Published Patient Reviews of Dr. Shay Bess

 I have had scoliosis my entire life and at age 65, started having a lot of pain associated with my advanced curvature.
I did a lot of research and decided to see Dr. Bess. I had been to see other surgeons and they did not recommend that I get this surgery, as it was a difficult surgery with a year's recovery.
Dr. Bess alleviated my pain, and at six months, I am riding my mountain bike, swimming, hiking and doing light weights.
It has taken hard work on my part, and I am still healing, but with the guidance of Dr. Bess, his team, and my physical therapist, I am well on my way to enjoying the activities I love.
I highly recommend Dr. Bess for scoliosis treatment. I am impressed with Dr. Bess and his entire team! They are all true professionals!

Dr. Shay Bess performed a c5-c7 ACDF on me. Before this surgery I was having tingles on the top of my arm, the top of my shoulder and the top of my shoulder blade all of the right side only. I was in extreme pain and had been for a year prior to surgery after a bad auto accident. After the surgery, there were no longer tingles anywhere on my right arm or shoulder. I feel extremely grateful for the excellent work performed by Dr. Bess and his team and I would highly recommend him.

I'm 4 years out from a major back fusion with Dr Bess. My quality of life is great. I'm walking, traveling Europe, and able to enjoy retirement. The care I received during my surgery and recovery  was outstanding. If you have scoliosis pain, at least do a consult with Dr Bess. He's a nationally recognized expert.

I highly recommend Dr. Bess for scoliosis patients. From my first phone call to my latest post-operation follow-up visit, I have been truly impressed with the level of care I have received. It is obvious that Dr. Bess and his staff truly care about the well-being of the people in their care. When I first arrived at Dr. Bess' office, I had been in pain for years with my mobility and zest for life decreasing, as I became less active due to the pain from scoliosis. I am a nature lover, hiker and a true Coloradan at heart. I had begun to accept that my days of hiking were behind me. On my first visit, Dr Bess told me that he could do surgery on my back with the intention of increasing my quality of life. While I lacked perspective and hope, he did not. I am officially 3 months out of surgery. I can tell you that Dr. Bess saved my life. I will be hiking mountains again. I will stand proudly at my son's graduation.
My surgery and recovery was nothing less than an exceptionally skilled team of professionals doing God's work. The anesthesiologist called me at home before my surgery, developing a rapport. He introduced himself to me the day of surgery, reassuring me and answering questions. The anesthesiologist told me that he was proud to work with Dr. Bess and his team. The OR facilities at St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital are the highest quality. The intensive care unit team is very skilled. The nursing team is exceptional. Every single person I encountered on Dr. Bess' team made me feel safe to be in a vulnerable place of healing from major surgery. Thank you, Dr. Bess, Audra, Cynthia, Bret and Jess.

For my first visit and coming from out of town, it was very pleasant, easy to get to the office, it was very nice to have the valet service right there as we pulled up. Those in the building were very helpful to show us where the office was, the gentleman actually escorted us up to the office. Everyone in the office was very helpful and kind, like I had talked with them many times before.,from the office staff to the radiology tech. Dr.Bess's team were also very kind and helpful. The instructions given to me for my surgery were clear and helpful. Dr. Bess took time, there was no feeling of rush, rush, let's get this done sort of atmosphere. I learned things that I didn't know about my situation before. His PA was also very kind and explained things. I was treated with respect as a person. They listened even though i might of rambled on sometimes.Thank you for a very nice office visit. Debbie

Everyone at his practice is amazing. They are all very helpful. Dr. Bess and his assistants checked in on me daily after a difficult surgery. Anytime I've had questions I get answers right away. I dont think I've ever met a more caring surgeon in all my years. I've had many surgeries for different things. I'm still healing and improving every day. I would definitely use Dr. Bess again if needed. Just really a wonderful person. Nicole and the other PA s were great also. Kelli the scheduler is a magician.

Our team of providers are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Get to know our providers and find the right match for your healthcare needs.

I've been a patient for awhile now, 4-5 years, Dr Bess and his staff are always friendly and make me feel comfortable. It's also a relief to know the pain I'm having in my lower back will soon be gone. Thanks guys.

Dr. Bess is one of the best there is. I am fused from T2 to my pelvis. Dr. Bess has taken great care of me since the day I walked into his office ...I live in Iowa now but come back once a year to see Dr. Bess for follow up care. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Bess recently performed major corrective realignment surgery of my spine, after three failed surgeries performed by other surgeons 10-13 years ago.  Dr. Bess' skill is exceptional, as is his (& his entire staff & team's) professionalism, expertise, & personal care.  The nurses, staff and doctors care at Spalding Rehab was also excellent.     

I am so grateful for Dr. Bess. 5 months ago, he performed a spinal fusion and replaced the associated discs (L4, L5, S1).  I had been in excruciating, debilitation pain for years.  I could not stand for longer than a couple minutes.  I couldn't sit on the floor to play with my kids.  I couldn't sleep well.  I was taking 4-5 muscle relaxers EVERY day for years in addition to doing all sorts of injections, nerve ablations, etc.  I also had tried PT and chiropractic care.  Nothing helped at all.  After exhausting every other option, I decided to do the fusion and honestly wish I'd done it years ago.  Within weeks, the surgical pain was gone and I have been basically 100% improved.  Occasionally, I'll have minor pain when I sneeze or if I really over-exert myself, but nothing that even requires OTC medications. He told me before the surgery that he hoped for a 50% reduction in my pain and I've had basically NO pain.  Everyone at his office is friendly and I've never had any issues.  

I appreciate that Dr. Bess took the time to answer all of my questions without using "scare" tactics.  My situation was complex and he went through the what ifs with no pressure as to what I should do.  I took 2 months to make my decision.  I'm now 5 months post op and very pleased with the results.  I have referred my sister and a friend to Dr. Bess

Dr Shay Bess, when you meet him it's like meeting a dear friend. He looks you in the eye and ask what can I do for you. Does not interrupt you, but as to what you have to say. When you finish talking he attacks your problem and provides great medical advice and treatment plan. Being a hospital chaplain I have met many doctors. He is number one in my book. His treatment plans make sense and I live better because of him. I have VA medical but Dr Bess is the best physician I have ever known or treated by! 

Before I went to see Dr. Bess I was told by a doctor I had a serious case of stenosis, was in risk of paralysis and had to cancel an around the world trip.  I was devastated.  Dr. Bess confirmed I needed surgery but it could wait.  A year later I had the surgery.  My life is hiking, cycling, being active.  It's been almost three years and thanks to him I'm still living my dreams.  I just had a checkup, the cervical fusion is perfect, he did a wonderful job.  Within 4 months of my surgery I was backpacking overnight, hiking, traveling, doing everything I wanted to.  But it's not just his surgical skills which excel.  He truly cared about me.  He showed interest in me as a patient and a person, reassured my concerns, gave me confidence, very important, that I would recover.  He helped me with an insurance concern, set me up with outstanding therapists at Atlas Physical Therapy and he and his staff have always been supportive and professional.  See Dr. Bess, have faith and think positive!  Thank you!

Update.  Just had my surgery and everything went great!  I have been a patient of Dr. Bess for many years.  He's compassionate, fair and he is excellent at what he does.  He has helped me many times over the years and I wouldn't consider going elsewhere. Thanks Doc.

Dr. Bess is likely the most ethical, honest, and talented complex spine surgeon in the state of Colorado. He did surgery on my 71 year old mother to correct her debilitating scoliosis earlier this fall. My mother who was stuck in a wheel chair before her surgery for 3 years is now (after surgery) walking 2 miles a day!!! My mother and our family are forever grateful to Dr. Shay Bess. We highly recommend him as he’s honest and compassionate.

After 5 years of suffering with L4-L5, L5-S1 collapsing, I came and saw Dr. Bess. He scheduled surgery for a month out. I was treated like I was gold. My spine had a fusion that has given me complete relief from the pain. Went physical therapy and two months later, went elk hunting in the high country, and was walking and hiking and hunting the way I use to when I was a younger man. Didn’t get an elk, but am so happy with post op outcome and am hiking, hunting, and back to work all the time. All my activities are fun again! Thanks Dr. Bess!

My experience was great! Dr.Bess was nothing but Professional and explained my X-rays to me and explained what needed to be done. My Pre and Post op experience went smoothly with out any complications . My Hospital stay was good with Great Nurses and good care . I also want to thank the Environmental staff, especially Lucia . I was a patient on the Eleventh floor , room 1114 . Dr Bess PA’s were Great at explaining everything.

Dr. Bess and his staff have been amazing to work with.  Their professionalism and compassion towards my treatment, has taken all my worries away.  I had a very complex procedure and the outcome has been better than I could have ever imagined.  My quality of life has improved so much with the movement that I have regained after only 4 weeks.  I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Bess and his staff to anyone who is needing spinal surgery.

Dr. Bess fixed me up.  Spondylitis, scoliosis, spine compression; broken vertebrae; etc. was "treated" to a S1-L4 bolt ladder.  After 2 prior unsuccessful surgeries I've been five years on the mend with good results.  A caveat; Dr. Bess in one of the best doctors I've ever met;.

Such a relief to have a scoliosis consultation with such a compassionate, intelligent doctor.
His staff support team are all warm and caring people. So glad to have found this provider

I was referred to Dr. Shay Bess years ago by my doctor and family friend, and we all live in another state. I was initially hesitant to spend the money to fly to Colorado for an appointment, but after reading numerous patient reviews and doing a quick Google search on Dr. Shay Bess, I was blown away by his credentials and expertise. I made the trip, and I'm very glad I did. As a patient, Dr. Bess made me feel at ease and thoroughly explained what was going on with my spine, as well as my options for scoliosis treatment in both the short-term and long-term. I appreciate his approach and his personality—he's serious yet very patient and nice. Dr. Shay Bess is my forever doctor, and he’s always worth the trip for a visit and peace of mind!

Dr Bess is an amazing man. Great surgeon, great disposition, all-around great guy. Facilities are very nice

Dr Bess and his people are sooper nice and very knowledgeable in my situation. Will be trying option 1 first to see if it helps ,if not, surgery is option 2

I felt so important he look me in my eyes when he talk to me he were very detailed and to the point with his explanation I mean concern I felt good and he’s a good looking man. Thank you Dr. Bess

He is the best surgeon around! All the staff is great!

Dr Bess is one of the Best! His bedside manner great, and practical caring compassionate suggestions. Thanks 😊

Dr Bess was amazing. He is thorough, professional, and a compassionate doctor. I wouldn't of gone to anyone else!