Sigurd Berven's Online Review Report Card

Took me almost 3 months to get authorization to be seen at ucsf from my adjuster, got the appointment set up, then probably a day or so before my appointment with Dr berven, apparently hes not seeing new patients, "why wasn't i informed the day i made the appointment "? But it was my responsibility to call the adjuster...AGAIN AND AGAIN to get new authorization for a new doctor, dont count on seeing this guy. Wish i could give no stars

What can I say but that Dr. Berven gave me my life back? I'm 5'5 1/2", but scoliosis had me bent and twisted to the point I was less than 4' tall and if my feet were pointed north my head was pointed east and looking straight down. I was in constant pain. I couldn't walk more than a 1/4 block--even with a cane or walker.WITHIN 1 OPERATION (the education indicated it could take multiple) I was within fractions of an inch of my pre-scoliosis height, the pain is disappearing (less than a month since my op) and I walked 4 blocks plus the 34 steps to my apartment without stopping or breathing hard. While I am not 100% vertical (97-98%) I believe the remainder will be made up in Physical Therapy. (Dr. Berven makes me want to prove it!) I'm sure I won't need a walker--and I think a cane will be be up to my diligence at PT--not his undeniable skills as a surgeon. Here are the extras--I'm in remission from Stage IV cancer, I have hypertension, hyperthyroidism, a recently failed back fusion resulting in the stats above, vertigo from the scoliosis, and I have a dicey heart valve that they had to be aware of. The notes indicated that the operation took over 11 hours. He kept my family abreast of progress throughout. I honestly don't recognize the people or incidents in the bad reviews. I never felt like Dr. Berven was rushed--on the contrary he seemed to take pains to make certain I knew and understood what was going on. He wasn't cold or uncaring--on several occasions he used verb tenses as if he was ME vocalizing desired outcomes. His staff were fantastic to work with--the ONLY criticism I can think of is sometimes I was confused as to which staff members were responsible for what--an org chart might have been helpful--but I've never gotten that from any health care provider and I've had more than my share of work done.I realize if you're reading this you can't run--so hobble, roll, spin, sway, limp, whatever you need to do--to the UCSF Spine Center and pray Dr. Berven says he can help. And believe him.

I visited doctor Berven a few years back after being told I would not be walking if I didn't have immediate surgery. He reviewed my file, listens well and spent an inordinate amount of time with me while explaining my condition, options and concerns directly. Years later, I am functioning well with minimal pain and walk miles each day. Dr. Berven was objective, thoughtful and professional, he exudes confidence competence and care. I trust him implicitly.

Is an excellent surgeon and extremely knowledgeable on back problems and knows how to fix them. He will fix what is wrong with your back the first time. Pain is gone and it is a wonderful feeling.

I don't think there's enough room here to truly describe what a gift this man is to modern medicine. He's a kind man and an amazing surgeon. He talks with you, not at you, and listens to your concerns and ideas. In my case, the way he performed my surgery was based on what was best for my life and my longevity. He didn't try to make me fit like a puzzle piece into a generic puzzle. He created something inside of me that will give me a lifetime of strength, opportunity, and most of all, I will be healthy and pain-free. His staff is top notch and responsive (thank you Jenna and Cindy)! Thank you is not enough when someone changes the trajectory of your life for the better. I am grateful to Dr. Steven Lee and Dr. Susan Gutierrez who referred me to Dr. Berven. Their support and respect for him made it much easier to move forward in this adventure. My future is bright and Dr. Berven is part of my life's "story"' with hero status!

Dr. Berven was able to totally fix my severe central stenosis with minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Berven kept in touch with my husband throughout my surgery. Also visited and listened to my concerns post op. His team came daily and listened and explained what was happening with my incisions . Very pleased with this horrifically painful experience...if that makes any sense at all.

I can’t say enough regarding how professional Dr. Berven is! He has taken the time out to listen to my issues and never interrupts! He is very soft-spoken and his so-called bed side manners are impeccable! I have had two back surgeries now from Dr. Berven and his team and if I have any future issues I would only want to see him and nobody else! I am very blessed to have the best of the best helping me with my spine issues!!

Excellent physician. Thorough. Uses good judgment.

Dr. Berven gave me my life back! I am truly a walking miracle!