopathy

  • 45-CA++ autoradigraphic study

Dr. Fineman is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

  • American Heart Association Student Research Award

  • UCLA Medical Center Student Volunteer Scholarship Award

  • Western Student Medical Research Forum Presentation Award

  • UCLA Alumni Scholar Achievement Award (4 times)

  • Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society

  • UCLA Brain Injury Research Program Young Investigator Award

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Locations

Practice

Office630 S Raymond Ave Unit 301 Pasadena, CA 91105
1

Practice

Adventist Health Glendale1509 Wilson Ter Glendale, CA 91206
2