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Dr. John D. Attenello, MD

Accepting New Patients

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Specializes in: Spine Surgery and Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine

Professional interests include: steroid injections, hardware removal, thoracic spine surgery, and more.

1400 S Grand Avenue Suite 707
Los Angeles, CA 90015

(310) 929-6336

Dr. John D. Attenello, MD is a spine surgeon in Long Beach, CA specializing in spine surgery and orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. Dr. John D. Attenello, MD is affiliated with MemorialCare, Cedars-Sinai, Dignity Health, California Hospital Medical Center, PIH Health, Long Beach Medical Center, Providence, Providence Saint John's Health Center and Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.

Office Locations

1201 E Bixby Road
Long Beach, CA 90807

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1201 East Bixby Road
Long Beach, CA

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PIH Health

13160 Mindanao Way #304
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

(310) 337-2589

(310) 318-6053

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California Hospital Medical Center

1400 S Grand Avenue Suite 707
Los Angeles, CA 90015

(310) 929-6336

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Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center

1513 South Grand Avenue Suite 380
Los Angeles, CA 90015

(310) 337-2589

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Some issues Dr. John D. Attenello, MD can help you with:

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury medicine is a branch of medicine that treats damage to the spinal cord from an injury or a nontraumatic myelopathy, which is any disorder that affects the spinal area. The spinal cord is a section of nerve tissue protected by the vertebrae (spinal bones). Trauma to the spinal cord, typically caused by compression or bent vertebrae, prevents the body and brain from communicating. This can result in pain, loss of sensation, and impaired physical function and movement. Acute spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a leading cause of permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries may develop from accidents or myelopathies, disorders that provoke spinal compression. Traumatic incidents such as falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and bullet or stab wounds can cause an acute spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury medicine seeks to stabilize the spine and to alleviate the symptoms of spine damage. Practitioners of spinal cord injury medicine are called spinal cord injury specialists. Spinal cord injury medicine is an interdisciplinary field, meaning physicians of various specialties may be trained to treat spinal cord injuries.

Damage to the spinal cord may initially be diagnosed through X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Patients can also undergo spinal exams to evaluate their sensory ability and strength. Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete (no feeling or sensation) or incomplete (some feeling or sensation remains). Conditions spinal cord injury medicine specialists may treat include:

Paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the legs), or quadriplegia (loss of function from the neck down)
Spine fracture or trauma, which can lead to impairment and/or significant pain
Spinal infections
Myelopathies, such as herniated disks, spinal tumors, and rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylosis, and degenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)

Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves surgery, either directly after an injury occurs or at a later date. Surgery for spine injuries is intended to ease spinal compression and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures can involve shifting vertebrae, removing bone, or altering spinal placement with implantable devices. Patients with significant spinal trauma may require urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical treatments can be complemented by rehabilitative physical therapy to improve mobility. Spinal cord injury specialists also treat complications arising from a spinal injury, such as respiratory or bladder conditions. Some patients with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong treatment. Spinal cord injury specialists aim to help these patients successfully adjust and lead an improved quality of life. An emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries is neural prosthetics, which replicate patients' lost nerve function. Neural prostheses may be used as artificial body parts or assistive devices that patients may cognitively control. Other assistive devices include wheelchairs and scooters.

Spinal cord injury specialists may collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, neurologists, urologists, and orthopedists.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.

There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.

Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.

Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:

Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.

Spinal Osteotomy

Spinal osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat significant spinal deformity, sometimes as part of a spinal reconstruction. During spinal osteotomy, one or more pieces of bone are removed. This creates a curve, allowing for proper realignment of the spine.

There are three major types of spinal osteotomy. In order of amount of bone removed, they are:

Smith-Peterson osteotomy or SPO, which offers a small amount of correction and is often performed on multiple levels of the spine. This procedure is the least invasive, removing a small piece of bone from the back of the vertebra.
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy or PSO, which is often used in the lower back for the treatment of flatback syndrome, a condition in which the lower spine loses its natural curve. A slice or wedge of bone going through the entire vertebral column is removed, allowing more movement for repositioning.
Vertebral column resection or VCR, which is the most involved spinal osteotomy surgery. It is almost always performed as part of a spinal reconstruction. One or more entire vertebrae are removed, and the spine is fused into place with rods or screws.

After surgery, it is common to stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery can be slow, and patients will likely need help doing regular activities for the first few weeks. Lifting objects and bending or twisting, such as when getting out of bed or into a car, will be extremely difficult at first. Physical therapy can help patients heal and move. Most daily activities can be resumed after six weeks, and most patients return to full activity, including playing certain sports, within a year.

Although the recovery from spinal osteotomy can be significant, it can be quite effective at reducing pain. Correcting a spinal deformity can also improve appearance and self-esteem, increase balance, and improve stability when moving.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John D. Attenello, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Long Beach, CA during 2020 were spinal procedures, minimally invasive procedures and arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	15
minimally invasive procedures	15
spinal procedures	26

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD.

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	18

**Age**
From 65 to 74	17
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD in 2020

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	66
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	38
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John D. Attenello, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Long Beach, CA during 2021 were spinal procedures, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	20
nerve procedures	20
spinal procedures	32

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD.

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	29

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	42
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	25
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD in 2021

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	49
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	26
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	46

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD.

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	22

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	42
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John D. Attenello, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Long Beach, CA during 2023 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	36
hospital care	42
inpatient care	42

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD.

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	58

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	32
Black	16
Hispanic	21
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	23
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD in 2023

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	22
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	52
Dementia	22
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2020 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. John D. Attenello, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Long Beach, CA were hospital care, inpatient care, spinal procedures and nerve procedures.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	15
decompression surgery	20
doctor visit	41
hospital care	42
inpatient care	42
minimally invasive procedures	15
nerve procedures	20
spinal procedures	29

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2020 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD.

**Gender**
Male	21
Female	31

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	4
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	18
Hispanic	8
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	10
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	25

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD From 2020 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. John D. Attenello, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	3
Osteoporosis	22
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	39
Atrial Fibrillation	5
Cancer	0
Dementia	5

Education & Training

Dr. John D. Attenello, MD graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Hawaii at Manoa Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine

Residency: University of Hawaii at Manoa Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. John D. Attenello, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MemorialCare

Cedars-Sinai

Dignity Health

California Hospital Medical Center

PIH Health

Long Beach Medical Center

Providence

Providence Saint John's Health Center

Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. John D. Attenello, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Aetna HMO, Blue Shield of California, Anthem, United Healthcare HMO, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Advantage, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, CIGNA HMO, Medicare, Aetna Medicare PPO, Medicaid and Aetna Medicare.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. John D. Attenello, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Aetna PPO

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Anthem Blue Cross PPO

Aetna HMO

Blue Shield of California

Anthem

United Healthcare HMO

Medicare Advantage

Humana Medicare Advantage

Health Net PPO

Health Net HMO

CIGNA HMO

Medicare

Aetna Medicare PPO

Medicaid

Aetna Medicare

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. John D. Attenello, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
GS Solutions, Inc.	$10,778 $10,778
Neo Spine USA, Inc.	$9,211 Neo Pedicle Screw System $9,211
Kyocera Medical Technologies, Inc.	$7,115 $7,115
Alphatec Spine, Inc	$2,790 Other - Miscellaneous $1,674	Invictus MIS $162	LIF $154	Solus ALIF $56	Battalion TLIF - PC $23	Other $721
Orthofix Medical, Inc.	$1,760 WaveForm L $635	Lattus $173	7D Surgical System $157	Regatta Lateral System $148	$646
Other	$3,569 Neo Pedicle Screw System $1,563	XLIF $306	Allograft $269	ACP $172	Reline $145	Other $1,113

**Types of Payments**
Travel and Lodging	$14,799
Consulting Fee	$8,200
Food and Beverage	$7,224
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$5,000

Biography

Dr. John Attenello is a specialist in spine surgery and orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He works in Long Beach, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and Marina Del Rey, CA. His clinical interests include spondylolisthesis surgery, kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation), and laminotomy. He is affiliated with PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Long Beach Medical Center, and Providence Saint John's Health Center. Before performing his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Dr. Attenello attended the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. He usually is in-network for Anthem, Blue California, and Blue Shield, as well as other insurance carriers. He welcomes new patients at his office inLos Angeles, CA as reported by Dignity Health.