Tyler R. Koski, MD

4.9 
783 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Neurological Surgery

Secondary Specialty

  • Spine Surgery

Insurance

For specific plans, see the full plan list. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.

Practice Focus Areas

  • Craniovertebral Junction Disorders
  • Spinal Congenital Disease
  • Spinal Deformities
  • Spine Degenerative Disease
  • Spine Revision Surgery
  • Spine Surgery
  • Spine Trauma
  • Spine Tumors

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine - 2000
Residency:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2006

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Central DuPage Hospital
Delnor Hospital
Huntley Hospital
McHenry Hospital
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Woodstock Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

783 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

August 30, 2022

5.0

Pleasure to talk with the doctor. He has a great bed side manner and is easy to understand and talk to. He explains things very well.

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August 30, 2022

5.0

Successful so far!

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August 29, 2022

5.0

He made everything clear

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August 24, 2022

5.0

Good demeanor, helpful, answers all questions, takes time. Does not push surgery .

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August 23, 2022

5.0

He tells you like it is explains what is happening

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August 23, 2022

5.0

Knowledgeable, personable and took the time to explain things.

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August 23, 2022

5.0

My spinal fusion surgery has greatly improved my quality of life.

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August 23, 2022

5.0

Simply put - he’s the best. He’s patient, never rushes us, really listens and makes sure we understand everything.

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August 20, 2022

5.0

He takes as much time as you need and doesn’t make you feel rushed. He also explains everything as much as you need.

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August 20, 2022

5.0

He was concise, listened to my concerns and looked me in the eye.

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August 17, 2022

5.0

Very clear discussion.

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August 16, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski explained to me in simple language what condition is and explained the potential risks of surgery

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August 16, 2022

4.0

His insight into my condition and my experience of my condition seemed very accurate.

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August 16, 2022

5.0

He knows his business and goes through whatever detail necessary so you fully understand what is going on with your specific case.

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August 07, 2022

5.0

Excellent physician, explained everything well, organized efficient staff

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August 03, 2022

5.0

He did a cervical spinal revision on me and fixed the screws that were coming out of the previous rod placed in my spine. So grateful…pain is lessened tremendously.

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July 30, 2022

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable and explained pros and cons of each surgical option

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July 27, 2022

1.0

I felt extremely unheard, like I was mute and unimportant. Tried to talk through the different options and felt drowned out.

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July 27, 2022

5.0

Very kind and knowledgeable.

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July 26, 2022

5.0

He came in showed me and explained what he felt he was able to do to help with the pain in my back. He was patient, personable and he made me feel comfortable to ask any question without feeling rushed or like it was a crazy question.

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July 26, 2022

3.0

I’ll tell you a few months after surgery, he has been pleasant and straightforward in out one meeting, but I will judge him far more importantly by my surgical outcome and future clinical course. So I cannot give a real answer to this question yet, and since I must enter something in your number scale (NA is not available) I guess a 5 will have to suffice. I hope that I will get an opportunity to revise that score in whatever fashion may be appropriate after my operation and recovery.

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July 26, 2022

5.0

Things are going well so far. I feel that I can get answers to questions quickly.

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July 26, 2022

5.0

Surgery was a success. Dr. Koski is quite skilled. In addition, he cares and takes time to answer all questions.

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July 25, 2022

5.0

I appreciate his insights into my situation and how thoroughly he explained everything.

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July 23, 2022

5.0

Again, I was impressed with his patience in answering all my questions.

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July 22, 2022

5.0

He’s an amazing dr takes his time and answers all questions! And checks on everts very thorough ty again

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July 19, 2022

5.0

Explained everything

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July 16, 2022

2.0

Let's see how the proposed operations work out -- both positive impact on my symptoms and no complications.

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July 15, 2022

5.0

Competent common sensible approach

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July 15, 2022

5.0

He explained my situation very well

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July 13, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski will only recommend surgery if it’s absolutely necessary and his ability in helping patients is outstanding

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July 12, 2022

5.0

He has an incomparable reputation and he certainly lives up to it. He takes the time you need to inderstand what will happen. He speaks candidly and most importantly, in English not in Jargon.

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July 05, 2022

5.0

First experience is a lasting experience. The wait time was acceptable, the care teamwas all that I expected. Concerned, patient and explained in detail what to expect. I didn't feel rushed but cared for. Dr. Koski will remain my spine care doctor for as longas He will continue to see me. I felt so comfortable with him and his staff. They left nostones unturned.

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June 29, 2022

5.0

Very good diagnosis & treatment plan

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June 27, 2022

5.0

Easy to talk to. Very knowledgeable. Listens and answers your questions. Great bedside manner and has a good sense of humor.

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June 23, 2022

5.0

My husband & I liked Dr. Koski very much. He was extremely professional & knowledgeable. He explained things well & took his time.

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June 22, 2022

5.0

Excellent manner and known expertise

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June 21, 2022

5.0

He was very approachable and took time to understand my history, answer my questions, and help my wife understand what post operative care would be needed.

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June 21, 2022

5.0

listens , very accomplished Dr.

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June 15, 2022

5.0

Great doctor!

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June 14, 2022

5.0

Takes the time to explain the issues, options and and answers questions.

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June 13, 2022

5.0

Great surgeon, thoughtful and insightful. Believed I was getting the best care possible. Thank you.

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June 08, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski is not only brilliant, but a genuine human being.

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June 08, 2022

5.0

His information matched what I had studied and researched about in my case. Soft spoken, direct and seemed honest!

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June 07, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski ,was so nice and caring and explained everything that I asked .

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June 07, 2022

5.0

Concerned for my well being

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June 07, 2022

5.0

He listens, is caring & explains things thoroughly.

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June 07, 2022

5.0

Excellent communication skills

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June 07, 2022

5.0

He explains things well and has a good bedside manner.

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June 06, 2022

5.0

he is very good

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June 06, 2022

5.0

Took the time to explain everything to us and answer all of our questions.

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June 04, 2022

5.0

Have a friend who had successful surgery on her back,l Her back problem was the same as mine. Dr. Koski did her back surgery.

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June 03, 2022

5.0

Gracious, attentive and knowledgeable

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June 01, 2022

5.0

Showed much interest and concern for helping with my situation and in finding the best solution. Was extremely knowledgeable and took much time discussing possible procedures

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May 31, 2022

5.0

Really Excellent Care!!!!

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May 28, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski was very professional and took his time and explaining the findings on my MRI. After his evaluation he told me that i needed to see a neurologist because my symptoms were not completely do to my spine issue. I was disappointed just because i wanted relief but i was also appreciated that he was honest with me and didn’t just do a procedure knowing it wouldn’t help. It’s a refreshing thing to see that thier are still honest and professional doctors who put the well being of patients first. Thank you Dr. Koski!!!

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May 27, 2022

5.0

He is so detailed, took time to make sure I was completely done with all questions, he was completely focused and not trying to get out thee door.

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May 24, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski is generous with his knowledge and concern for patient well-being.

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May 24, 2022

5.0

Thoroughness, cautious, kind, reassuring

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May 21, 2022

5.0

My experience

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May 20, 2022

5.0

As good a surgeon as I have ever met with a great caring manner

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May 18, 2022

5.0

See above. Outstanding attentiveness and ability to explain what was going on.

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May 17, 2022

5.0

Very wise doctor

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May 17, 2022

5.0

Very professional & kind & takes time with each patient. 👍

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May 14, 2022

5.0

Very complicated surgery, spinal fusion, and great job!

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May 11, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski and his resident Are kind and approachable. I felt they listened and were concerned about my issues I didn't feel rushed at all so I was able to get more things address than I normally do with the doctor, I felt. He explain things so that I could understand and his reasoning behind his suggestions for what needs to be done. I felt that he really was interested in my situation and what would give me the best outcome.He is easy to talk to. There is not a bit of arrogance in his demeanor.

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May 10, 2022

5.0

But I’ll know more after the procedure.

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May 10, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski is awesome, this is the first time that I received a diagnosis that I can understand.

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May 10, 2022

5.0

Excellent surgeon and communicator of what and why

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May 10, 2022

5.0

His reputation is stellar, but he also has a nice “bedside manner”(in his office); both of these are important to me. I came with a list of questions and first I spoke to the fellow and then Dr. Koski. All my questions were answered, and he wasn’t in a rush. He also doesn’t seem like a surgeon who just wants to cut; he wants what is best for his patients.

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May 07, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski is exremely personable, technically proficient and knowledgeable. He took the to review my situation post op and compare where we are at present against the backdrop of the challenges I was facing before surgery. That helped me appreciate what the surgery accomplished.

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May 07, 2022

5.0

He did an amazing surgery on me. He is kind and explained things so the lay person can understand. He is a very talented surgeon.

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May 06, 2022

5.0

Explain my condition took time with me and my husband to answer our questions

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May 03, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski was honest, direct, knowledgeable & informative.

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May 03, 2022

5.0

Pain is gone after 5-6 weeks.

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May 02, 2022

5.0

Extremely intelligent, excellent communicator, empathetic

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April 30, 2022

5.0

Friendly and kind

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski is quite knowledgeable and helped find a path to my back well being.

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Dr koski knows what he is doing. He is dedicated and you can tell he loves what he does, an excellent surgeon!

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Doctor thoroughly explained surgery and made us feel at ease.

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Have recommended dr Koski many times alreasy

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Good explainer

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April 23, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski was highly recommended by physicians and colleagues. His expertise was apparent to me. Prior to meeting with me he had reviewed complex cat scans. He explained his information clearly and concisely. Throughout the meeting he was gracious. He listened attentively and offered clear instructions about options.

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April 21, 2022

5.0

He’s the best in his field.

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April 20, 2022

5.0

Very professional and thorough

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Dr. Koski is amazing neurosurgeon! Performs surgeries others don’t want to or just can’t.

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Exceptionally knowledgable, prepared, anticipated my concerns and was ready with a plan for going forward.

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Excellent bedside manner, explains every step of care plan with detail and takes time to answer any and all questions. Very knowledgeable

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Results speak for themselves. My outcome was quite favorable. But even before the surgery, I was fairly confident I had made a good choice. Dr. Koski presented my circumstances and options in a very clear and concise manner. A Double TLIF, his recommendation, came as somewhat of a shock, but was presented in a way that made it easy to accept. His follow up and accessibility post surgery was remarkable as well.

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April 19, 2022

5.0

patient reviews as well as Dr koski's assessment provides a double option for us going forward

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April 17, 2022

5.0

He is exactly what patient would want for a doctor, and his Nurse Practitioners were fantastic, very knowledgeable and caring.

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April 16, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski is calm, supportive and explains the plan in a caring manner.

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April 16, 2022

5.0

Simply great care! Spinal decompression done at two levels, and I’m up and walking around and dressing myself a couple hours later. After experiencing Koski’s care, I’d never let anyone else touch me.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

Dr Koski listens to my concerns and provides insight and good suggestions for me to feel my best. He continues to be a responsive, caring provider since my surgery in March of 2020.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

A very knowledgeable doctor.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

He explained everything very carefully. Didn't push any intervention, and paid attention to my needs.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

Was willing to help me with areas outside his expertise. Presented the options using a matter of fact approach.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

Very professional and explains everything in detail and takes the time to explain

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April 09, 2022

5.0

The first doctor I saw caused a feat that I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore.I’m an Artist and my hands are very important . It’s the way I also make extra money. Because it’s impossible to live on a fixed income. Dr. Koski put me at ease, I would be able to use my hands, my neck would have about a 10-20 stiffness . I would be able to maintain my home . And do my art

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April 06, 2022

5.0

Very approachable and caring, knowledgeable doctor.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Consulting / Related Activities

Faculty member engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • NuVasive, Inc.

Royalty Payments and Inventor Share

Faculty member has the right to receive payments or may receive future financial benefits for inventions or discoveries related to the following companies or other entities

  • Medtronic, Inc.
  • NuVasive, Inc.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.