Biography
Dr. Levin completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan in 2007, and a pain medicine fellowship at the Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008. Currently, he is a member of both the departments of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Stanford University, where he also is the director of the PM&R residency program and the associate director of the interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine fellowship.
View Full Biography
Professional Summary
Education & Certifications
- Fellowship: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (2007) VA
- Residency: University of Michigan Physical Medicine and Rehab Residency (2007) MI
- Internship: St Joseph Mercy Hospital (2004) MI
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- Medical Education: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Registrar (2003) VA
- Board Certification: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehab (2008)
- Board Certification: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine (2008)
- Board Certification: American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Electrodiagnostic Medicine (2010)
Memberships
- Health Policy Committee Member, International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) (2014 - Present)
- Interventional Spine & Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship Committee Member, North American Spine Society (2019 - Present)
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Administrative Appointments
- Associate Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Spine Fellowship, Stanford (2025 - Present)
- Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, Stanford (2018 - Present)
- Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Spine Fellowship, Stanford (2015 - 2025)
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Publications
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Epidural fibrosis following percutaneous disc decompression with coblation technology.
Smuck, M., Benny, B., Han, A., & Levin, J. (2007). Epidural fibrosis following percutaneous disc decompression with coblation technology. Pain Physician, 10(5), 691–696. -
Re: Scanlon GC, Moeller-Bertram T, Romanowsky SM, et al. Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections: more dangerous than we think? Spine 2007;32:1249-56.
Smuck, M. W., & Levin, J. H. (2007). Re: Scanlon GC, Moeller-Bertram T, Romanowsky SM, et al. Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections: more dangerous than we think? Spine 2007;32:1249-56. Spine, 32(23), 2638-? -
Re: Manchikanti L, Singh V, Falco FJ, et al. Cervical medial branch blocks for chronic cervical facet joint pain: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with one-year follow-up. Spine 2008;33:1813-20.
Smuck, M., & Levin, J. H. (2009). Re: Manchikanti L, Singh V, Falco FJ, et al. Cervical medial branch blocks for chronic cervical facet joint pain: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with one-year follow-up. Spine 2008;33:1813-20. SPINE, 34(10), 1116–1116. -
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Evidence-Based Conviction
Levin, J. H., & Smuck, M. (2009). Evidence-Based Conviction. PM&R, 1(9), 891–892. -
Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 2. The role of corticosteroids
Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 2. The role of corticosteroids. (2007). J. Back Musculoskeletal Rehabil, 20(2,3). -
Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 1. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history
Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 1. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history. (2007). J. Back Musculoskeletal Rehabil, 20(2,3). -
A Quantitative Study of Intervertebral Disc Morphologic Changes Following Plasma-Mediated Percutaneous Discectomy
Smuck, M., Levin, J., Zemper, E., Ali, A., & Kennedy, D. J. (2014). A Quantitative Study of Intervertebral Disc Morphologic Changes Following Plasma-Mediated Percutaneous Discectomy. PAIN MEDICINE, 15(10), 1695–1703. -
Epidural Steroid Injections are Safe and Effective: Multisociety Letter in Support of the Safety and Effectiveness of Epidural Steroid Injections
Kennedy, D. J., Levin, J., Rosenquist, R., Singh, V., Smith, C., Stojanovic, M. P., & Vorobeychik, Y. (2015). Epidural Steroid Injections are Safe and Effective: Multisociety Letter in Support of the Safety and Effectiveness of Epidural Steroid Injections. PAIN MEDICINE, 16(5), 833–38. -
Rethinking convention.
Levin, J. H. (2009). Rethinking convention. PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 1(7), 694-? -
Prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials in interventional spine: what the highest quality literature tells us
Levin, J. H. (2009). Prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials in interventional spine: what the highest quality literature tells us. SPINE JOURNAL, 9(8), 690–703. -
A Systematic Review of the Literature on Caudal, Interlaminar, and Transforaminal Injections From the Last 5 Years.
Mattie, R., McCormick, Z., Yu, S., Kennedy, D., & Levin, J. (2015). A Systematic Review of the Literature on Caudal, Interlaminar, and Transforaminal Injections From the Last 5 Years. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. -
The importance of image guidance during epidural injections: Rates of incorrect needle placement during non-image guided epidural injections
Levin, J., Wetzel, R., & Smuck, M. (2012). The importance of image guidance during epidural injections: Rates of incorrect needle placement during non-image guided epidural injections. J Spine, 1(2). -
A Narrative Review of Intraarticular Zygapophysial Steroid Injections for Lumbar Zygapophysial Mediated Pain.
Schneider, B., & Levin, J. (2016). A Narrative Review of Intraarticular Zygapophysial Steroid Injections for Lumbar Zygapophysial Mediated Pain. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 4(2). -
A Systematic Review of Available Treatments for Discogenic Low Back Pain.
Lucas, M., Stewart, C., Mattie, R., McCormick, Z., Saltychev, M., & Levin, J. (2016). A Systematic Review of Available Treatments for Discogenic Low Back Pain. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 4(2). -
Spinal Cord Stimulation for CRPS.
Drakeley, M., Ho, S., Helm, E., Levin, J., & Rosenquist, R. (2016). Spinal Cord Stimulation for CRPS. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 4(2). -
TO THE EDITOR.
Levi, D., & Levin, J. (2016). TO THE EDITOR. Spine, 41(6), E379-? -
Intradiscal Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Trial.
Levi, D., Horn, S., Tyszko, S., Levin, J., Hecht-Leavitt, C., & Walko, E. (2016). Intradiscal Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Trial. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 17(6), 1010–22. -
A Paradigm Shift?
Schneider, B. J., Levin, J., & Kennedy, D. J. (2017). A Paradigm Shift? Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Does Immediate Pain Relief After an Injection into the Sacroiliac Joint with Anesthetic and Corticosteroid Predict Subsequent Pain Relief?
Schneider, B. J., Huynh, L., Levin, J., Rinkaekan, P., Kordi, R., & Kennedy, D. J. (2017). Does Immediate Pain Relief After an Injection into the Sacroiliac Joint with Anesthetic and Corticosteroid Predict Subsequent Pain Relief? Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Corticosteroid Injections Into Lumbar Facet Joints: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Kennedy, D. J., Huynh, L., Wong, J., Mattie, R., Levin, J., Smuck, M., & Schneider, B. J. (2018). Corticosteroid Injections Into Lumbar Facet Joints: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION, 97(10), 741–46. -
Is a History of Severe Episodic Low Back Pain an Indicator of a Discogenic Etiology?
Levi, D., Carnahan, D., Horn, S., & Levin, J. (2018). Is a History of Severe Episodic Low Back Pain an Indicator of a Discogenic Etiology? PAIN MEDICINE, 19(7), 1334–39. -
The Value of Electrodiagnostic Studies in Predicting Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Spine Pathologies.
Barrette, K., Levin, J., Miles, D., & Kennedy, D. (2018). The Value of Electrodiagnostic Studies in Predicting Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Spine Pathologies. . Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, (Aug). -
Intra-articular Steroids vs Saline for Lumbar Z-Joint Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Kennedy, D. J., Fraiser, R., Zheng, P., Huynh, L., Levin, J., Smuck, M., & Schneider, B. J. (2018). Intra-articular Steroids vs Saline for Lumbar Z-Joint Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
The Value of Electrodiagnostic Studies in Predicting Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Spine Pathologies.
Barrette, K., Levin, J., Miles, D., & Kennedy, D. J. (2018). The Value of Electrodiagnostic Studies in Predicting Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Spine Pathologies. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29(4), 681–687. -
Pain and Functional Outcomes After Sacroiliac Joint Injection with Anesthetic and Corticosteroid at Six Months, Stratified by Anesthetic Response and Physical Exam Maneuvers.
Schneider, B. J., Ehsanian, R., Huynh, L., Levin, J., Zheng, P., & Kennedy, D. J. (2019). Pain and Functional Outcomes After Sacroiliac Joint Injection with Anesthetic and Corticosteroid at Six Months, Stratified by Anesthetic Response and Physical Exam Maneuvers. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Ultrasonographic measurement of the cross-sectional area of the axillary nerve
Yoon, J. S., Park, J. H., Levin, J., Roh, E. Y., Park, H. J., & Won, S. J. (2019). Ultrasonographic measurement of the cross-sectional area of the axillary nerve. MUSCLE & NERVE, 60(1), 95–98. -
Intra-articular Steroids vs Saline for Lumbar Z-Joint Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Kennedy, D. J., Fraiser, R., Zheng, P., Huynh, L., Levin, J., Smuck, M., & Schneider, B. J. (2019). Intra-articular Steroids vs Saline for Lumbar Z-Joint Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. PAIN MEDICINE, 20(2), 246–51. -
Validity of Physical Exam Maneuvers in the Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Pathology.
Schneider, B. J., Ehsanian, R., Rosati, R., Huynh, L., Levin, J., & Kennedy, D. J. (2019). Validity of Physical Exam Maneuvers in the Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Pathology. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Intra-articular Sacroiliac Joint Needle Placement: Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, and the Criterion Standard.
Schneider, B. J., Ehsanian, R., Levin, J., Huynh, L., Kennedy, D. J., & McCormick, Z. L. (2019). Intra-articular Sacroiliac Joint Needle Placement: Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, and the Criterion Standard. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. -
Incidence of Extravascular Perivertebral Artery Contrast Flow During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections.
Levin, J., Mohan, M., Levi, D., Horn, S., & Smuck, M. (2020). Incidence of Extravascular Perivertebral Artery Contrast Flow During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Modification of the Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Technique Based Upon the Anatomic Angle of the Superior Articular Process on MRI.
Levi, D., Horn, S., Murphy, J., Smuck, M., & Levin, J. (2020). Modification of the Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Technique Based Upon the Anatomic Angle of the Superior Articular Process on MRI. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). -
Neuromuscular Ultrasound for Myeloid Sarcoma Affecting the Sciatic Nerve: A Case Report.
Kim, J., Park, H. J., Levin, J., & Won, S. J. (2020). Neuromuscular Ultrasound for Myeloid Sarcoma Affecting the Sciatic Nerve: A Case Report. Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980). -
Contrast Flow Patterns Based on Needle Tip Position During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections.
Levin, J., Levi, D., Gall, N., Horn, S., & Smuck, M. (2021). Contrast Flow Patterns Based on Needle Tip Position During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections. PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. -
Extensor Digitorum Brevis Bulk and Associations with Fibular Motor Nerve Conduction Amplitude.
Levin, J., Lowe, A., Tamura, L., Miller, E., Koltsov, J., Kenrick, A., … Richardson, J. (2021). Extensor Digitorum Brevis Bulk and Associations with Fibular Motor Nerve Conduction Amplitude. PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. -
Results of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Based on the Physician Referral Source.
Levin, J., Gall, N., Chan, J., Huynh, L., Kennedy, D., Koltsov, J., & Smuck, M. (2021). Results of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Based on the Physician Referral Source. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(1). -
Thoracic Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Management of Thoracic Spine Pain: A Multicenter Study of Short-Term Outcomes
Levin, J., Chan, J., Huynh, L., Kesikburun, B., Wagner, G., Caragea, M., … Kesikburun, S. (2021). Thoracic Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Management of Thoracic Spine Pain: A Multicenter Study of Short-Term Outcomes. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(1). -
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of long-acting dexamethasone viscous gel delivered by transforaminal injection for lumbosacral radicular pain.
Miller, A., Candido, K. D., Knezevic, N. N., Rivera, J., Lunseth, P., Levinson, D. J., … Lissin, D. (2024). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of long-acting dexamethasone viscous gel delivered by transforaminal injection for lumbosacral radicular pain. Pain. -
Improving environmental sustainability in outpatient clinics: Lessons from a waste audit
Taylor, A. L., Levin, J., Chan, J., Lee, M., Kasitinon, D., Miller, E., & Fox, P. (2021). Improving environmental sustainability in outpatient clinics: Lessons from a waste audit. JOURNAL OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH, 4. -
Systemic steroids for cervical radicular pain: A systematic review.
Gall, N., Ghaffari, C., Koduri, J., Dove, C., & Levin, J. (2023). Systemic steroids for cervical radicular pain: A systematic review. Interventional Pain Medicine, 2(4), 100280. -
Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation: Pooled long-term outcomes from two prospective clinical trials.
Smuck, M., Truumees, E., Macadaeg, K., Jaini, A. M., Chatterjee, S., & Levin, J. (2023). Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation: Pooled long-term outcomes from two prospective clinical trials. Interventional Pain Medicine, 2(2), 100256. -
The type 2 high intensity zone: Two cases of axial low back pain in the setting of high T1 and high T2 signal in the posterior annulus.
Ghaffari, C., Heit, J., & Levin, J. (2022). The type 2 high intensity zone: Two cases of axial low back pain in the setting of high T1 and high T2 signal in the posterior annulus. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(4), 100131. -
Is a history of episodic low back pain an indicator of Modic changes?
Levin, J., Schirmer, D., Garcia, R., & Levi, D. (2023). Is a history of episodic low back pain an indicator of Modic changes? Interventional Pain Medicine, 2(1), 100239. -
Safety of dexamethasone in transforaminal epidural steroid injections: A case of temporary paraplegia caused by injection of lidocaine and dexamethasone into a lumbar radiculomedullary artery, with no neurologic sequelae.
Levi, D., Horn, S., Murphy, J., & Levin, J. (2023). Safety of dexamethasone in transforaminal epidural steroid injections: A case of temporary paraplegia caused by injection of lidocaine and dexamethasone into a lumbar radiculomedullary artery, with no neurologic sequelae. Interventional Pain Medicine, 2(1), 100240. -
Results of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections based on the physician referral source.
Levin, J., Li, W.-X., Gall, N., Chan, J., Caragea, M., Huynh, L., … Smuck, M. (2022). Results of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections based on the physician referral source. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(3), 100114. -
Yes but no.
Levin, J. (2022). Yes but no. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(2), 100110. -
Attempted aspiration of a symptomatic lumbar juxtafacet cyst resulting in improvement of acute onset radiculopathy with progressive motor weakness.
Su, S., Mitsuya, Y., Schirmer, D., & Levin, J. (2022). Attempted aspiration of a symptomatic lumbar juxtafacet cyst resulting in improvement of acute onset radiculopathy with progressive motor weakness. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(2), 100101. -
Retrospective analysis of cervical transforaminal versus interlaminar epidural steroid injections.
Levin, J., Chan, J., Gall, N., Koltsov, J., & Huynh, L. (2022). Retrospective analysis of cervical transforaminal versus interlaminar epidural steroid injections. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(2), 100102. -
Patient Acceptance of Reoperation Risk for Lumbar Decompression Versus Fusion.
Pius, A. K., Joseph, Y. D., Mullis, D. M., Koduri, J., Levin, J., & Alamin, T. F. (2024). Patient Acceptance of Reoperation Risk for Lumbar Decompression Versus Fusion. The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society. -
Thoracic transforaminal epidural steroid injection for management of thoracic spine pain: A multicenter cross-sectional study of short-term outcomes.
Levin, J., Chan, J., Huynh, L., Smuck, M., Koltsov, J., Kesikburun, B., … Kesikburun, S. (2022). Thoracic transforaminal epidural steroid injection for management of thoracic spine pain: A multicenter cross-sectional study of short-term outcomes. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(1), 100004. -
Clinical history correlates with lateral atlantoaxial (C1-2) joint edema. A pilot study.
Levin, J., Kaufman, M., & Yeung, G. (2024). Clinical history correlates with lateral atlantoaxial (C1-2) joint edema. A pilot study. Interventional Pain Medicine, 3(3), 100434. -
Rates of positive vs negative studies in the spine literature.
Levin, S., & Levin, J. (2024). Rates of positive vs negative studies in the spine literature. Interventional Pain Medicine, 3(3), 100423. -
Geographic impact on relative locations of interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine fellowships relative to residency and first job placement.
Wen, J., Ansari, U., Shehabat, M., Syed, B., Dwyer, S., Nadora, D., … Levin, J. (2025). Geographic impact on relative locations of interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine fellowships relative to residency and first job placement. PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. -
Results of cervical epidural steroid injections based on the physician referral source.
Levin, J., Gall, N., Chan, J., Huynh, L., Koltsov, J., Kennedy, D. J., & Smuck, M. (2022). Results of cervical epidural steroid injections based on the physician referral source. Interventional Pain Medicine, 1(1), 100001. -
Bone marrow concentrate intradiscal injection for chronic discogenic low back pain: A double-blind randomized sham-controlled trial.
Levi, D., Tyszko, S., Horn, S., Pham, N., & Levin, J. (2025). Bone marrow concentrate intradiscal injection for chronic discogenic low back pain: A double-blind randomized sham-controlled trial. Interventional Pain Medicine, 4(3), 100611. -
Hematoma formation after basivertebral nerve ablation.
Fox, S., & Levin, J. (2025). Hematoma formation after basivertebral nerve ablation. Interventional Pain Medicine, 4(3), 100617. -
"Is this injection going to hurt?" Quantifying the pain experience during common lumbosacral spine injections.
Smuek, A., Bakshi, R., Mays, R., Huynh, L., Levin, J., Rittenberg, J., & Smuck, M. (2025). "Is this injection going to hurt?" Quantifying the pain experience during common lumbosacral spine injections. Interventional Pain Medicine, 4(3), 100632. -
Safety profile of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections performed while maintaining anticoagulation, aspirin, or NSAIDs.
Levi, D., Randall, D., Horn, S., Russo, A., Gabri, J., Durand, M., & Levin, J. (2025). Safety profile of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections performed while maintaining anticoagulation, aspirin, or NSAIDs. Interventional Pain Medicine, 4(3), 100618. -
Understanding Ways to Improve Interventional Spine Exposure During Medical Training: A Quality Survey of Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship Program Directors.
Wen, J., Shehabat, M., Ansari, U., Syed, B., Nadora, D., Dwyer, S., … Levin, J. (2025). Understanding Ways to Improve Interventional Spine Exposure During Medical Training: A Quality Survey of Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship Program Directors. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. -
Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Spinal Pain: A Perspective Review.
Ciralsky, T., Fox, S., & Levin, J. (2025). Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Spinal Pain: A Perspective Review. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 49(5), 259–262. -
Evaluating the utility of using ChatGPT 3.5 to generate research ideas for non-operative spine medicine
Kaufman, M., Pham, N., & Levin, J. (2025). Evaluating the utility of using ChatGPT 3.5 to generate research ideas for non-operative spine medicine. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 8. -
Is a case of one thromboembolic event one too many?
Levi, D., & Levin, J. (2026). Is a case of one thromboembolic event one too many? Interventional Pain Medicine, 5(1), 100729. -
Early outcomes from intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections: A retrospective case series.
Kaufman, M. W., Yeung, G., Rittenberg, J., Huynh, L., Smuck, M., & Levin, J. (2026). Early outcomes from intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections: A retrospective case series. Interventional Pain Medicine, 5(1), 100737.
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Evidence-Based Conviction
Practice Locations
Stanford Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Stanford Neuroscience Health Center
213 Quarry Rd
Palo Alto , CA 94304
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HerePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Redwood City Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Redwood City
450 Broadway
Redwood City , CA 94063
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereOrthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Redwood City Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Redwood City
450 Broadway St.
Redwood City , CA 94063
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereImportant Information about Our Organizations and Physician Affiliation
Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are each independent nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with but separate from each other and from Stanford University. The physicians who provide care at facilities operated by Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are faculty, foundation, or community physicians who are not employees, representatives, or agents of Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri- Valley, or Stanford Medicine Partners. Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners do not exercise control over the care provided by such faculty, foundation, and community physicians and are not responsible for their actions.
Review Summary
Dr. Levin is seen as a caring and knowledgeable physician who is easy to talk to. He is thorough in his approach, taking time to listen to concerns, answer questions, and clearly explain information and treatment options. Patients appreciate his friendly, professional manner and his efforts to ensure they understand their condition.
The summary was created by AI, based on recent patient reviews. Learn more
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Patient Reviews
(294 reviews)
Keep being you. You obviously cared and were open to discussing different options. Greatly appreciated!
Give the doctor a raise
I'm lucky to have your help for the epidural injection, because I had heard many stories before seeing you last year and the impressions were not very good for me. I did get a very good results and the experience of your cares. So, Thank you, Dr. Levin.
He was amazingly good and knowledgble.
Please see earlier comments about Dr. Levin. He did a great job!
I like Dr Levin very much and refer him to anyone who had the same problem as me
thank you, Dr. Levin
Very friendly
Great dr. Thrilled with results
El medico muy amable, pero no definio de dolencia tenia.
I think he is an excellent doctor, with clear explanation and prompt in scheduling the follow up. It was delightful video visit.
Excellent listener, synthesizer, and clinical technician.
Dr Levin is an excellent professional doctor and an asset to Stanford Healthcare,.
Professional staff
Dr. Levin was excellent
Dr. Levin and his resident, Dr. Chatmon were two most caring doctors.
He was very through and talked about how to hopefully remain pain free in the future
Doctor Levin is a very professional physician that provided myself all options for my condition. I very much appreciate working with Doctor Levin.
Dr. Levin is very nice and listens and keep on asking questions if I have them. During my procedures he told me everything step by step what he was going to do and that was very helpful. thank you Dr. Levin
Clean, organized and most important people were great
Very professional and a very good listener.
Dr Joshua Levin is an excellent Physician. He listens and is knowledgeable and professional during all my visits. I wish other Drs could be like him.
Dr levin was very professional, very nice and kind, a great asset to Stanford.
Very helpful and professional and clear
Listens well. Not dogmatic. Available to deal with problems
Information was concise and clear.
Dr. Levin listened to you. And tries to help you to the best of his knowledge
Dr. Joshua Levin reviewed medical progress after procedure & to continue progress with exercise (aqua therapy) going forward.
He took the time to hear my questions and answered them fully.
Good clinical manner
Everyone was friendly, informative and efficient.
great "bedside" manner, informative and i really liked that he could show me visually my spinal area that is the cause of my back pain. it really clarified the issue.
I am glad that I had an apportioning to meet and discuss the possible treatment with Dr. Levin.
He is great! Very friendly and clear
The team was communicative, reassuring, was able to answer all of my questions, and ever member seemed truly happy to be there.
Dr. Levin is an excellent physician -great listener and communicator
Excellent visit overall
Thanks for the clear options on treatment and advice.
Was very appreciative of the clearly communicated information as well as listening to my concerns.
Thanks Doc!
Overall a very positive opinion and would recommend to others
Dr Levin is very thorough. He addressed all of my questions and concerns.
I like Dr. Levin very much and trust him with my care. He's articulate, caring and smart. He's always prompt and very honest and thorough.
He is the best!
Very thorough
Excellent!
He’s excellent.
Dr. Levin is an excellent physician, Very thorough and really communicates well with all care
I really appreciate Dr. Levin. I am a physician and I know how challenging it must be to deal with chronic not so straightforward chief complaints- but I feel that he listens well, is non judgemental, is very experienced and knowledgeable and I always appreciate his frankness and honesty. I love his responsiveness and I feel like he really cares. So please thank him for all he does.
Great.
I have now been treated directly by Dr Levin. I find him very competent, informed about my case, and approachable. Other than for the medical condition , i look forward to seeing him.
Dr. Joshua Leving is my Doctor since l got problem with my back, he is very pacient, hear, and take action, like today we talk and explain how l feel and he send me to MRI. After this he will let me know what is goin to happen. He is very respectful and does what ever is in his hand. Very profecional is Dr. Levin. Thank you to be my Doctor.
He is a great surgeon!
Very professional approach, looking deep in the issues.
very pleased with him as my doctor for this particular ailment
Dr Levin answered all my questions and explained why I was having pain in my lower back. He also distinguished the difference between the pain in my back and sciatica nerve pain.
Very much appreciate Dr. Levin's approach, looking carefully at my file and images and not rushing into "let's do the procedure and see what happens". I trust his judgement and will follow his advice.
The consolidation of spine and spin-related services in Redwood City has worked well for this patient.
First time I met Dr. Levin and I was impressed! I like him cuz he was explicit. I understood everything he said!!
He's a fantastic doctor and I recommend him to others at every opportunity.
He’s very professional at what he knows, and takes his time explaining
Everything to you. Very nice dr.
Very easy to talk to.
Very professional. Very polite / friendly. Cared. Knowledgeable.
Excellent care
He was great. I was impressed. I am looking forward to the procedure.
Dr. Levin was very informative answered all my questions and explained my procedure thoroughly. I was very happy with my video visit with him.
EXCELLENT!!!
Excellent communicator and doctor.
It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Levin. I am looking forward to working with him
He's a great doctor and I highly recommend him to others.
very profesional an quick
Muy buena atención gracias
thank you
I highly recommend Dr.joshua Levin
THANK YOU
I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk with Dr. Levin.
I am extremely satisfied and pleased with Dr. Levin in all aspects of his medical care and treatment for me.
Overall, the appointment went very well. My only criticism would be that Dr. Levin seem to be a bit unprepared at the beginning of the meeting. he seem to be reviewing notes, and possibly my MRI before he actually started discussing my case with me.
Excellent rapport, phenomenal listening skills, efficient follow through
Excellent customer service
Visit with Dr Levin was excellent. They were running late, but gave me all the time I needed and I did not feel rushed in any way. He was extremely thorough in all of his answers and his after visit notes were excellent !Thank you!
Very professsional and helpful.
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Levin. He answered all my questions. He was friendly, kind, and knowledgeable.
Very responsive to questions during today's visit.. He guided me through a spinal disc problem in 2014.
Very kind and empathetic Physician.
Dr Levin listens carefully to my questions; considers them and provides me with options. I feel that he treats me with respect and explains things very well.
I have spent forty years working with physicians in many settings: academic, private practice, hospitals. I know a good physician when I see them and he is one of the best.
Im a recurring patient. I really enjoy the ability to message the medical staff, but the time to responce is whats trully amazing. Very fast responses. I feel like I can provide feedback that I would not otherwise communicate if I had to to wait weeks or months until the next appointment. The procedure today was fast, painless and theteam did a great job a explaining the process and expectations.
Kind , patient and attentive to patient's questions, also give clear advices.
Excellent Dr. Nice guy and very knowledgeable.
He is a great listener and works with me to come up with the next steps. Nice guy and very knowledgeable and professional while being compassionate. He takes the time to really understand.
He’s very helpful competent thorough and caring
Great visit, took the time to understand the issue, and clearly explained my options. Took the extra step of ordering a test to get a little more info. Would feel comfortable reaching out to him if I need more help.
The doctor is very attentive and willing to listen to the questions and requests of the patient during the visit, he's also prompt in arranging follow up treatment plans. A very trustworthy doctor indeed.
Dr Levin is an excellent doctor
Excellent listening skills
Great doctor. Easy to talk to. Told me all pros and cons. Very helpful.
I Feel that He's doing everything for me that he can
everyone was great !!
Very nice Dr.,very understanding and knowledgeable
great doctor
Excellent!!!!!!!!!! Feel lucky to have found such a good doctor.
It feels like everyone is rushing to hurry through an appointment, which I understand, but when getting a nerve shock test, rushing is not the best experience from a patient perspective.
Dr. Levin is a good doctor. He treats me very carefully and kindly. I truly appreciate his advice and guidance in treating my lumbar pain. I believe that the patients must build trusting relationships with him under his professional and accurate care.
Very communicative and knowledgeable.
He's Fantastic and Would Refer him to Anyone
Helpful and warm; knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable
Great Doctor. Easy to understand and very caring .
Very sincere and knowledgeable
He is an excellent dr.
Answers all my questions and will keep going back to him when needed.
Everyone at Stanford is great! I really love how the staff and doctors are thorough and allows me to speak and ask questions
He was excellent. Compassionate, thoughtful, and easy to understand.
Excellent doctor, good listener. Explained complicated issues in a very understandable manner. Would recommend him highly.
He is an intelligent, diligent physician.
Thank you Dr Joshua Levin.
Very knowledgable and respectful
Friendly, courteous, goal-directed, interested
Dr. Levin and his nurse were fantastic. They made me feel valued and listened to my situation.
Great Dr. Very thorough and answers all questions.
Very informative discussion, appreciate insights and alternatives explained.
Very pleasant and professional.
I received excellent care from Dr. Levin and his team. So highly competent, procedure was extremely efficient and I felt well cared for.
Dr. Levin was extremely nice, he was very honest with me and addressed all my questions and concerns.
Dr Levin and his assisting doctor were incredible! Positive, confident and very calming!
Superb doctors, helpful nurses, assistants
He was great. Friendly, knowledgeable, easy-to-talk-to and a good listener. He confirmed that my lower buttock pain is not related to the sciatic nerve (good news). He acknowledged that my pain is not quite his specialty and suggested I go back to Dr. Roh for further follow-up. I appreciate a doctor who refers me to a specific person who can help.
I appreciate his opinions and help.
Great explaining proposed procedure!
Dr. Levin is an excellent doctor. He listened to my issues, provided recommendations on exercises, Pt referrals and responded within a few hours after X-Ray’s of my back were taken.
Good doctor.Excellent communicator
Dr. Levin is very comfortable to talk with., He answers my questions, makes me feel that he is concerned with my well being.. Glad that he is my doctor.
Friendly but professional and thorough.
Dr levin's expertise and communication style are both truly excellent. Many thanks!
Dr. Levin is very knowledgable and covered the risks and benefits of the scheduled procedure, as well as what to expect in terms of results, which was the purpose of the video consultation.
good job
Great visit and I will see dr. Levin on Monday in person.
Excellent spot. Dr Levin was clear, concise and answered all my questions equally clear and concise. Thank you.
thanks for good treatment
Very smart, quick, flexible thinker
He was okay, but was initially dismissive of my concerns regarding scheduling and treatment.
great experience
The care is excellent, the only complaint I have is how long it takes to get an appointment.
Very professional
Makes you feel very comfortable
Listens and explains answers in terms that are understandable to the
Layman
Very clear and succinct.
Most professional and helpful.
Dr. Levin was responsive to all my questions and concerns.
Solid
Explained everything thoroughly so I understood all that was happening
excellent, professional, caring
Joshua Levin is an amazing doctor with great skills working with someone.
He understood me very well during our conversation and answered to all my questions .
I enjoyed the conversation
I look forward to receiving the follow up recommended exercises.
fantastic communicator and really level-headed approach. very grateful for him.
Great doctor, good listener and caring.
Dr Levin listened carefully and responded to my questions with thoughtful answers.
was good
The doctor and resident were both great at explaining my condition and ways to help reduce pain
Listened well, clear communicator, nice demeanor, helpful.
Dr. Levin is a concerned, good doctor. I appreciate him and like speaking with him. Unfortunately, the back is mysterious; and I wish I could understand more. I appreciate his honesty.
He showed interest and compassion and he seems very skilled.
I had a brief visit with Dr. Levin and his team. All went well. I do not have enough experience with him yet to make a recommendation.
exceLleNT MD.
Very caring, professional and knowledgeable! Dr Levin is an excellent diagnostician and I was very pleased with the visit and his team carving out time to see me early.
I felt immediate trust and comfort in Dr. Levin's care. He was professional but personally engaged, listened to my questions and gave carefully considered, individualized responses. As good an experience as such an innately uncomfortable procedure could be. Thanks
Extremely pleasant, knowledgeable of course, and an easy person with whom to interact. Glad to have "landed" with him.
I thought my appointment was helpful, informative and now I have a doctor to work with on my plan for health. He listened and provided good information to me so I could make a decision. I also feel he is a good resource of information.
I am pleased with Dr. Joshua Levin. Thank you for having him available.
The Doctor since he see me he work out with the time to make the apoiment. He listen, he advise, and very respectful with the pation.
Both Dr. Levin's assisting resident (Dr. K--?) listened well to my concerns, examined me in detail and offered suggestions and arrangements for needed P/T
He is GREAT!
I am highly appreciative of Dr. Levin’s for accommodating me at short notice, clearly explaining my treatment options and patiently and thoughtfully answering all my questions.
High quality patient skills
He was very patient with me and he was a good listener.
Very responsive and informative
Responsive, direct and providing referals
Kind, compassionate and efficient treatment
He seems very nice.
Excellent visit with physicians; answered my questions & scheduled me for a procedure promptly.
Very caring Doctor
Very open to answering the questions. And also very helpful . Felt comfortable with asking questions.. Dr Levin was very helpful is getting for me a follow up call with a spine surgeon too.
De Levin is, in my opinion, the gold standard for meeting my needs.
Dr Levin is the ultimate doctor!
It was a first visit and he was extremely helpful putting in place a good plan of action going forward. He was terrific.
His manner is excellent.
Dr. Levin is outstanding, both as a professional and as a human being. I feel lucky to be his patient.
I thought he did an excellent job
Very thorough received results in the same day
Easy to talk to. Answered my questions.
Just thank you!
Dr Levin was fantastic. He conducted a thorough eval, asked pertinent questions, listened to my concerns, and collaborated on the various options moving forward.
I really liked Dr. Levin, he explained everything in a way I could understand and was also very nice and patient.
Knowledgeable and nice.
Very professional and sensitive to my needs
It was a relatively long lasting video visit & I was able to ask all the questions I have had.
He was fabulous
Dr. Levin is great. I appreciate his care.
His care, attention to detail, careful listening and thoughtful responses were excellent. His injections were most expertly done and the explanations appreciated.
He was very professional and I appreciated his expertise.
Great doctor!!!
Definitely
Dr Levin was an excellent listener and was very easy to relate to. I felt like he took my concerns and thoughts seriously and just seemed like a kind AND knowledgeable doctor. He was outstanding
First visit - so far so good.
OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Enjoyed chatting, appreciated your time.
excellent physician
He was GREAT!
Great DR! Very caring.
very good doctor
Seems thorough and to the point.
Very friendly
Fantastic smile, patient focused, timely, and courteous.
I appreciate your help and support.
Dr. Levin gave me a full appointment on the video visit. I did not feel rushed. He referred me to another specialist to address my challenging injuries and condition. He was referred by Dr. Ratliff so I appreciate doctors that are able to network for the best benefit of patients.
He is so nice and genuine and cares.
I really like Dr. Joshua Levin. He listens and consults with me on my options for treatment
OUTSTANDING!
Dr. Levin is very communicative. He listens and considers my opinion and needs.
Dr. Levin was very easy to talk to and he understood my concerns. I think we had a really food discussion and I am happy with the results.
I appreciated that he had reviewed my MRI before the call and showed me the results on the call. He listened closely and articulated my options and risks very well.
OUTSTANDING!
Joshua was proactive, actively listened and responded to show he understood what was being said. I give top marks in all areas.
The whole experience went very well!
The doctor neither resolved my ongoing pain issue nor provided me with next steps to alleviate my pain.
I LOVE STANFORD!!!
Dr. Levin is great. He shows genuine concern and does a thorough examination. Even though I know he is busy I don't feel rushed. If I have even just one more question he will stop, listen and give it the same value as my first question at the beginning of the appointment. I feel comfortable talking with him.
I had 3 specific questions for Dr. Levin, his response to my questions was that I should 100% not be worried about these things. While I certainly appreciate his desire to put me at ease I still would have liked an answer or attempt to answer my questions. Other than that I think he is great, I appreciate his conservative approach and as I already stated, I know he was trying to alleviate my worries, but I wanted answers to the specific questions, even "I am not sure or I don't know".
Dr. Levin was the first Dr. we saw and he was thorough and returned calls and Emails when we had questions.
Not enough explanation ab. MRI contrast risks. He started talking about it without telling me what it was or what its use is. I would like more explanation about MRI and what it showed.
The doctor was very nice. I was not sure exactly why my original doctor sent me to an orthopedic but he looked at scans and sent me to the right place and cared very much about my health and pain.
Dr. Levin is the best doctor I've seen there so far. I felt he showed genuine concern and spoke to me in a friendly and professional way. His examination was very thorough and not rushed. I feel confident moving forward with him taking care of my treatment.
Dr Garay is excellent!
Dr. Levin was very professional and pleasant
very good
Both the provider and a DO resident explained the issue I was having with my disc. Both talked to me and confirmed the same diagnosis and treatment plan.
Very good.
Dr. Levin is fantastic! He is very genuine, empathetic, exudes confidence and experience, and doesn't sugarcoat.
Caregiver actively sought and encouraged my questions. Appears to be highly competent neurologist and spinal surgeon. Offered an option for minimally invasive treatment going forward should I decide to follow that path.
very good
Dr Levin was very professional. He took the time to explain the root cause of my LBP and suggestion a plan of action to address my LBP. He is a real Pro.
no need for medication so no medication discussed
Very professional staff.
Dr. Levin took time to discuss my condition and the best next-steps to take. He was kind and very knowledgable overall.
Dr. Levin was very efficient and professional during my visit. He was attentive to my needs and listened to my concerns.
Doctor Levin is an exceptional caring and good neurologist. Glad that I have seen him for my back problems in last couple years.
Very concerned about problem - actually involved in scheduling f/u EMG test.
Dr. Levin (and the 3rd year resident) were very easy to talk to. They showed interest in my situation.
showed interest/ concern for me and gave me options
Had a major medical problem on Thursday, was able to see Dr. Levin Friday morning in clinic. Everything about the visit went well -- seen early and had a comprehensive evaluation that was very helpful to me.
Difficulty in communicating pain level to Dr. required a follow-up visit to Express Service to increase pain medication. Express service is very helpful since these type of problems often happen on the week-end when you need immediate help.
Great!
I would highly recommend Dr, Levin, even with my problems he's willing to do further studies to see where my nerves are affected
This was a second opinion and made me realize what was missing! Dr. Levin was kind and interested. He asked questions, examined me, and made me feel legitimate about my physical problems (no minimizing).
I thought Dr. Levine was knowledgeable in this area. He listened and understood my concerns. He lay out the options for me, the level of aggressiveness of each options and potential risk/side effects. Since I have deal with this issue for a long time, I thought the doctor was honest with me about the situation and risk vs reward of each options so I can make an informed decision.
Dr. Levin was both nice and informative. I appreciated that.
Dr. Levin was very attentive and showed empathy.
My brother and I were very pleased with the quality of care and attention given to my situation by Dr. Levin.
DR Levin is ok. But the assistant was good. I cant remember his name.
He was very knowledgeable, but did not show very much care.
DR. LEVIN IS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND IS VERY THOROUGH.
Very good.
Went out of his way to accommodate me.
My problem was back pain that had improved the day of the exam (appointment made the day before). Physician was great...knew that doing what I was doing (heating pad when resting, continue movement during the day) was going to most likely be the best procedure.
No answers, abrupt, no idea on next steps or hope.
He was thoughtful and judicious in his recommendations & explained his rationale for each approach. Fellow was also very personable and thoughtful.
I would recommend the Dr Levin, Dr Shuer and the facility. Not the Coordinator group.
They were very professional answered all my questions gave me there full attention and explained everything thoroughly.
Dr. Levin is an excellent doctor!
Both Dr. Levin and Dr. V were excellent at explaining my condition in a language I could understand and presenting pros/cons of options available to me.
Dr. Levin went out of his way to schedule an procedure so I would not have another appt - I am almost 200 miles away.
So impressed with Dr Levin. My husband is a pediatrician and I'm a retired RN of 45 years. We know quality when we see it and he was excellent. Answered questions, reassuring. I have already recommended him to a friend.
Dr Levin was excellent, thorough and compassionate
I speak highly re: Stanford Health Care.
felt very confident about doctor. he explained everything.
I've been suffering with pain for six years. I never could find a doctor who believed my pain or had a diagnosis. Dr.Levin had it in my first visit.
Very pleased.
As I said. Dr. Levin said he could not help me with my back pain. In other words I should just "grin-and-bear-it" (the pain) for the rest o my life.
It felt to me like the doctor was more interested in instructing his student than in understanding/explaining my condition.
I had a very good experience
Good service.
I was very satisfied
My visit was rushed and impersonal, and I left with more questions than answers. The doctor seemed more concerned about performing procedures himself than finding solutions that worked for me and my schedule and circumstances. I definitely won't return for follow up care and I won't recommend this doctor to others.
Good
Doctor looked at my MRI, read my comments, heard what I had to say and suggested that what I thought I was dealing with might be something different. I was referred to a different specialist within the clinic.
The visit note on myHealth doesn't have any detail explanation.
Dr Levin took time with me & explained everything in terms I could understand & he was very caring.
He pretty much told me that my health issues are my problem, there is nothing that can be done for my pain and don't come back. Note I did not ask for any pain meds (nor do I want them). He did not even try to investigate why my back/hips were in pain.
Terrible experience with doctor. He did not listen or seem to care at all about the pain is was and had been experiencing for the last month. He offered no advice when I asked how to proceed. Best comment - "everyone has back pain" - no compassion or interest in my case at all.
very caring and thorough
I felt very confident that Dr. Levin would be able to help me get to the root of my problem and would consult with other specialist when necessary to provide me with a solution to my back and leg pain which have greatly deminised my quality of life.
Very good.
Just busy guy, not bad at all.
dr levin gathered ALL possible information about my past history with this procedure including the actual op notes, then examined me THEN gave me his recommendation...and was willing to have a discussion about it. he is REALLY a "people" dr!
There was not a detailed follow-up plan after I was sent to a radiologist for his opinion.
bad
Very thorough and request info from Kaiser to make sure what was done.
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