
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Chinese - Cantonese
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Louis Chang
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
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
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
PubMed - Publications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/louis.chang.2/bibliography/public/
Research Gate - Research Profile
Selected Publications
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
- Get Directions
- phone: 301-896-6069
- fax: 301-896-8802
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-550-0465
- fax: 410-550-0748
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2019
- Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Neurosurgery, 2011
- Medical Education: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, MD, 2004
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2016
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
208 ratings, 71 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 3/17/2026
Excellent surgeon who completed a very complicated microsurgery which completely eliminated my pain
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Chang was attentive and personable. He reviewed my MRI and explained my back condition in detail, recommending the procedure to correct it. He was very confident in its efficacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Dr. Chang explains his thought process about how to proceed with surgery very clearly. I appreciate his expertise and confidence in recommending a conservative approach to produce the best outcome, while considering what the patient prefers. Dr. Chang is a professional and respectful physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
He is superb overall.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Chang is very knowledgeable and has helped return me to my life before my back issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Very professional and respectful. Took time to address my concerns. Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Caring and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Explained clearly and precisely medical condition and options for treatment. The whole family felt very relieved after the visit.&
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Professional and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Total confidence in Dr Chang, great communication.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr. Chang is a wonderful doctor. He is very personable, shares information clearly & easy to understand. I never feel rushed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr. Chang is very smart and capable, I will definitely recommend him to people I know.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Very knowledgeable,explain things well. Listened to concerned. Answered questions pent a lot of time
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Great service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr Chang was courteous, answered all my questions, provided me with information,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Chang was very informative on my stage of recovery from the Cervical Laminectomy with instrumented fusion, as there are still symptoms due to the extensive damage prior to the surgery procedure. The outcomes are acknowledged and the time that is required for healing of the nerves and scar tissue of the muscles.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Iin general very informative and provided great insights and optional treatment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr. Chang is very knowledgeable, professional, and personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Dr Chang hanged my life- I now have. Much less pain after this successful surgery. His bedside manner is exemplary, he will stay with you to make sure any answers are answered. Remarkable man.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
Great surgeon and attentive!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Chang is a skilled surgeon who communicates information very well and is gracious and easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Dr Louis Chang is superior. He is compassionate, caring and fully describes the course of treatment and recovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
My visit with the provider was good and he answered my queedtions and concerns well!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
Took his time and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
Dr. Chang is superb. He listens first, then explains medically in layman terms that are understandable for a holistic informative visit and I did not have any questions that were not answered. Job Well Done... See you next year...
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Very professional, patient and informative. Answered all my questions satisfactory.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr. Chang is very caring and patient in listening to my concerns and supportive of my plans for recovery. I believe we have worked well together for a very successful surgical outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Smarter than all other surgeons, and described my problems very clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Dr. Chang was very knowledgeable, yet he explained the surgical procedures, so that they were well understood. He provided alternatives to the surgery and we discussed them.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr.Chang spent as much time as I needed to answer questions. He is personable,respectful and I liked his approach to my condition & the surgery that is necessary. I have confidence & trust in him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Great surgeon and a very knowledgeable caring person . Good follow up as well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Health care provider, gave the best consultation and advice he could with the information he received. I will recommend him to my family and friends in the future.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Dr Chang is a very thoughtful and highly skilled surgeon. He explained the surgery thoroughly and made sure I knew what to expect. He and his office have been there throughout this whole process. I would recommend him without hesitation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Outstanding surgeon. Very personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr. Chang is definitely an excellent Dr. He is compassionate, knowledgeable and provides excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Very kind, caring, and respectful, always smiling and pleasant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Dr Chang is excellent listener, calm andcreassuring, explained options clesrly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Listened carefully and thoughtfully to my concerns and questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
I was told that I may have to have therapy because there was no damage to the equipment in my neck once they get the x-rays they recommended me to get I guess that's when I'll get directions on what will be needed. The doctor did mention maybe Therapy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Dr. Chang was knowledgeable, professional, honest, kind and encouraging.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
I couldn't have asked for a more excellent provider for my surgery. I have had great results and no adverse reactions. I am delighted.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
Dr. Chang is always prepared and understands my situation. He is helpful, communicates effectively and shows respect.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
I felt not enough time was spent with me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2025
Professional and personable. Easy to talk to. A very good listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2025
The information was very clear, and I was given information that other Doctors hadn't.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Everything was fine
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2025
I checked the box that I didnt get the results because Im not getting the X-ray for a few months right before my next appointment. All Interactions with them have been Awesome!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Just meeting and talking to him made me feel a lot better about my prognosis. He is very personable and explained my options in detail and what I could reasonably expect from a surgical procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
I had a 9:00 am appointment that didn't start until 9:45. I understand that that happens, but it's usually not that early in the morning. It would've been nice for someone just to say the doctor s running about xx minutes behind. It helps to manage expectations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Best of the Best
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
The doctor is obviously highly skilled but seemed rushed and didn't listen carefully (as his remarks made clear) in my ten minutes with him, and his NP was cold and at one point, even contemptuous, in the three or so minutes I spent with her. I've had superb care at Johns Hopkins medicine for years, and the encounter with the NP was the only time I've felt actively disrespected. Perhaps I caught the two of them on a bad day, but I decided afterward to be treated by a different neurosurgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Dr. Chang is very professional and explained my diagnosis of the cervical spine and the outcomes after surgery. Even during the healing process, Dr. Chang listened to my concerns and how long it was going to take until I would feel some improvement.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
I'm Impress he is knowlgible person in his field.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Stated he would reach out to pain medicine doctor. Difficult to know if he did yet because of holiday.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Dr. Chang is the best surgeon I have interacted with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Quite knowledgeable. Good listener. Very informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Great doctor!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr Chang made me feel confident in his ability to provide help for my problem in a minimally invasive surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Very informative and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Soft and well spoken , listened attentively to me asked some more details about my symptoms; answered honestly all my questions/concerns about risks and outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
This was my first visit with this provider. I feel confident that he will take the time to review my current symptoms to determine the next step to provide me the relief that I need.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
Dr. Chang is excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Very helpful in assessing tests and symptoms to provide direction regarding surgery or conservative care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
Dr Chang was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about my situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2025
Dr Chang showed genuine concern, he was both empathetic and direct, he was knowledgeable very reassuring I am glad I have him on my team
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Dr. Chang was knowledgeable, informative, and answered questions completely. He also instilled trust by being both proactive and cautious simultaneously.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Dr. Chang listened carefully, asked appropriate questions about my condition and made a plan going forward.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
He has exceeded my expectations at each stage of my treatment