
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Louis Chang
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Background
Louis Chang is a neurosurgical spine specialist with expertise in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for spinal disorders. He treats patients with spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal tumors and spinal trauma. Dr. Chang performs a wide range of spinal surgeries, including laminectomies, microdiscectomies, artificial disc replacement and spinal fusions. He also uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as tubular microsurgery, lateral lumbar interbody fusion, MIS laminectomy and MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
Dr. Chang earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine. He completed a neurosurgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a fellowship in minimally invasive spinal surgery and navigation at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Dr. Chang is licensed to practice medicine in multiple states, which allows him to offer telemedicine appointments to patients in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and New York.
Centers and Institutes
Research Gate
Selected Publications
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Menta AK, Weber-Levine C, Jiang K, Hersh AM, Davidar AD, Bhimreddy M, Ashayeri K, Sacino A, Chang L, Lubelski D, Theodore N. Robotic assisted surgery for the treatment of spinal metastases: A case series. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2024 Aug;243:108393.
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Sattari SA, Xia Y, Azad TD, Caraway CA, Chang L. Advances in Implant Technologies for Spine Surgery. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2024 Apr;35(2):217-227.
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Sattari SA, Antar A, Theodore JN, Hersh AM, Al-Mistarehi AH, Davidar AD, Weber-Levine C, Azad TD, Yang W, Feghali J, Xu R, Manbachi A, Lubelski D, Bettegowda C, Chang L, Witham T, Belzberg A, Theodore N. Early versus late surgical decompression for patients with acute traumatic central cord syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J. 2024 Mar;24(3):435-445.
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Schmidt FA, Lekuya HM, Kirnaz S, Hernandez RN, Hussain I, Chang L, Navarro-Ramirez R, Wipplinger C, Rawanduzy C, Härtl R. Novel MIS 3D NAV Single Step Pedicle Screw System (SSPSS): Workflow, Accuracy and Initial Clinical Experience. Global Spine J. 2022 Jul;12(6):1098-1108.
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Chang, L., Kirnaz, S., Del Castillo-Calcaneo, J., Hussain, I. and Härtl, R., 2020. Fundamentals of minimally invasive spine surgery. Indian Spine Journal, 3(1), pp.4-10.
Honors
- Washingtonian Magazine, Top Doctor 2023, 2024
- Baltimore Magazine, Top Doctor 2023
- Bethesda Magazine, Top Doctor 2023
Memberships
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- North American Spine Society
- American College of Surgeons
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 10215 Fernwood Road, Suite 412, Bethesda, MD 20817
- phone: 301-896-6069
- fax: 301-896-8802
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
Expertise
Education
New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell
Fellowship, Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2019University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency, Neurosurgery, 2011SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 2004Board Certifications
Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2016Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2016Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
166 ratings, 77 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2025
Dr Chang was clear and precise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2025
Dr. Chang is always thoughtful, thorough and prepared. Dr. Chang takes the time to address all my questions and provides excellent information to guide recovery. I am extremely happy with my surgery outcomes and the care I received from Dr. Chang. I would recommend him without hesitation. He is an excellent surgeon and a compassionate doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2025
Dr Louis Chang is a fantastic doctor. A talented surgeon with great bedside manner. He pays great attention to details relayed to him by the patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2025
Dr. Louis Chang was polite, professional, listened to me attentively, and answered my questions and my daughter's questions to the way we could understand during our visit. He spent time reading my MRI films and report prior seeing me. He gave me a clinical exam, explained to me what he thought of my MRI films and report from spine surgeon's point of view, using the spine models to demonstrate what my problems are, and ordered another MRI to find out what really causes my pain. Also, advised me to continue seeing my current doctor getting more treatment to release my pain, and suggested me to do some physical therapy to get my strength back. I highly recommend Dr. Chang to anyone needs help!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2025
Dr. Chang explains things in an easily understandable way. He is professional and kind. Mostly, I believe him to be an exceptionally skilled neurosurgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2025
`Was very helpful explaining what surgery I needed as a second opinion.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2025
Dr. Chang is a very excellent physician, he is well worth the 5 hour drive we make to see him. I am finally pain free, I am so thankful for Dr. Chang!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/21/2025
Dr Chang has been proactive and so informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2025
Dr. Chang is very professional and very concerned on the follow up and progress of his patients. He directly answered all of my questions and emphasized how and why I need time to recover intact.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2025
Excellent explanation by MD & willingness to further the investigate my issue to rule out any necessary surgical intervention
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
Very professional, quick, concise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
Very thorough and kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
Never before having obtained a second opinion, I felt at ease discussing the options with Dr. Chang, although his prelimnary assessment, pending additional test results, diverged from the original recommendation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
Feel very fortunate to be in Dr Chang's care. He's confident, empathetic and extremely knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
You have an asset in Dr. Chang. He is very compassionate about ensuring his patients attain the best level of pain-free treatment available and within his capacity!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Was excellent in fixing my spinal problem. Highly recommend him to anyone facing a similar issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
This was my first appointment with Dr. Chang. He was very sincere, thorough, and knowledgeable, and spent time explaining my condition and the options. This appointment was for a second opinion, and at the end of the visit, I felt very comfortable and relieved that I found Dr. Chang and decided he would be the best surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Very courteous and very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Very good and good listening skill. Understand that I am Dead and using video relay interpreting.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Very thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Dr.Chang is on the cutting edge of spine surgery and communicates clearly and effectively
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
Very efficient and informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Very smart & nice..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2024
Dr Chang is always professional, personable, and takes his time during visit. I never feel rushed and always feel listened to. A++!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Impressive interview by Dr. Chang's "team" prior to seeing Dr. Chang
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr Chang attentively listens to all of your concerns and always explains his diagnosis in a clear and understandable manner. He's personable and empathetic to the concerns of his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
He communicates very well and takes much time w/ me for questions. He is thoughtful and inspires me to trust his abilities as they relate to my health issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2024
Expert in his field who achieved an excellent surgical result
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Very personable and friendly. Explained his diagnosis and suggested remedy clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2024
Visit shorter than anticipated. I expected some small exam.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2024
Everything was fine
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Really felt he listened and cares about finding out specifically what has caused my intense pain all these years. He was very thorough and explained the plan. I felt heard but also that my care was important and he cares about helping me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr. Chang Spent time with me as needed. He suggested two test for me to have done prior to making any decision regarding spine surgery. I felt he was excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2024
Dr. Chang is an excellent Neurosurgeon. Very knowledgeable and professional. He explained in great detail his plan for my treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2024
Excellent professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2024
Dr Chang is wonderful! Everything a patient would want in a Dr he is. The Best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
I'm glad I had a consult with Dr. Chang. It was very informative. He was very easy to talk to and answered all our questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
My provider, Dr. Chang, and I are able to communicate very well with one another.His openness and patience to hear out your questions and concerns allows you to feel confident about a serious procedure that may take a year or more to recover from.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
Excellent bedside manner!!! Very knowledgeable and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2024
Very pleased with the surgery performed by Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2024
Dr. Chang was great, as I expected given the referral from my neurologist. He explained options and went over the tests carefully.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2024
When I move back to Florida, I will travel annually back to Bethesda MD for my checkups/or my neck issues to see Only Dr. Chang. And if needed any additional cervical work done, Dr. Chang will be the only Neurosurgeon for [Patient] to see.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2024
We chose to drive 5 to 6 hours to see Dr. Chang, he's an excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Chang is very knowledgeable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Chang has been the only provider who has gone to every length of tests/exams to determine the root causes of my pain and symptoms that many "ALL" previous providers from Florida missed. He is an asset to your organization. Thank You!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
Came up with and explained treatment plan
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
After a couple of years of suffering and misdiagnosis, Dr Chang was able to quickly identify issues and has provided referrals to resolve a failed shoulder replacement and ongoing tremors. I Feel like a huge cloud has been lifted, and now I can finally move forward to resolve these health issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2024
To me he is the best I had a serious problem and the surgery went great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2024
All good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2024
So happy that my daughter told me about Dr. Chang. He's excellent doctor. I don't need surgery yet..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2024
Initial meeting [ ]/2024. Time to complete assigned tasks, e.g. MRI, etc, about 4.5 months due to insurer's delayed approval and a family emergency. This was a follow-up to finalize test results and to determine if surgery was the final best alternative. Around this situation I met with the Doctor. He comes across as knowledgeable and competent. I am anxious, however, about anesthesia (due to my neck mobility); I shared this concern and the Doctor tried to address my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2024
Detailed explanation of treatment options with emphasis on conservative approach
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2024
Dr. Chang was extraordinarily helpful, has much professional expertise, explained my condition and MRi very clearly, and listened carefully to my concerns. He Is also thoughtful and kind. Based on one visit, I think he is an outstanding doctor and look forward to continued care and possible surgery with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2024
Very attentive clearly explained made me comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2024
Very thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2024
Excellent provider relative to plan for treatment. However, no follow-up information has been provided relative to scheduling of procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2024
My family and I are extremely pleased with Dr. Louis Chang. He is knowledgeable, courteous, professional, and went above and beyond to help me with my health issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
Very detailed in explaining procedure, risks and aftercare.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2024
Calm pleasant and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2024
Dr Chang was exceptional in warmth, explanation, and recommendations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2024
Dr Chang is clearly an expert. His explanations were clear and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Dr. Chang spent as much time with us as we needed. Very attentive and thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Dr Chang inspires confidence pre surgery. I will have more to say about this post surgery!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
I am very, very pleased with Dr. Chang in every way and I am thankful that he was there after my injury. Josh
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Smart understanding listens to my health concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Attentive, knowledgeable, confident. In short, Dr Chang is the kind of physician in whom you can place your trust.i believe her naa
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2024
Dr Chang is an awesome dr, as a matter of fact I followed him from one hospital to this hospital because I think he does a great job and has very good bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2024
Great experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Dr Chang explained my condition and shared my options for treatment. I found him professional and trustworthy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Dr Chang and his NP were very helpful and took all the time I needed. I would recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Dr Chang is amazing, a miracle worker and a personable man. I'd recommend him 1000x times over and almost wish I had more stuff for him to work on.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Dr Chang is amazing. Grateful for him.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/23/2024
Seemed rushed. Not sure why all these tests are necessary.