Dr. Michael Cluck, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgery•Male•Age 54

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Dr. Michael Cluck, MD is an orthopedic spine surgery specialist in Merced, CA and has over 22 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Creighton University Medical School|Creighton University School Of Medicine|Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Nebraska|Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Nebraska in 2000. He is affiliated with medical facilities Mercy Medical Center Merced and Regional Medical Center Of San Jose. His office accepts new patients.

Dr. Michael Cluck, MD

Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced

315 Mercy Ave Ste 400 Merced, CA 95340

Make an Appointment

(209) 564-3700

Accepting new patients

(209) 564-3700

At a Glance

  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ • See hospitals
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. • See reviews

Experience and Background Checks

Experience
Background

Background Check

1 disciplinary action Found
  • Driving Under the Influence (6/5/2019)View details
No malpractice claims found for California
No board actions found for the years we collect data
Learn more about background checks

Experience Check

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

Dr. Cluck's conditions and procedures:

  • Back Pain
  • Lumbar Radiculopathy
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Bone Disorders
  • Broken Neck
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome
  • Cervical Radiculopathy
  • Cervical Spine Myelopathy
  • Cervical Stenosis
  • Chronic Neck Pain
  • Coccygeal Pain
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Fracture
  • Gait Abnormality
  • Herniated Disc
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Limb Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Lumbar Compression Fracture
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
  • Lumbar Spine Fracture
  • Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
  • Lumbosacral Stenosis
  • Myelopathy
  • Neck Muscle Strain
  • Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve)
  • Osteoarthritis of Spine
  • Pathological Spine Fracture
  • Pinched Nerve in Back
  • Polyneuropathy
  • Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Radiculopathy
  • Sacrum Disorders
  • Sciatica
  • Sciatica (Not Due to Disc Displacement)
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Spinal Osteophyte
  • Spine Deformities
  • Spine Disorders
  • Spondylitis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear)
  • Thoracic Compression Fracture
  • Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury
  • Thoracic Spine Fracture
  • Thoracolumbar Radiculopathy
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Whiplash
  • Anterior Disc Decompression and Fusion
  • Cervical Spinal Fusion
  • Disc Replacement
  • Dural Repair or Other Spinal Cord Repair
  • Herniated Disc Surgery
  • Lamina Procedures (incl. Laminectomy, Laminoplasty, Laminotomy)
  • Laminoforaminotomy
  • Lumbar Fusion with Robotic Assist
  • Lumbar Spinal Fusion
  • Percutaneous Kyphoplasty
  • Posterior Lumbar Fusion With Robotic Assistance
  • Spinal Compression Fracture Repair
  • Spinal Cord Decompression
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spinal Reconstructive Surgery for Deformities
  • Spine Fracture Treatment

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Dr. Cluck's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cluck

4.0

Based on 43 ratings

5 Star
70%
70%
4 Star
5%
5%
3 Star
2%
2%
2 Star
2%
2%
1 Star
21%
21%
What went well
No reviews yet
What could be improved
No reviews yet

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RecentHighestLowestMost Helpful
Reply
Saw Dr Cluck 3 months ago about previous right shoulder replacement surgery I had and also about a bad back due to a partial Laminectomy that was done back in 1994. I found Dr Cluck to be genuinely forthcoming and he seems to be very knowledgeable. However, his staff in the front need to get their training together when it comes to making appointments. Saw Dr Cluck last October and he said that we will see how things are in three months. The girl in the front read the chart and scheduled me an appointment in January at a certain time. I arrived 10 minutes before and she said that I was not on the schedule and that I couldn't be seen that day. The next available appointment was January 22nd so I had no choice but to say OK. Word of advice . . . . Call the day before to guarantee that you still have an appointment. Take your appointment card with you (which I failed to do).
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Carl – Jan 07, 2021
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Reply
My experience was Horrible. His office manager Vanessa was the most rude plastic person I ever meet. Dr Cluck performed a fusion on my spine L3 L4. It was totally unsuccessful. I was still in pain from previous fusion of L4 L5. Asked him to remove hardware from previous surgery during his but they never did because they didn't order special tool and I was on the operating table when they told me this so I basically had no choice but to go forward with the surgery. Following visits were hell didn't want to give pain medicine Vanessa would Hide in the office and not answer the door and they couldn't understand why I wasn't fixed. Vanessa said it will hurt for a longtime and get use to it. Never received an exit interview. Dr Cluck didn't want to hear about failed surgery. I am worse off then before the surgery 2 plus years later.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 03, 2021
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Reply
all I can say in 500 character is, if you can find another doctor,I would It is his staff and poorly run. After dozens of Xray's, and waiting over 2 months for Dr Cluck to do a consultation with another Doctor, because my surgery was very complicated, I went to another surgeon. My Drs were in disbelief at his handling of the case. In fact one Dr tried to contact him to no avail. Patients either have a great experience or not. I considered filing a complaint, but what good would it do?
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Janice in CA – Dec 09, 2018
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Reply
I was very reluctant to have spinal fusion surgery. I knew how serious it was and all the potential ramifications. Dr Cluck was the third surgeon I spoke to. For many reasons, I did not want to have this surgery with those doctors. After my first appointment with Dr Cluck, I knew I could trust this doctor and that I would feel safe under his care. My surgery went amazingly well and I am able to walk without pain for the first time in 4 years. I recommend Dr Cluck highly.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Maggie in San Jose, CA – Sep 18, 2018
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Reply
His office manager (Vaness) treats patients like they are a piece of meat.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
Jerry in Mountain View, CA – Aug 10, 2018
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Reply
I was in a lot of pain and was having difficulty with my day to day activities. I am in my early 40's and was hesitant to have back surgery because I have heard so many bad stories, but after seeing Dr. Cluck I felt comfortable moving ahead. He tried conservative therapies first and when those failed recommended surgery. Despite being nervous, I went ahead and it was the best decision I ever made. I have my life back! I am pain free and able to enjoy all of the things I was before!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Jennifer in San jose, CA – Aug 03, 2018
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Reply
First appointment they did not have me in the books. They took me in after waiting 1.5 hours and I saw a lady who I believe is his assistant? She left me in a room with a med student (who pushed way to hard on my injury and it hurt me for days to come). She came back in the room and said let's get you a X-ray and MRI. She did this without examining me, but I agreed because I knew I needed them. I never saw Dr. Cluck. She said I would when I came back with my results. Left the office after being
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
Rita – Jul 06, 2018
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Reply
I absolutely love Doctor Cluck. When I first saw him it was a Wednesday. My wife had gone to see the Doctor that worked on her knee, and try to get an appointment with with Doctor Cluck. In the past 5 days I had lost the use of my legs 3 times, the worst was that Tuesday @ 01:45, I didn’t even know splits. My wife explained what happened and he ordered what felt like 10 x-rays and made an appt to see me Friday, early morning. Long story short, he had in surgery Mon to fix the problem.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Bruno Richard Martinez in San José, CA – Jan 19, 2018
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Reply
I went to Dr. Cluck because of other reviews and his video online, he seemed like a Doctor who actually cares about his patients. From my two visits, it seemed that he is more interested in overbooking patients (customers) to maximize profit.. I have been struggling with back pain for years, when describing my problems Dr. Cluck was condescending and not sympathetic, it felt like he was trying to get me out the door as quick as possible.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
Los Gatos, CA – Oct 12, 2017
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Reply
After 1-1/2 years of exhausting and seriously effecting sciatic nerve pain due to a synovial cyst on my L4, L5 facet joint, I was referred to Dr. Cluck whereby surgery was my next step to long term pain relief. The cyst had hardened and after my first consultation with Dr. Cluck, we had decided to move forward with his recommendation of minimally invasive micro decompression surgery. Well, I'm here to tell you, I am totally pain free and I owe it all to Dr. Cluck. I have a New Lease on life!!!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
Patrick Kiley in Morgan Hill, CA – Feb 03, 2017
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About Me

Care Philosophy

Values compassion, diversity, quality, integrity, teamwork, education and clinical research for both patients and other physicians.

Biography

Received medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Nebraska. Internship in general surgery from LAC USC Medical Center. Residency...Read more
Watch video

Specialties

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Board Certifications

American Board of Medical Specialties®

This information is proprietary data maintained in a copyrighted database compilation owned by the American Board of Medical Specialties® (ABMS®).

© Copyright 2023 American Board of Medical Specialties®. All rights reserved.

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
- 
Orthopedic Surgery
Learn more about board certification

Case Western Reserve Univ, Univ Hosps of Cleveland|Case Western Reserve University|Case Western Reserve University

Fellowship Hospital, 2006

LAC+USC Medical Center Orthopedic Surgery, Los Angeles, CA|LAC+USC Medical Center Orthopedic Surgery, Los Angeles, CA|USC & LAC Med Ctr

Residency Hospital, 2005

LAC+USC Medical Center General Surgery, Los Angeles, CA|LAC+USC Medical Center General Surgery, Los Angeles, CA|Usc University Hospital

Internship Hospital, 2001

Creighton University Medical School|Creighton University School Of Medicine|Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Nebraska|Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Nebraska

Medical School, 2000

  • English
  • Spanish

Common Questions and Answers

    Please call the office to learn more. (209) 564-3700

    What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Cluck, MD?

    View contact information to make an appointment.

    Can I use my insurance at Dr. Michael Cluck, MD?

    Dr. Michael Cluck, MD accepts various insurance plans. You can easily check if your insurance provider is accepted by using the Healthgrades insurance check. We recommend verifying your insurance coverage before scheduling an appointment to ensure a seamless experience.

    Does Dr. Michael Cluck, MD accept new patients?

    New patients are generally accepted by Dr. Michael Cluck, MD on Healthgrades. To arrange an appointment, call the number on Dr. Cluck's profile.

    What is Dr. Michael Cluck, MD's office address?

    Dr. Cluck's office is located at 315 Mercy Ave Ste 400, Merced, CA 95340. You can find other locations and directions on Healthgrades.

    What languages does Dr. Michael Cluck, MD speak?

    Dr. Michael Cluck, MD is fluent in 2 languages: English and Spanish.

    Healthgrades Tips for Getting the Right Healthcare

    Locations

    Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced

    Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced315 Mercy Ave Ste 400 Merced, CA 95340
    1
    • Call
    • Fax
    • Hours
      • Mon: 7:30am - 5:00pm
      • Tue: 7:30am - 5:00pm
      • Wed: 7:30am - 5:00pm
      • Thu: 7:30am - 5:00pm
      • Fri: 7:30am - 5:00pm
      • Sat: closed
      • Sun: closed
    • Directions

    Affiliated Hospitals

    Dr. Cluck is affiliated with the following hospitals. Select a hospital below to learn more.

    Learn more about how Healthgrades measuresHospital Quality.

    Regional Medical Center Of San Jose

    San Jose, CA

    62% Patients that would definitely recommend, 8% lower than the national average

    11 Awards Received

    Mercy Medical Center Merced

    Merced, CA

    57% Patients that would definitely recommend, 13% lower than the national average

    1 Award Received

    Award Highlight: Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2023)