
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
- Geriatrics
Languages
- Korean
- English
Gender
MaleLocations
- Brigham and Women's Neurosurgery Clinic
- 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115
- Get Directions
- phone: 617-732-6600
- fax: 617-713-3050
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Spine, 2008
- Residency: University of California, San Francisco Medical Center/Children's Hospital, Neurosurgery, 2007
- Internship: University of California, San Francisco Medical Center/Children's Hospital, General Surgery, 2002
- Medical Education: Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2001
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2012
Insurance
- Aetna
- Beech Street
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Cigna
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Coventry
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Humana
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- MassHealth
- Medicaid CT
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid NH
- Medicaid RI
- Medicaid VT
- Medicare
- Medicare ACO
- Multiplan
- Railroad Medicare
- Senior Whole Health
- TriCare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- United Health Care
- Wellpoint
- WellSense
Ratings & Reviews
4.6 out of 5
275 ratings, 134 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- Reviewed on 2/1/2026
Seems to be good
- Reviewed on 2/1/2026
The best care always from Dr Chi, extremely confident in his plan of care and how it will be for me. He is direct and straight to the point and very well prepared for my visit
- Reviewed on 2/1/2026
Dr. Chi is direct, clear and focused.
- Reviewed on 2/1/2026
Dr. Chi was fast but efficient, listened and agreed with my concerns. Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
- Reviewed on 2/1/2026
Dr Chi provided great advice while going over my CT scan and lots of time.
- Reviewed on 1/31/2026
He was very honest about my problem
- Reviewed on 1/27/2026
on time, precise, good communication,
- Reviewed on 1/25/2026
Professional and knowledgeable
- Reviewed on 1/25/2026
Very matter of fact. Very smart
- Reviewed on 1/24/2026
Dr. Chi was wonderful he explained everything to me about my condition the steps we are taking made me feel completely comfortable about my upcoming surgery
- Reviewed on 1/22/2026
I hope my surgery goes as well as I expect it to based on his opinion. I'm confident it will.
- Reviewed on 1/19/2026
He was helpful, knowledgeable and kind
- Reviewed on 1/18/2026
This was a great experience. It was a third opinion on spinal surgery. I left with total confidence in Dr Chi and the plan he proposed.
- Reviewed on 1/8/2026
Dr. Chi listened to me and he provided everything, all the information I need. He put me at ease and I have no fear of having him do the procedure.
- Reviewed on 1/5/2026
Kind, Caring, patient and very knowledgable.
- Reviewed on 12/30/2025
As always the appointment ran smoothly and professional.
- Reviewed on 12/30/2025
Dr Chi carefully explained the reason why I didn't qualify for surgical intervention and suggested I would benefit from some weight loss.
- Reviewed on 12/29/2025
I was there for about 5 minutes. The tests he ordered were all fine but he didn't have any answers for the reason I was having pain. I had to ask a lot of,questions to try to get some answers. .
- Reviewed on 12/28/2025
Dr. Chi was extremely caring and clear and professional during my visit. I found him very knowledgeable about my condition and treatment.
- Reviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Chi is very kind, thoughtful, caring, and knowledgeable.
- Reviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr. Chi was very well mannered and entered all the questions that I was concerned with... I felt very very comfortable with him
- Reviewed on 12/15/2025
Dr Chi is the best, most intelligent, kind and knowledgable physician I have ever dealt with. He saved my life and gave me back my mobility. I am forever grateful for him.
- Reviewed on 12/11/2025
I was referred to this provider by another doctor. It turns out he was not the right doctor and he referred me to another doctor who I plan to see shortly.
- Reviewed on 12/8/2025
He was attentive and listened to my concerns. We came up with a plan together.
- Reviewed on 12/3/2025
Dr. Chi is a new provider for me. [redacted] so I haven't had a lot of his time, but I'm completely happy as far as the first visit went and the communication. Thank you.
- Reviewed on 12/1/2025
I was unimpressed with Dr. Chi. He was 25 minutes late for the appointment and did not even acknowledge it. He was not looking at my current MRI and had trouble viewing it. I am not even sure he looked at it. Dr. Chi's "bedside manner" needs a some serious work.
- Reviewed on 11/24/2025
Dr. Chi was very thorough in my appointment. He answered all of my questions, provided options, and was very respectful. I appreciate the time that he spent with me and the appointment summary notes I received after. I felt extremely comfortable with his approach and how he left me to consider my options.
- Reviewed on 11/23/2025
[redacted] He seemed rushed and was not familiar with my medical history. He suggested tests that had already been performed. I tried to share my medical history but he looked at his computer screen the entire time. [redacted] I understand that specialists time is importantly and that they are highly sought out due to their background, but I would appreciate better care as I left wondering if he gave the proper recommendation and evaluation given his lack of preparation and knowledge regarding my case/. His note is very thorough and does not accurately reflect our interaction. Things are suggested that were never discussed either me.
- Reviewed on 11/23/2025
I had an extremely successful surgery and great input from him pre-and postop. This visit was very helpful to assure that my follow up has been complete.
- Reviewed on 11/20/2025
He has a very bad bedside manner. He didn't have any time to listen to me. He seemed like he was in a rush. I just felt uncomfortable and I just left. He did not give me enough information or ask questions [redacted]
- Reviewed on 11/19/2025
This provider may be the most skilled surgeon, but he's not at all warm to empathize with patients' feelings, and that came across.
- Reviewed on 11/16/2025
I came for a second opinion. Dr Chi was well versed on what was in my record. He told me that I needed surgery. He reviewed with me why I needed it and told me what the surgery would entail. I could follow what he proposed. I understood that I needed the surgery.
- Reviewed on 11/16/2025
The entire care team from the receptionist to the doctor were amazing.
- Reviewed on 11/14/2025
had a list of questions. felt like the provider who was an hour late to appointment due to his being in surgery, rushed me through my appointment and didn't give me a chance to answer my questions or explain my condition in detail to me. Also dislike when provider sits in front of computer and talks to me around a monitor. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 11/12/2025
Excellent
- Reviewed on 11/12/2025
Needs work on bedside manner.
- Reviewed on 11/12/2025
Very knowledgeable and explained detail information about my health
- Reviewed on 11/5/2025
He was personable and very easy to talk to. He had an air of confidence about helping me.
- Reviewed on 11/5/2025
Yes, Dr. Chi was very attentive to my needs and explained everything that was done and what I should do in the future. Very pleased with having him as my doctor.
- Reviewed on 11/2/2025
Knowledgeable
- Reviewed on 11/1/2025
My experience with Dr. Chi and his entire team has been fantastic from my first consult, to my bilevel ACDF surgery last [redacted] I had a very positive outcome and am grateful to be mostly pain free and also to no longer have significant numbness in both hands. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 10/30/2025
I felt Dr chi explained the results of my mri and tests in a clear way that I could understand..he took the time to explain the risks of surgery and has given me meds to help the pain ... seems to be working. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 10/27/2025
Dr Chi answered my questions fully and helped me understand the path forward.
- Reviewed on 10/26/2025
A good doctor is a problem solver, this provider was unable to work the human element of the problem. He could look at a picture and talk about it, but not address the symptoms and chart a path through them. Once I recognized this, even leading him through solutions to try and level set my expectations was something he resisted. Second, he was likely wrong. In my case I've had two rounds of spinal surgery (fusions, etc) and have weakness due to paralysis. He was very clear that the weakness wasn't linked to the nerve compression I have, [redacted]. He wouldn't even discuss what another cause could be. I was looking for someone who could help me chart a path - advise me - around navigating my spinal issues for rest of my life, as even he indicated eventually another round of surgery was likely. Perhaps a tall ask, but this provider could not help.
- Reviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr Chi told me that I was not a good candidate for surgery and explained why in detail. I felt grateful that he did not recommend something that would not have been in my best interests.
- Reviewed on 10/15/2025
He never physically examines me. Doesn't look at incision. Doesn't test the strength in my leg, doesn't check my gait, etc. Just looks at the CT and advises from that.
- Reviewed on 10/12/2025
I felt that he was very professional and explained everything that I needed to know.
- Reviewed on 10/12/2025
This PA was amazing!! He listened and explained everything!!
- Reviewed on 10/12/2025
Dr. Chi was very attentive. He took the time to have a long discussion with me and gave me the options about his idea of procedures.
- Reviewed on 10/10/2025
that the provider had kind of made up his mind before he saw me. And it seemed as though I wasn't as important as perhaps some other people that he might have seen. [redacted] And also, I felt that he attributed a lot to my age, condition before this incident happened.
- Reviewed on 10/8/2025
The staff [redacted] and the Doctor (John Chi) and all the people I interacted with were kind and courteous!
- Reviewed on 10/5/2025
I saw Dr Chi for less than 5 minutes he smelled cigarette smoke on me and it seemed to make his decision as how he already made his conclusion to my concerns. Also, I'm not even sure if he was looking at my CT scans or already getting ahead for his next appointment. [redacted] It was if whatever is my concerns were treated like I was a nobody. [redacted] I left confused [redacted]
- Reviewed on 10/1/2025
Dr. Chi was very informative and had excellent bed side manner. He explained my condition in a way that I could understand. He shared the views of my MRI and explained what I was looking at. He answered all my questions and provided more information than I expected. Dr. Chi recommended surgery and actually gave me the surgical date during the appointment.
- Reviewed on 10/2/2025
I was very glad to get an appointment with him. He's very knowledgeable, but he has not seen, I'm only the second person he's seen with my condition, but he's willing to reach out and learn, so I appreciate that. Am I supposed to press something?
- Reviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr Chi doesn't have the best bedside manner-he made us uncomfortable from the start.My situation didn't fall within his domain but he seemed rather distracted.
- Reviewed on 9/21/2025
Great Doctor Chi
- Reviewed on 9/21/2025
Nurses and/or Medical Assistants were all very pleasant and friendly and efficient. Dr. Chi had reviewed my medical records, MRI results, etc. before I met with him and was familiar with my situation/condition. He explained very directly that I did not need a surgical procedure and suggested some other courses of action that should help alleviate the pain that I am experiencing and did so taking into consideration that I reside a significant distance from Brigham & Women's facilities.
- Reviewed on 9/19/2025
I am forever grateful for Dr Chi's surgical expertise. He is a highly qualified Neurosurgeon and I am pleased that he took my case. It has been 1 year since my surgery and fortunately I am doing very well. Better than I ever imagined. I must congratulate myself also. I have worked hard at my rehabilitation, exercise program and will continue to do so Thank you for having such an incredible doctor at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr Chi is a "keeper".
- Reviewed on 9/16/2025
Very helpful, informative and good listener
- Reviewed on 9/14/2025
Excellent all around
- Reviewed on 9/14/2025
Very impressed tactically wonderful shorten to the point I appreciate that get it done
- Reviewed on 9/9/2025
Dr. Chi was familiar with my case and did an excellent job of explaining why he thought surgery needed to be done and what the process would be.
- Reviewed on 9/7/2025
I saw Dr. Chi and he gets a 10 also.
- Reviewed on 9/7/2025
I was very impressed with Dr Chi, his knowledge, willingness to listen and answer my questions, and his warm personality. After meeting him, I have switched to him from my current doctor.
- Reviewed on 9/8/2025
I saw Dr Chi for a zoom consultation for scoliosis surgery. I live in [redacted]. I had previously seen several spinal surgeons in [redacted] who proposed very different surgeries. Dr Chi was very helpful in helping me decide what type of surgery I should have and what type of surgery I should not have which was invaluable. My sole question was whether he had read the information I had sent him in advance.
- Reviewed on 9/8/2025
Dr Che previously performed surgery on my neck. I came to this appt. as I still experience pain and stiffness. During this visit the doctor did not examine my neck at all. He asked if PT had helped and when I stated he did not send me for PT he seemed to become irritated. While looking this up on his computer my wife asked if he could see that he had ordered PT after my surgery. He replied he could not see those notes and stated "well I don't have access to every PT center in the country". He was obviously irritated and it showed. I am very disappointed in his treatment during this appointment.
- Reviewed on 9/5/2025
Very pleased with Dr. Chi and felt his advice was extremely accurate.
- Reviewed on 9/3/2025
I received excellent care from Dr. John Chi.
- Reviewed on 8/30/2025
always looking at his watch
- Reviewed on 8/27/2025
Had a pleasant experience and can't wait to try and have some answers to my questions
- Reviewed on 8/25/2025
Dr. Chi understood my condition, and suggested corrective action and followed it up.
- Reviewed on 8/24/2025
Very Rushed... [redacted]
- Reviewed on 8/24/2025
Efficient but did not give me enough time to ask questions.
- Reviewed on 8/21/2025
When I met the doctor for the first time there were no introductions. Asked me to wait while he finished being on his cell phone, kept looking at his watch & said he was extremely busy [redacted]
- Reviewed on 8/29/2025
He is a very good dr. He also has the best support staff.
- Reviewed on 8/18/2025
professional
- Reviewed on 8/17/2025
[redacted] it was the most enjoyable visit. I really have a lot of respect for especially neurosurgeons, but especially Dr. Chi. He explained everything in detail. And actually I walked out of there feeling a lot better than I have been for a long time. [redacted] And he also said, remember, if any symptoms appear, do not hesitate to call. I really appreciate that and thank him again.
- Reviewed on 8/17/2025
Why hasn't patient gateway been available to me?
- Reviewed on 8/14/2025
Understood my situation completely and pain situation.
- Reviewed on 8/14/2025
Excellent Doctor
- Reviewed on 8/5/2025
He was rather dismissive of my health concerns and issues. The conversation/appointment was rather shortened by him. He seemed as thoigh he had no interest or desire to be of any help in an any capacity to me.
- Reviewed on 7/30/2025
He has already done 4 other surgeries on me. I'm very comfortable with this Dr.
- Reviewed on 7/30/2025
Hi, this provider was excellent. He answered all my questions and even filled in some I didn't even think to ask. So I was beyond happy with him.
- Reviewed on 7/28/2025
He told me how it is and there was no hiding the facts. He made me feel good about our conversation and told me what has to be done to fix the problem.
- Reviewed on 7/27/2025
Dr. Chi was very straightforward with his communication about my condition. He described what the plan of action was going forward and had his assistant make the necessary appointments.
- Reviewed on 7/27/2025
He is informative, straight forward with information, direction, and planning. I highly respect his advice and he listens to my concerns.
- Reviewed on 7/23/2025
very pleased with my provider and the care that was provided to me. I would most definitely recommend my provider to whomever needs help. I am so Grateful & Thankful!
- Reviewed on 7/21/2025
Dr Chi was well prepared and familiar with my medical history and imaging. He showed empathy and kindness, and explained his plan clearly.
- Reviewed on 7/20/2025
The Doctor seemed aloof and didn't really provide the time or interest in my situation. Did not acknowledge my wife who had to introduce herself.
- Reviewed on 7/20/2025
Thorough and thoughtful diagnosis and treatment plan
- Reviewed on 7/20/2025
Knowledgeable, professional, respectful
- Reviewed on 7/16/2025
First of all, the first person I saw in Dr. John Chi's office was [redacted]. She was absolutely fabulous, as always. A short time later, I saw Dr. John Chi, who was, as always, he has operated on me twice, wonderful, wonderful, and wonderful. That's all I can say. I would recommend them to anybody. I think it's extremely well run and excellent. Very happy that I'm a patient here. I'd like not to be, but if I have to be, I want to be here. Thank you. Good day.
- Reviewed on 7/14/2025
Very satisfied
- Reviewed on 7/13/2025
Nothing, very happy
- Reviewed on 7/7/2025
Dr Chi and his staff were very efficient and pleasant My situation is a bit complicated and after careful consideration and discussion he offered a very reasonable approach to resolve my spinal issues and offered a quick time frame for my surgery. l am looking forward to feeling like myself again!
- Reviewed on 7/6/2025
Provider seemed very focused on finding a remedy to reduce my pain.
- Reviewed on 6/30/2025
Very professional and straightforward with the issues and provided easy to understand pathways forward to resolve the medical issue.
- Reviewed on 6/30/2025
I had some issues with my lumbar spine. The physician was very clear and explaining what he would need to do to that area and why. Then the physician explained that he might have to operate on my neck, but didn't explain why or at least it was not clear to me. No time was really spent on speaking about my symptoms and some time we spent about my concerns regarding lower back surgery, but no time was spent or questions asked about my concerns regarding neck surgery. I got the feeling that the surgeon was pressed for time. I know sometimes surgeons can be very busy, but it would be nice if surgeons sometimes could also be " doctors"
- Reviewed on 6/29/2025
I saw Dr. Chi he was Great! I was in and out. He was very courteous, helpful, and intelligent. I left feeling Very hopeful and confident that my condition will improve. Highly recommend him!
- Reviewed on 6/29/2025
I thought the knowledge and empathy was outstanding
- Reviewed on 6/24/2025
Dr. John Chi was thorough and clearly understood my situation. He explained to my daughter and me what my challenges are and how he recommended I care for myself. Unlike other surgeons I have seen, he was against surgery due to my particular spinal situation as well as my comorbities. He advised me how to proceed with kindness and clarity. I think he is excellent and i highly recommend him. He cares only about the patient; not about his personal agenda. Thank you Dr. Chi.
- Reviewed on 6/23/2025
I definitely respect his diagnosis and will follow his advice.
- Reviewed on 6/23/2025
I felt embarrassed by the provider as if my symptoms were irrelevant and at point, he asked me, "How did you even get in here?' I have had pain from this condition for over three years and I went to this provider hoping to gain a better understanding of what I can do to stem continuing pain and loss of sensation.
- Reviewed on 6/22/2025
Dr Chi explained things well, listened carefully and helped us with our decision
- Reviewed on 6/21/2025
One of the best doctors I've ever had Why I went back to him
- Reviewed on 6/19/2025
He was Excellent ! gentle, caring, extremely professional, but it felt like i was talking with an old friend. It could not have been better !!!
- Reviewed on 6/18/2025
Very competent and listened well.
- Reviewed on 6/18/2025
Dr. Chi was great. Super nice, very clear, good sense of humor which he was kind enough to share with this nervous patient, and I felt like he spent much more time with me than he actually did because he listened so well. I appreciated his directness very much.
- Reviewed on 6/16/2025
This was a one year post surgery appointment. Dr. Chi was able to clarify some questions for me.
- Reviewed on 6/15/2025
He is a great man.
- Reviewed on 6/15/2025
Dr Chi is an excellent surgeon.
- Reviewed on 6/11/2025
He seemed very experienced and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with having him complete the procedure.
- Reviewed on 6/9/2025
Found him to be on point And know if not the best outcome, surgery may not be indicated........very honest Will not cut unless above! Very few drs care like Dr. Chi!!!
- Reviewed on 5/26/2025
I felt that Dr. Chi was very caring. He listened to everything I said. My daughter was with me. She's a nurse. She had other questions. He was very, I don't know the exact word right now, but he listened to everything and answered every question she had to answer. Thank you.
- Reviewed on 5/28/2025
Well i was kind of cauhght off guard by this doctors abruptness. He wasted no time in dismissing my condition and reason for being there. I was cut off while describing the problems that i have and told that "I did not need to be there" that my condition did not rise to the level where i would need to be seen by him and that may be so but i little patients would have been nice. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 5/21/2025
Dr chi is wonderful. He is so informative and helpful
- Reviewed on 5/22/2025
He is an excellent surgeon!!
- Reviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr. Chi provided a comprehensive assessment of my condition with a recommended way forward.
- Reviewed on 5/19/2025
he was he was very thorough. He knew all about me and that was a great feeling to know that he already looked at my chat. He knew exactly what's going on. He didn't have to read anything. He already read it.
- Reviewed on 5/11/2025
Dr Chi was knowledgeable and concerned. He answered my questions and treated me with respect. When there was a glitch with his access to my images, he dealt with it immediately.
- Reviewed on 5/7/2025
Awesome
- Reviewed on 5/2/2025
I was recommended to Dr. Chi by my nephew who was an anesthesiologist at New England Baptist. He was an anesthesiologist at Brigham and Women's. When I asked him who I should go to for my bad back, whereas I was recommended by pain management that the shots, weren't going to cut it and I probably needed surgery, he said immediately, Dr. John Chi. And I see why. When I went, he's very, very highly professional, right to the point, asked the right questions to me, answered my questions, confidently, quickly. I felt just so good after I saw him. I was like, let's get it done. This guy's great. So, huge accolades.
- Reviewed on 5/1/2025
Dr Chi's team has been great reviewing my case and addressing my concerns. I was treated very well by Dr Chi and his admin [redacted]
- Reviewed on 5/1/2025
I was very impressed with Dr. Chi. I'm comfortable being in his hands. His advice was spot on. I appreciate being his patient. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 4/21/2025
He is the BEST there is
- Reviewed on 4/21/2025
I trust this provider.
- Reviewed on 4/21/2025
Dr. Chi is very knowledgeable and explained things very well.
- Reviewed on 4/14/2025
John chi is the best!
- Reviewed on 4/14/2025
Dr Chi and team are smart, professional and respectful
- Reviewed on 4/8/2025
Dr Chi was very informative and gave me assurance about my upcoming surgery.
- Reviewed on 4/7/2025
Dr. Chi was very knowledgeable and kind. He provided the opportunity for me to ask questions, however I felt rushed. Not by him at all, but more so by the speed of everything going on around me (I understand that this is a a fast paced teaching hospital, so I may not be used to that). I felt like I didn't want to take up too much of his time, but thankfully I can communicate with he and his nurse practitioner via the patient portal. I am grateful to have had an appointment with him.
- Reviewed on 4/2/2025
It was a first telehealth visit with Dr. Chi. He was very knowledgeable and helpful with regard to a serious discovery of a spinal tumor while having Pet and MRI scans for vaginal cancer recurrence. I will see him for follow up visits if needed and future scans. His credentials are very impressive. His calm manner was appreciated.
- Reviewed on 3/30/2025
Competent, caring, courteous- excellent doctor
- Reviewed on 3/29/2025
It was obvious Dr Chi is extremely intelligent and knowledge, but he explained what was going to happen and had a terrific bedside manner! Great Doctor!