
John Peter Birkedal, MD
Conditions and Treatments
- Anterior Cervical Fusion
- Foraminotomy
- Spine Fusion
- Posterior Cervical Diskectomy
- Laminectomy
- Neck Pain
- Micro Diskectomy
- Spine Fracture Surgery
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Cord Compression (Myelopathy)
- Ligament Injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains and Strains
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal Cord Trauma
- Spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Lytic Bone Lesions
- Herniated Disk
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Foot Drop
- Osteomyelitis
- Pathologic Fractures
Ratings and Reviews
4.6223 Ratings 86 Comments |
|
---|---|
Listened to me | 4.7 |
Cared about me | 4.6 |
Clearly explained my problem or condition | 4.6 |
Included me in decisions about my care | 4.7 |
Addressed my questions and concerns | 4.5 |
Within Atrium Health, we use survey results to better understand what is important to our patients and how we can improve healthcare experiences. The overall Patient Rating score comes from the questions on our Medallia Patient Experience Survey. Responses are measured on a scale, where 0 represents "very poor" and 10 represents "very good.” Those scores are shown as 1 to 5 stars on the provider’s profile.
Patient Comments
- September 21, 2023 Dr. Birkedal clearly listened to my problem, and explained available options for treatment. He did not make me feel rushed, and spent ample time explaining my condition and treatment options.
- September 16, 2023 Listens to me, caring, wants the best for me
- September 6, 2023 Overall a positive experience. The doctor took time to explain options.
- September 2, 2023 He is very friendly talks to you ask if you have any concerns or questions. Takes time with you as a patient doesn't seem to be in a hurry to move on to the next patient. Has been a great doctor
- September 1, 2023 Friendly, and very thorough explaining things in a way I can understand. Although I’ve only seen him once I feel like I can trust his judgment
- August 29, 2023 Dr. Birkedal has taken great care of me from the time I first met him. Insurance caused some issues getting my surgery in a timely manner. Dr. Birkedal did a complicated surgery and has kept close check on my progress.
- August 29, 2023 Caring, outstanding, professional
- August 27, 2023 I'm 60 6 years old fun places I go from not very friendly to the elderly but this place was awesome I do not have one thing to complain about everyone treated me with dignity and respect especially with me being a vet I wish I had something else wrong with me just so I could go back and visit with those friendly people every doctor's office out there to learn from these friendly people from the receptionist all the way to the doctor I felt like I had known these people personally for years I wish to thank them all if they ever need a spokesperson they can call on me thank you very much for being so kind of this old man
- August 25, 2023 Very knowledgeable and hands on caring doctor. Very thorough and kind
- August 18, 2023 Dr Bergadal is a great and caring spinal Doctor. Takes his time to explain your problems and what he can or cannot do to help you. He is good at explaining difficult spinal problems so the patient has a clear picture of their problems.
- August 8, 2023 He is the best would not have anyone else work on me.
- August 5, 2023 Dr. Birkedal is very professional and personable. He intently listens to and answers any concerns I may have regarding my care.
- August 2, 2023 Thank you for all you do please keep doing what you do
- August 2, 2023 Dr Birkedal is an amazing physician and I'm truly grateful for his surgical expertise on my back. He is so kind and truly takes the time to listen and answer any questions. Grateful for his care and concern of my health.
- July 28, 2023 Dr. Birkedal is excellent in his care and in explaining the situation and what I should expect. He is extremely compassionate and I recommend him to anyone needing help with back issues.
- July 28, 2023 One of the best! Too bad his support staff is poorly trained by the organization. Aids look sloppy and hard to understand at times. Not a good impression!
- July 26, 2023 Dr. Was fabulous, no rush, listened carefully to what I was attempting to describe and what my concerns were. Very nice and very patient.
- July 11, 2023 Dr Birkedal gave me hope that they can help me find a solution to the pain that I have been in for the past few years.
- July 5, 2023 Very good doctor.
- June 28, 2023 My comments are not aimed at John Birkedal but at Atrium Health/WFB and the obliviously overbooked schedule there. He could be the best doctor in your system, who knows?
- June 27, 2023 He took time to listen
- June 21, 2023 I like him. He seems very good and sincere.
- June 17, 2023 Was interested in my health problems and took time with my visit.
- June 10, 2023 Great job
- June 3, 2023 Dr Birkedal is a very knowledgeable and caring provider. I genuinely felt like he wanted to listen and help me with my problem.
- May 31, 2023 He displayed a caring manner and I did not feel rushed. Thorough explanation of procedure options and health condition. I felt included in my health care. Very kind-hearted and attentive. Would recommend to anyone needing this type of service.
- May 22, 2023 JUST A SUPER GUY AND A GREAT DOCTOR
- May 19, 2023 He was very professional and friendly and seemed genuinely interested in my condition. He also was very anxious to do what he could to find relief for my pain.
- May 10, 2023 Said to excercise more. I have so much pain that I can’t exercise much, nor do I feel safe driving. Is the bone spur causing more damage? He didn’t seem to be concerned about how much pain I have.
- May 1, 2023 Dr Birkedal is the most caring Provider I have ever had. He has performed 5 surgeries on my back and had it not been for him, I feel like I would not be able to have any value to everyday life. I still work for Wake and continue to do so without pain thanks to a wonderful Dr. and spine team!
- April 30, 2023 DR. Birkedal is very caring, kind and very help. He sent me in correct direction to assist with my pain.
- April 27, 2023 I’m having back problems for a few months now and dr. Birkedal and his PA were the first two that explained my condition clearly and came up with best suggestions how to go forward. By far the best dr. Visit I had about this issue.
- April 22, 2023 Dr. Birkdale was very kind and listened to me without my feeling rushed.
- April 21, 2023 kind and considerate
- April 5, 2023 He listens, fully gathers info before making a diagnosis.
- April 4, 2023 Dr.Birkedal has always presented himself to me in a very professional, respectful manner. He takes time to explain things and listens to my needs and concerns.
- April 3, 2023 Kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful. Dr. Birkedal is AMAZING!
- March 25, 2023 A very caring Dr.
- March 25, 2023 I have multiple issues from my upper back, lower back and the doctors only want to talk about one issue instead of getting a full picture of my issues. I believe the doctors of Wake Forest Baptist have really stopped focusing on care and began to focus on numbers since Atrium Health has taken over.
- March 22, 2023 Dr Birkedal is so kind, patient and very considerate and an excellent listener. From the time I met him and with all the subsequent visits including those at the hospital before and after surgery he shows such compassion and caring attitude. I felt totally at peace with him providing my surgery and now follow up care.
- March 18, 2023 Will not be doing a follow up. Don't want to waste his time or mine. Have lived with this problem for years.. don't think therapy will help. But will try it.
- March 13, 2023 He was prompt and listened to what I said. He seemed to consult with the other doctor I had already spoken with and together we made a plan.
- March 1, 2023 He has always explained everything about my surgery, xrays and my care. He has been very patient with my questions I may have and explained the do and don'ts that would help ne to geal.
- February 22, 2023 Cared more about physical therapy than surgical intervention
- February 12, 2023 Listen, caring
- February 11, 2023 Very knowledgable and professional . Answered all my concerns.
- February 11, 2023 I have complete confidence in the doctors abilities and advice
- February 10, 2023 Dr. Birkedal is exactly what I want in a surgeon. He listens, he cares, he doesn’t order a myriad of equivocally unnecessary testing and he does not have a surgeon’s “ god complex” .
- February 9, 2023 Dr. Birkedal is a great doctor. He explains things clearly and listens to your concerns.
- February 4, 2023 I think he’s an excellent doctor and wonderful human being.
- February 1, 2023 Dr. Birkedal is very caring and understanding. He listened to my concerns and addressed them. We discussed a plan of action, and I was very satisfied with the direction of my treatment plan during this past visit.
- February 1, 2023 The best
- February 1, 2023 Dr. Clark and Berkadal we're both wonderful and thorough care providers, and made me feel at ease moving forward with getting myself as best they can back to being functional
- January 28, 2023 Dr Berkadol is very thorough with his exams and advice. Makes you feel comfortable to discuss all your questions about your physical conditions. Asks about your physical therapy and results. Great Doctor and great advice. Easy to converse.
- January 21, 2023 Dr. Birkedal was very polite and very thorough in explaining the problems with my spine.
- January 15, 2023 Dr. Birkedal genuinely seems to care about my particular back issues and wants to do all he can to alleviate my pain.
- January 15, 2023 Didn’t really help. Once again physical therapy recommended. This has not helped twice before.
- December 30, 2022 Dr Birkedal was very attentive to my situation and showed compassion and a caring attitude.
- December 28, 2022 I believe he is a fine doctor. He listened to me on the very first visit and after studying my charts and MRI's, he knew exactly what he needed to do to get me back on my feet. I also talked to the staff and inquired about which doctor they would use. Dr. Birkedal was highly respected. I agree too!
- December 24, 2022 Very kind and did a great job
- December 24, 2022 He was the best
- December 22, 2022 Kind, caring and compassionate. Explains things thoroughly.
- December 14, 2022 Excellent bedside manner, knowledgeable, makes his assessment and clearly conveys the diagnosis and suggests what your choices of treatment are.
- December 12, 2022 I was there because of pain in my left shoulder and neck after the x-rays were done and he came into the room I was told to do physical therapy and I was already in pain I don??t see how physical therapy would help when there??s already trouble. Was not offered an MRI which is what needs to happen to show soft tissue and any damage to my shoulder or my neck. I??ve been in pain and nobody offered any kind of pain management. I??m not very happy at all with the care that I received.
- December 9, 2022 He is not "cut" happy
- December 6, 2022 Great job
- December 3, 2022 He listens and suggests things to do
- December 3, 2022 Dr. Birkedal is a sincere doctor who cares and wants to hear what you have to say. Gives clear and concise meaning to questions you have. Takes in consideration your opinion. He deeply cares for his patients.
- December 3, 2022 We're very precise professional and caring about my health
- December 2, 2022 Very kind and easy to talk with. Listened to me about my care
- November 19, 2022 Trustworthy
- November 18, 2022 Great Doctor. He understood my problems and I am looking for a full recovery after surgery
- November 16, 2022 Great job showing concern!Fast service Thanks
- November 12, 2022 Great
- November 9, 2022 Not a lot of explanation, but was helpful
- November 6, 2022 Took time, listened to my concerns. Reviewed a care plan.
- November 5, 2022 Brilliant clinician and Human being
- November 4, 2022 John is one of the Most ???Intense?? listeners and eye to eye focused Drs l have ever had the most fortunate privilege of haven had him as my surgeon, What a testament to your Facility!!!
- November 4, 2022 I believe Dr Birkedal to be a phenomenal doctor. I can say out of all my Dr's excluding one other Dr Birkedal is amazing. He actually makes the extra effort.. he cares for his patients. I feel very fortunate to have him as my spine Dr
- October 27, 2022 He is by far the best Provider I have ever had at Wake Forest Baptist. I have had muliple surgeries with him and feel that he has given me back my mobility and life that enable me to still work for this company and have the best life possible! He is an excellant Dr.
- October 26, 2022 Very nice attentive Dr.
- October 26, 2022 He is very nice and compassionate about his job. He was very knowledgeable about my particular health issues and took time to explain all of my options to me. I trust that he will do his best before, during and after my surgery.
- October 23, 2022 Have only seen Dr Birkedal once. He really seemed concerned about my pain and suggested injections first. He seems like a good man and a good doctor. If anything changes I will update my review later
- October 12, 2022 Very satisfied
- October 7, 2022 First time at the spine center and meeting Dr. Birkedal. He was very personable and spent as much time as I needed explaining test results and my reality. Highly recommend him.
- October 6, 2022 He is very knowledgeable and explains everything very well. I feel I am receiving the best care I can be and I trust him.
Locations
Spine Center - Clemmons
at Medical Plaza - Clemmons
Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
Credentials
Education
- MD, Creighton University School of Medicine, 1996
Residency
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 2001
Fellowship
- Spine/Spinal Cord Injury, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 2002
Board Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- North Carolina Spine Society
- Christian Medical and Dental Society
- AO Spine International
- The Herndon Society
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- North American Spine Association
- North Carolina Medical Society
Positions
- Physician
- Section Head for Spine, Orthopaedic Surgery
- Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
- Associate Professor, Neurosurgery
Insurance
This chart is a list of the most common health insurance plans we accept. This list is subject to change. Please check your individual plan to confirm their participation and the coverage allowed.
Due to the different physician groups and hospitals within the Wake Forest Baptist system, physician services and hospital services are billed separately. Please remember that health insurance coverage varies, so some services may not be covered.
If you don’t see your plan or you have questions, please call our Customer Service Center at 877-938-7497. We will do our best to work with you and your plan.
Key
WFUHS - Wake Forest University Health Sciences (professional services)
NCBH - North Carolina Baptist Hospital
LMC - Lexington Medical Center
CHC - Cornerstone Healthcare
Wilkes - Wilkes Regional Medical Center
HPR- High Point Regional
N/A - Not applicable to services provided at facility and/or CHC
NC -Not Contracted, very low to no volume for facility and/or CHC
Wake Forest Baptist Health Managed Care/MA Contracts - January2022
AETNA CONNECTED ACA/Exchange: Accepted at all locations
AETNA (PPO & HMO): Accepted at all locations
AETNA MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations
AETNA WHOLE HEALTH: Accepted at all locations
ALIGNMENT HEALTHCARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, Davie, LMC, CHC and Wilkes (not applicable to services provided at High Point)
AMBETTER OF NC: Accepted at all locations
AMERIHEALTH CARITAS NEXT ACA/Exchange: Accepted at all locations
APEX MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations
BCBSNC (PPO & HMO): Accepted at all locations
BCBS HIGH PERFORMANCE (NATIONAL NETWORK): Accepted at all locations
BLUE LOCAL (WFBH INDIVIDUAL & WFBH X_Group): Accepted at all locations
BLUE MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations
BLUE VALUE: Accepted at all locations
CAROLINA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and CHC (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, Wilkes and High Point)
CIGNA: Accepted at all locations
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at NCBH and High Point (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, CHC and Wilkes)
CIGNA HEALTHSPRING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, Davie, LMC, CHC and High Point (not applicable to services provided at Wilkes)
CIGNA LIFESOURCE (TRANSPLANTS): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
COVENTRY/WELLPATH: Accepted at all locations
CRESCENT PPO (ASHEVILLE): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
DEVOTED HEALTH: Accepted at all locations
DIRECT NET: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, Davie, LMC, Wilkes and High Point (not contracted, very low to no volume for CHC)
FIRST HEALTH (COVENTRY): Accepted at all locations
FIRSTCAROLINACARE (PINEHURST, NC): Accepted at NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for WFUHS, Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
GATEWAY HEALTH ALLIANCE (VIRGINIA): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
GOLDEN RULE INS (UNITED): Accepted at all locations
HEALTHGRAM (formerly PRIMARY PHYSICIAN CARE): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and LMC (not contracted, very low to no volume for Davie, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
HEALTHTEAM ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations
HUMANA CHOICECARE: Accepted at all locations
HUMANA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: Accepted at all locations
LIBERTY ADVANTAGE (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
MAGELLAN (BEHAVIORAL HEALTH): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH and CHC (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, Wilkes and High Point)
MEDCOST: Accepted at all locations
MEDCOST ULTRA: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, Davie, LMC, Wilkes and High Point (not applicable at CHC)
OPTUMHEALTH (TRANSPLANTS - APPLICABLE TO NCBH/WFUHS ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
PREFERRED CARE OF VA INC: Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
SOUTHERN HEALTH SVCS (COVENTRY-PPO ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, Davie and CHC (not contracted, very low to no volume for LMC, Wilkes and High Point)
TWIN COUNTY (VIRGINIA): Accepted at WFUHS and NCBH (not contracted, very low to no volume for Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Accepted at WFUHS, NCBH, CHC and High Point (not applicable to services provided at Davie, LMC and Wilkes)
UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (WFUHS ONLY): Accepted at WFUHS (not applicable for services provided at NCBH, Davie, LMC, CHC, Wilkes and High Point)
UNITED HEALTHCARE: Accepted at all locations
UNITED HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS ACA/EXCHANGE: Accepted at all locations
UNITED HEALTHCARE MEDICARE: Accepted at all locations
VA CCN: Accepted at all locations
WELLCARE: Accepted at all locations
WELLPATH (COVENTRY): Accepted at all locations
Key
WFUHS - Wake Forest University Health Sciences (professional services)
NCBH - North Carolina Baptist Hospital
LMC - Lexington Medical Center
CHC - Cornerstone Healthcare
Wilkes - Wilkes Regional Medical Center
HPR- High Point Regional
N/A - Not applicable to services provided at facility and/or CHC
NC - Not Contracted, very low to no volume for facility and/or CHC
Research
- Verification of High-Rate Vertical Loading Laboratory Skeletal Fractures by Comparison with Theater Injury Patterns. Danelson KA, Polich JG, Barnes DR, Bullock GS, Scott AT, Halvorson JJ, O'Gara T, Pilson HT, Babcock S, Birkedal J, McAllister B, Loftis KL. Ann Biomed Eng. 2021 Nov; 49(11):3080-3090.
- Epidural Abscess in the Lumbar Spine: A Single Institution's Experience With Nonsurgical and Surgical Management. Berwick BW, Luo TD, Sun KW, Sharp RA, Birkedal JP, O'Gara TJ. J Surg Orthop Adv. 2019; 28(3):224-231.
- Survey of Conventional and Complementary and Alternative Therapy in Patients With Low Back Pain. O'Gara T, Kemper KJ, Birkedal J, Curl W, Miller N, Abadie B. J Surg Orthop Adv. 2016; 25(1):27-33.
- Risk of septic knee following retrograde intramedullary nailing of open and closed femur fractures. Halvorson JJ, Barnett M, Jackson B, Birkedal JP. J Orthop Surg Res. 2012 Feb; 7:7.
- Stabilization of Lisfranc joint injuries: a biomechanical study. Lee CA, Birkedal JP, Dickerson EA, Vieta PA, Webb LX, Teasdall RD. Foot Ankle Int. 2004 May; 25(5):365-70.