1. Neurosurgeons
  2. CA
  3. Escondido Neurosurgeons
  4. Dr. Mark Stern, MD
Dr. Mark Stern, MD

Dr. Mark Stern, MD

Neurosurgery•Male•Age 68

Accepting new patients
Telehealth services available
705 E Ohio Ave
Escondido, CA 92025
Book Online

New Patient

(442) 274-0568

Current Patient

Dr. Mark Stern, MD is a Neurosurgery Specialist in Escondido, CA and has over 44 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Albany Medical College medical school in 1977. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Palomar Medical Center Downtown Escondido and Palomar Medical Center Poway. He is accepting new patients and has indicated that he accepts telehealth appointments. Be sure to call ahead with Dr. Stern to book an appointment.

Locations

Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery

New Patient?
(442) 274-0568
So CA Inst Neurological Surgery705 E Ohio Ave Escondido, CA 92025
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions
Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery326 S Melrose Dr Ste 200 Vista, CA 92081
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: closed
    • Tue: closed
    • Wed: 9:30am - 3:15pm
    • Thu: closed
    • Fri: closed
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Stern is affiliated with Palomar Medical Center Escondido Escondido, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Explains Conditions Well • Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth • This provider offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital • America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals

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Dr. Stern's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Stern

4.3

Based on 60 ratings

5 Stars
81.66666666666667%
(49)
4 Stars
1.6666666666666667%
(1)
3 Stars
0%
(0)
2 Stars
0%
(0)
1 Star
16.666666666666668%
(10)
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Leave a review

How likely are you to recommend
Dr. Stern?(Select your rating)
What went well
  • Staff friendliness (48)
  • Trusted the provider's decisions (48)
  • Appointment wasn't rushed (47)
What could be improved
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions (10)
  • Didn't explain conditions well (9)
  • Didn't listen or answer questions (9)
RecentHighestLowestMost Helpful
Reply Flag
Very knowledgeable & made me feel welcome.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nancy – Jan 09, 2021
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Reply Flag
Dr. Stern was very knowledgeable and attentive to detail.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Marina – Dec 30, 2020
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Reply Flag
Dr. Stern and his staff have been very kind and helpful when we have appointments.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 16, 2020
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Reply Flag
Awesome surgeon, was living with back pain for over a year and a half and now im pain free.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
James – Dec 08, 2020
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Reply Flag
The doctor is serious, knowledgeable and genuinely prepared to find out what needs to be done to help me.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Sandra Myslewicz – Dec 05, 2020
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Reply Flag
Dr stern is one amazing dr he saved my life by giving my mobility back excellent dr all around
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Loretta Bunten – Dec 05, 2020
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Reply Flag
Wonderful doctor and stuff. Dr is very human compassionate and Love the peace of mind I had when I left the office. He went way out of his way to help me. Great bio. ??????????????
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Ofelia Jambeau – Dec 02, 2020
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Reply Flag
Dr performed surgery to correct severe pain. Surgery was right on and pain is much, much better. Dr Stern takes the time to really listen!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Chris Mason – Nov 21, 2020
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Reply Flag
Dr. Stern is a very thourough doctor that knows how to get you in and out. My experience was very nice and I would recommend him to anyone with a spinal injury.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Andrew Cook – Nov 06, 2020
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Reply Flag
Thanks for every thing, great professional service for my wife.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Esteban Maqueo – Nov 04, 2020
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Reply Flag
Very good Doctor and yes I would fecommend him
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 03, 2020
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Reply Flag
Doctor Stern is awesome! I’ve had two surgeries by him and he’s always kept us informed of everything. He is thorough, courteous and easy to speak with. I highly recommend him.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Zeke Rios – Oct 07, 2020
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Reply Flag
A very thorough doctor. Put off a little about his not reviewing previous docs papers. But his way is to look at you now Fully explain things. Amazing. First time in months we feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. We NOW look forward to a future.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Rosalind brooks – Sep 26, 2020
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Reply Flag
All my questions were always answered. Dr. Stern took very good care of me, even after being referred to rheumatology and receiving a diagnosis, he continued his care for me. Together, we came up with a long term care plan.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Vicki Thompson – Sep 15, 2020
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Reply Flag
Good as it gets
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dave ayers – Sep 15, 2020
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Reply Flag
Appt was long to schedule due to waiting for records to be transferred. Nothing to do with this office.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Sep 15, 2020
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Reply Flag
Dr Stern has been Great. He has helped me tramendously.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Glen Shurick – Sep 11, 2020
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Reply Flag
Great doctor. Straight to the point. Every thing he said was accurate. Very professional. I truly recommend him.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
San Marcos , CA – Aug 11, 2020
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Reply Flag
My name is William Hamlin and on June 24,2019 I had Dr.Stern implant a neurostimulator in my lower back. I have a damaged L-5 nerve that was causing me chronic unbearable pain. Before the implant, every one to two months I had to have nerve block injections to relieve the pain. Each time I would get 2 to 6 injections in my back. Plus I also had to take pain meds just so I could fuction. Most of the time I'd burn off the blocks before my next appt. With pain meds in my system, I was unable to pass a drug test for employment. Since the implant, I've been pain free and able to quit taking the pain meds. Now I am back doing all the physical activities I use to do. I surf, mountain bike and lifting weights again. God bless Dr. Stern and Metronics! I have my life back! Please take the 7 day trail and get the relief from pain that I was able to get. I can't thank Dr. Stern enough for his "awesome" care. The neurostimulator will give you back your life.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
William "Allen" Hamlin – Jul 01, 2020
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Reply Flag
I had dealt with several issues such as leg ,hip,and back pain through the 20 years he did back surgery on me in 2017 I have been pain free since wish I known of him then. I recommended him to a friend and she was was having back pain as well and he put a simulator in her back and she thanked me for recommending her to him she also is having great success with it . Thank You Dr Stern you are the greatest in my eyes. I would highly recommend you to everyone. Great staff as well
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 12, 2020
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Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Stern?

Experience and Background Checks

Experience
Background

Background Check

No malpractice claims found for California
No disciplinary actions found for the years we collect data
No board actions found for the years we collect data
Learn more about background checks

Check Dr. Stern's experience treating your condition or procedure

Dr. Stern's Top Procedures and Conditions

Treatment Frequency
Cerebral Hemorrhage
normal
normal

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Stern treats Cerebral Hemorrhage more than 69% of his peers

Dr. Stern treats this condition more than 69% of his peers

Rating Includes other areas of care:

  • Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage With Amyloidosis, Hereditary, Dutch Type
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
>Learn more about Cerebral Hemorrhage
Intervertebral Disc Disease
normal
normal

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Stern treats Intervertebral Disc Disease more than 65% of his peers

Dr. Stern treats this condition more than 65% of his peers

Myelopathy
normal
normal

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Stern treats Myelopathy more than 62% of his peers

Dr. Stern treats this condition more than 62% of his peers

Rating Includes other areas of care:

  • Autoimmune Myelopathy
Learn more about experience ratings

Dr. Stern's conditions and procedures:

  • Aneurysm
  • Brain and Nervous System Cancer (incl. Gliomas, Astrocytoma, Schwannoma, Medulloblastoma, Chordoma)
  • Brain Aneurysm
  • Brain Cancer
  • Brain Disorders
  • Brain Surgery
  • Broken Neck
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome
  • Cerebral Artery Thrombosis
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Shunt - Insertion, Repair or Removal
  • Cerebrovascular Disease
  • Cervical Spine Myelopathy
  • Cranial Trauma
  • Craniectomy, Craniotomy, Surgery of Skull Base, Neuroendoscopy
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair
  • Epidural Block, Facet Blocks
  • Epilepsy
  • Herniated Disc
  • Herniated Disc Surgery
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Lamina Procedures (incl. Laminectomy, Laminoplasty, Laminotomy)
  • Low Back Pain
  • Lumbar Spine Fracture
  • Meningiomas
  • Myelopathy
  • Nerve Block, Somatic
  • Nerve Destruction by Neurolytic Agent
  • Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve)
  • Neuroplasty
  • Neurostimulation
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
  • Osteoarthritis of Spine
  • Pathological Spine Fracture
  • Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Radiculopathy (Not Due to Disc Displacement)
  • Scoliosis
  • Secondary Malignancies
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • Spinal Cord Tumor
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spinal Nerve Block
  • Spinal Reconstructive Surgery for Deformities
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spine Deformities
  • Spine Disorders
  • Spine Fractures, Traumatic
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spondylosis
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery
  • Stereotactic Surgery
  • Stereotaxis
  • Stroke
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
  • Subdural Hemorrhage
  • Thoracic Spine Fracture
  • Thrombosis
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

Insurance Check

Search for your insurance provider

Dr. Stern accepts

Accepted insurance can change. Please double-check when making an appointment.

(442) 274-0568

Dr. Stern accepts the following insurance:

Aetna
Aetna HMO
Basic HMO
Anthem
Advantage-CA HMO
Advantage-CA PPO
Balanced (Prudent Buyer)-CA PPO
Blue Cross (CACare) - Individual-CA HMO
Blue Cross (CACare) - Large Group-CA HMO
Blue Cross (CACare) - Small Group-CA HMO
Blue Cross (Prudent Buyer) - Individual-CA PPO
Blue Cross (Prudent Buyer) - Large Group-CA PPO
Blue Cross (Prudent Buyer) - Small Group-CA PPO
Blue Cross (Prudent Buyer) - Student Health-CA PPO
Blue Cross-CA HMO-POS
Bronze (Prudent Buyer PPO/ Small Grp)-CA PPO
Bronze EPO (Prudent Buyer / Small Grp)-CA PPO
Bronze EPO (Prudent Buyer EPO/ Small Grp)-CA
Bronze w/ H.S.A (Prudent Buyer PPO/Small Grp)-CA PPO
Dignity Health Custom Advantage-CA HMO
Dignity Health EPO / PPO-CA
Dignity Health PHC EPO & HDP/HSA-CA
Dignity Health Ventura EPO/PPO-CA
EPO-CA
Gold (CaliforniaCare HMO/ Small Grp) HMO
Gold (Prudent Buyer PPO/ Small Grp)-CA PPO
Gold Advantage-CA PPO
Gold EPO (Prudent Buyer / Small Grp)-CA PPO
Gold EPO (Prudent Buyer EPO/ Small Grp)-CA
Gold Priority Select-CA HMO
Gold Select (Select / Small Grp)-CA HMO
Lumenos Plans-CA PPO
Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) - Prudent Buyer-CA PPO
MemorialCare Custom-CA PPO
National (BlueCard Basic) PPO
National (BlueCard) PPO
PERS Choice / PERSCare Providers-CA PPO
PERS Select-CA HMO
PERS Traditional-CA HMO
Platinum (CaliforniaCare HMO/ Small Grp) HMO
Platinum (Prudent Buyer PPO/ Small Grp)-CA PPO
Platinum Priority Select-CA HMO
Platinum Select (Select / Small Grp)-CA HMO
Priority Select-CA HMO
Select Plus-CA HMO
Select-CA HMO
Silver (CaliforniaCare HMO/ Small Grp) HMO
Silver (Prudent Buyer PPO/ Small Grp)-CA PPO
Silver Advantage-CA PPO
Silver EPO (Prudent Buyer EPO/ Small Grp)-CA
Silver EPO w/ H.S.A (Prudent Buyer/Small Grp)-CA PPO
Silver Priority Select-CA HMO
Silver Select (Select / Small Grp)-CA HMO
Silver w/ H.S.A (Prudent Buyer PPO/Small Grp)-CA PPO
Tenet Network-CA PPO
Traditional
Traditional PPO
UC Care-CA PPO
UC CORE-CA PPO
UC Health Savings Plan-CA
UC High Option Supplement to Medicare-CA
UC Medicare with Prescription Drugs-CA PPO
UC Medicare without Prescription Drugs-CA PPO
UC Resident and Fellows-CA PPO
UCSHIP-CA PPO
USC Plan (Two Tiered Network)-CA HMO
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Card PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
Advantage Preferred DirectAccess Plus PPO
Priority Select HMO
Select Plus HMO
Blue Shield of California
Access Plus Savenet
Local Access Plus HMO
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
HealthyBlue 2.0
HealthyBlue Advantage
Molina Healthcare
MultiPlan
MultiPlan PPO
PHCS Network PPO
Sharp Health Plan
Gold Value

About Me

Care Philosophy

Thank you for choosing Southern California Institute of Neurological Surgery for your health care needs! At SCINS, your health is our number one priority!...Read more

Biography

Mark S. Stern, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Neurosurgery. He is an active member of the American Association of Neurosurgeons, California...Read more

Specialties

  • Neurosurgery
  • Interventional Spine Medicine
  • Microsurgery
  • Minimally Invasive Neurological Spine Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Neurological Spine Reconstructive Surgery
  • Orthopedic Neck Surgery
  • Orthopedic Spine Reconstructive Surgery
  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Less...

Board Certifications

  • Neurosurgery
Learn why a board certification matters

Education

Usc University Hospital
Residency Hospital
1982
National Institute Of Health
Fellowship Hospital
1978
Medstar-Georgetown University Medical Center
Internship Hospital
1977
Albany Medical College
Medical School

Awards

  • Healthgrades Honor Roll
Learn more about recognized doctors

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make an appointment with Dr. Mark Stern, MD?

Click here to schedule an appointment online. New patients can also call (442) 274-0568, and for other questions, call (760) 489-9490.

Does Dr. Mark Stern, MD offer telehealth services?

Dr. Stern has indicated that they offer telehealth. Contact the office to check for eligibility for your needs.

Is Dr. Mark Stern, MD accepting new patients?

Dr. Mark Stern, MD generally accepts new patients on Healthgrades. You can see Dr. Stern's profile to make an appointment.

Does Dr. Mark Stern, MD accept my insurance?

Use the Healthgrades insurance check to verify if Dr. Stern accepts your insurance.

What are Dr. Mark Stern, MD's top areas of care?

Dr. Stern frequently treats Cerebral Hemorrhage, Intervertebral Disc Disease, and Myelopathy. See all procedures and conditions Dr. Stern treats.

Where is Dr. Mark Stern, MD's office located?

Dr. Stern's office is located at 705 E Ohio Ave, Escondido, CA 92025. Find other locations and directions on Healthgrades.

Affiliated Hospitals

Check the quality of care at hospitals where Dr. Stern treats patients.

Learn more

Palomar Medical Center Downtown Escondido

Escondido, CA
  • America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2020, 2019)

Palomar Medical Center Poway

Poway, CA

69% Patient experience rating, Equal to the national average

Palomar Medical Center Escondido

Escondido, CA

76% Patient experience rating, 7% higher than the national average

  • America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2020, 2019)