Dr. Christopher J Baker, MD

I was there today for a consult, he was running late from surgery, he had his PA examine me and apparently read the MRI.. I tried to give her the report and she told me they didn't need it. He came in never examined me at all. Then proceeded to tell me that my husband was my pain in the neck...What ???? Then told me there was nothing wrong with me. I have been in the medical field for over 30 years and never have I had that experience with a doctor. Didn't even want to hear me at all.. then told me I needed pain management. That's was I was trying to avoid. MRI report said herniated disc C5 & C6 with disc protruding into the spinal cord. Then he walked out of the room.....NO NO NO!!!!

Dr. Baker recently performed surgery on me for a herniated disc in my spine. The procedure went very smooth while the result was excellent. Dr. Baker and his staff provided an excellent patient experience. I highly recommend him.

7 years ago my mother was internally decapitated after falling post laminectomy performed by another surgeon. After 2 weeks of pain we convinced her to go to the hospital. It was then we discovered she was internally decapitated. Dr. Baker saved my mother’s life with spinal fusion surgery. Other doctors gave a 5 year prognosis. It’s been 7 years. Since then, I’ve blessed her with a grandson who is turning 2 this year and I’m now a licensed PTA. Dr. Baker saved my mother’s life, and in doing so, she and I became best friends and I found my passion for physical therapy. You have done more than “performed surgery”. You have changed a multitude of lives forever.

I went to see Dr Baker in Nov 2019 for a second opinion on a current injury. I have had knee issues in the past. I explained the what was going on to his PA and explained I didn't want any injections. They haven't worked in the past and based on my own research and experience they are a temporary relief at best and can mask the problem. In Aug 2018 I had a torn meniscus on the inside and outside of my knee and neither tear was detected on the MRI or by examination. By the time Dr Baker came in he already had an attitude, maybe he didn't like being a second opinion. The first thing he asked was why I didn't want a shot and explained to me that is in an expert in giving injections and provides training and videos to other doctors. In his words "he will see 50 patients today and a minimum of 30 will get injections " 60% seems like a high number and I now know why. If he can't figure out the issue or take the time he just gives injections. He made it quite clear to me that he had no interest in doing anything other than injections and since my MRI doesn't show anything there is no reason not to do injections. I explained the injury and how I twisted the knee and it popped. I have pressure under the kneecap and pain on this inside of the knee. When he examined me he was not gentle and wasn't too interested in the pain. Anytime I told him he was hurting me or showed him where the pain was he would look at the MRI and Xray and say there is nothing there. The man truly lacks any compassion especially for someone with unexplained pain. He then said I have a black and blue on my knee (which I didn't see nor did anyone else in my family see) and asked me if I was pounding on my knee and implying I self inflected my pain. He told me that he couldn't offer me any solutions and that he would never operate because I had other surgeries and I would still be in pain when I healed. He told me to do PT for 6 weeks. I do PT all the time at home, and if I have pain from PT I can come back and consider an injection. I would assume if you have a cut and dry case he is different with the patient. He clearly lacks the compassion to deal with complicated issues.He is a young doctor with a pompous attitude and clearly believes he is an expert at what he does, which by his own admissions seems to be giving injections. I have never in my life seen such an compassionate doctor or unprofessional doctor. And for the record none of my injuries are self inflected and yes I have reported this behavior to the medical board. I would suggest if you have chronic or complicate issues seek a doctor elsewhere.

Operated on my ruptured disc. I was told it was minor—two week recovery time. It has been eleven weeks. I stretch and exercise three hours per day—meaning I have worked hard at recovery. My physical therapist says I am a model patient. We are eleven weeks out and though I am getting through it, I have experienced an awful lot of pain—far worse than when I went in for surgery. Others who have had the same surgery seem to have felt immediate relief. The circumference of my right calf shrunk by 1.5 inches and my right thigh by 1 inch. My leg strength was cut in half. Not sure the reason for the atrophy. I walked over 10,000 steps the next day and have averaged over 15,000 since, I told him before the operation that I would be leaving for the summer in three weeks and we agreed that follow up visit could be done by telephone. However, I was never allowed to talk to him but was instead only allowed to speak to a nurse. They were not going to allow me to do physical therapy for six weeks until I complained and was allowed to start in two. He was articulate, friendly and presented well, but ultimately I was unprepared for what I was to face, disappointed in his inaccessibility and suspicious concerning the amount of nerve damage brought on through the operation.

I went to Mr. Baker from comments that he WAS a good surgeon. However, my experience with him was that he is rude, crude and does not care about his patients. After many years of pain from my low back I went to his practice and his proclamation from on high was that the operation he suggested was what he would do to his brother if he needed it. So the day of the surgery I asked how long my stay in the hospital would be, his remark as stuck his head in the door was "all the patients I screw get a night in the hospital". After the surgery he did not go back and see my family and let them know how I was and how it went. After 5 months I am still in tremendous pain and actually taking more pain meds than before the surgery. His remark to the statement of more pain was "We did what we wanted to do" and was then dismissed. His office staff has also proven to be as dimissive and rude as he is. I would not suggest anyone see this "Dr. and practice"

I was referred to Dr. Baker by a nurse who had worked in ICU for many years where he had patients and she found him to be the best in that situation. After sending MRI's to him, he accepted me as a patient and did remove a glob of cement (left from cementing my broken pelvis back together) that had somehow landed on the sciatica nerve, causing such horrific pain in the foot and leg for 6 months! . Since the surgery, I am almost (not quite) free of pain and I am so thankful and I am in constant prayer of thanksgiving to God and to Dr. Baker!

The following is my opinion based on my past and current experience with Orlando Neurosurgery: Horrible office staff experience and this is not a one time problem. The office staff is a symptom of horrible management and or poor office morale lead by Susan Santinella. When I questioned her for more information she was very rude to me and offered no explanation. On 2 completely different times 4 years apart I have such a horrible time simply setting an appointment. My first experience I needed to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Baker and after over 3 weeks of the office not returning calls, losing my medical records and referrals I was denied an appointment. 4 years later I am ordered by Advent Hospital ER to see Dr. Gandhi for an acute fracture of my L5 and after setting an appointment I was later called and the practice canceled the follow up appointment. Reason stated was a not in system from 4 years ago not to see patient. They refuse to give a reason. I wish the Department of Professional Regulations and Advent Health would investigate them for discrimination or malpractice. The recklessness of the office staff says that this practice is too big and you as a patient do not matter. Especially when you are in need of care you are a just a number and they want to move you in and out like cattle. Never had the chance to meet the surgeons they are too busy to care. I have been through major surgeries and issues for BC and other situations and I am outraged at the no answer, no solution attitude.

Dr. Baker is the best!

In 2010 baker removed several tumors from my mothers pre-frontal right cortext. She had made a great recovery. The follow up care was right on point. He was very informative, empathetic and professional. Thank you Dr. Baker.

My sister had an MRI that showed questionable issues. After our Spine Interventionist insisted, I drove the 2 hours to Florida Hospital where I was instructed to have them page Dr Field who was the on call Doctor. After 3 Hours, a PA RN came to see her and wasn’t able to do more than advise me to be back there at 8:30 in the morning when a Doctor would be in to see her. I was livid! It was after 11pm and the best he could tell us was nothing. She Was admitted to the hospital but I still had to drive back home getting there at 1:30 AM . They don’t seem to see any urgency and didn’t show any consideration for our time or feelings. She has been in constant pain for two months and we finally felt there was a resolution coming. I will update this comment as it progresses.

I have had 2 surgeries by doctors in this group. I have never felt worse as far as my back is concerned. Proceed very carefully

I saw Dr. Baker with my wife and it was the worst mistake I ever made. I suffered a traumatic injury over 10 years ago that has left me with a severe disability, nerve damage and chronic pain that has spread through various parts of my body. I came to him to get a 2nd opinion and right away he was talking about surgery. He wanted me to see a doctor, to conduct a test, that I had previously seen and didn't feel comfortable going back to. I asked if I can see someone else for this test. At no time did he try to understand why I felt this way. Instead, I was told it doesn't matter what I want and I am not taking the injury serious and that I don't care to resolve it. I have had 8 surgeries, 4 years of physical therapy, 15 to 20 shots in the front of my neck, chronic pain in my limbs and numerous medications that have taken a toll on my body. Explain how this is not taking the issue seriously. I think it should be said that Dr. Chris Baker doesn't take the patient seriously and listens to what they are saying. For him to question and belittle me says a lot about the quality of the doctor and person he is. Avoid him at all cost.

My husband has been struggling with lower back pain for 2.5 years in the military and they did every possible thing they could (aside from surgery) before medically retiring him. With that being said, Being a veteran dealing with the VA is a nightmare and living with this pain for this long is unacceptable. So we were referred to Dr. Baker and seeing his MRI and his chart notes from the DOD Dr's he agreed he is a candidate for surgery. Which is a relief to our family because being on pain killers for this long is not good on his body not to mention other doctors continued to dismiss my husband case because they failed to look at the notes and see he has already tired PT, Chiropractic, Injections, Acupuncture, Burning of the Nerves to no avail. It is nice to see a Dr. out there who are willing to help people who truly need it. I will be posting an additional review after the surgery

When life was darkest for me, Dr. Baker gave me something (the medical proffering) and someone (Dr. Baker and his medical team) to believe in. For this I shall be eternally grateful. Thank you for giving me my life back!

I was referred to Dr. Baker and saw him today for multiple herniated disc in my back. The PA spent maybe 5 mins with be checking reflexes and such. The doctor came in and said I need a three level fussion in my lower back. He took me to another room to look at my MRI. He then asked me to go back to the original room I was in and he would be right in. Well he never came back. A MA came and said "all done" I will take you to check out. I told her I have a lot of questions and would like to speak to the doctor. I was told they could answer any questions at checkout. I replied that I wanted to ask about the surgery because it is a major procedure and that I wanted to speak with the Dr. Or the PA. I was told they were already with other patients. This place is a cutting factory. I will not debate that I need surgery, but I expect that you will spend some time with me and answer my questions. No discussion of other options, therapy, pain managment, or less severe surgery. Also, when my primary care doctor referred me I was told Dr. Bakers office would call within a week to schedule an appointment. After almost two weeks passed I called and they said they did not get a copy of my insurance card. Ok, maybe you did, maybe you didn't (my primary care says they sent it, but will give benifit of the doubt), but maybe, just maybe you might let someone know.... If I hadn't called I would still be waiting for an appointment Needless to say, I will find someone else.

This Doctor severely lacked patience and ability to communicate pleasantly with a Patient seeking his advice about possible Surgery.. And, His Staff!?!? I would have felt more comfortable around a Pack of Wild Pit Bulls! When you leave the Office, there's a feeling you didn't leave fast enough!! Skip this One and look for Minimally Invasive Drs in Altamonte Springs with more Professional Training and Staff. After all, It's Your Spine On the Line.

I was seen in the ER 4 days ago, less than 2 months post surgical, and was referred back to Dr. Baker, called to make an appointment for follow up. I was promptly told by someone I am assuming was a Dr. based on her advice and assumed knowledge of my case, before given the opportunity to explain the dynamic of the ER visit. I was told and had it "explained" to me that I would need to start the referral protocol from my GP all over again, even though I am an existing patient and the symptoms that sent me to the ER are also related to the spinal issues I had surgery for 2 months ago. I would recommend Dr. Baker in a heart beat, his staff however leaves a lot to be desired as far as courtesy, empathy, respect and patient care are concerned. You will have to run and navigate his very rude and defensive office staff, scheduler and other auxiliary staff such as nursing assistants. God forbid you need to be seen for follow up care after your post surgical follow up care is considered complete.

I recently had a fusion with Dr Baker I have been having problems for a long time I had a MRI and a Cat scan he knew immediately what was wrong and within 3 weeks he fixed it. He was very professional, and I would highly recommend him. Fla Hospital was the best we live over 25 miles away but they are now my Hospital of choice

Dr Baker asked me several times if I was crazy and then told me about another Dr's wife he just did surgery on and said she is crazy because she is in pain. He made fun of her. He made inappropriate remarks, one being of a sexual nature. He was very flip. I would not recommend him to anyone and I am not going back to see him. I will follow up with another Dr.