Tyler R. Koski, MD

Tyler R. Koski, MD

5.0 
1550 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Spine Surgery

Secondary Specialty

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

  • 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

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:
Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital
Central DuPage Hospital
Delnor Hospital
Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center
Northwestern McHenry Huntley & Woodstock Hospitals
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

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Overall Rating

5.0
5.0 

1550 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

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100 Most Recent Reviews

February 25, 2026

5.0

He was able to go beyond what my first opinion noted and determined additional tests would give us both a better sense of what the problem was.

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February 25, 2026

5.0

He gave me hope for a resolution I have been seeking for a very long time.

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February 24, 2026

5.0

Great bedside manner and highly skilled surgeon.

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February 22, 2026

5.0

Very knowledgeable and caring.

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Excellent skills and good people skills.

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February 17, 2026

5.0

He's interested, empathetic, patient, and a good teacher

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February 15, 2026

5.0

still early but very proffesional and highly experiennced

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February 10, 2026

5.0

Dr. Koski provided very careful and detailed explanations of my spine problem and gave advises how to be prepared for a surgery.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

Knows his craft! Great personality.

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February 06, 2026

5.0

Took his time is explaining a very complex problem that I'm facing. He was kind, considerate and answered all my questions. He's the best doctor I've seen.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Very knowledgeable and professional

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February 01, 2026

5.0

Great personal manner and very informative about procedure and followup

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January 28, 2026

5.0

He's simply the BEST!

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January 27, 2026

5.0

Experienced, smart and good bedside manner

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January 26, 2026

5.0

He was very kind and assuring. He spoke from a place of experience rather than conjecture.

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January 21, 2026

5.0

Seemed to thoroughly understand my problem (this was the first time we met, on a second opinion visit) and offered good information and analysis, responded well to all questions.

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January 20, 2026

5.0

Total professional and I feel confident in his assessment of my situation.

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January 20, 2026

5.0

Dr. Koski is great. Did a fantastic job on my surgery.

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January 18, 2026

5.0

He's great at what he does, he's an extremely nice person, and he cares about your wellbeing.

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January 18, 2026

5.0

He is well regarded as a surgeon.

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January 17, 2026

5.0

He actually listens to patients and takes time to discuss options, pros and cons of any treatments.

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January 13, 2026

5.0

He really listed to my issues and was very thorough, informative and kind.

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January 10, 2026

5.0

Did not rush me. Answered all my questions and concerns. Explained my option clearly

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January 09, 2026

5.0

He is cautious and conservative in his approach whereas some surgeons are less so. He really answers all your questions and I feel he makes nuanced recommendations specific to my condition. He has a good bedside manner as well.

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January 09, 2026

5.0

Great bed side manor, thorough explanations. I have a great deal of confidence in him.

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January 06, 2026

5.0

Dr Koski was very clear as to how he interpreted the MRI I had. He understood what questions and concerns I had about surgery and let me know it was ultimately my decision.

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December 27, 2025

5.0

Kind considerate by right honest about the situations.

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December 27, 2025

5.0

Very professional and smart.

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December 26, 2025

5.0

Dr Koski took time to explain my complicated situation. I have not been able to find another doctor that did that. He was very thorough, honest and had an excellent bedside manner especially answering questions from two family members and myself

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December 23, 2025

5.0

The best we came all the way from south bend Indiana for a second option I believe he's one of the best 8 years ago I could barely walk and a incredible amount of pain and now I'm much better

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December 23, 2025

5.0

He took time to answer all of our questions without rushing us. Felt like he gave his honest opinions and assessments while still leaving the final decision making up to us to think over.

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December 22, 2025

5.0

We really think we are with the best surgeon available for the type of care that I need.

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December 16, 2025

5.0

Good doctor

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December 14, 2025

5.0

Very professional, willing to explain in a manner you can understand. I was impressed with his kind demeanor

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December 13, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski's workup involves using the best tests/imaging to provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis and options of treatment.

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December 10, 2025

5.0

Easy to talk to. Caring and understanding. A pleasure to meet.

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December 09, 2025

5.0

He saved me from back surgery based on an incorrect diagnosis from my previous doctor.

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December 09, 2025

5.0

He's remarkable

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December 02, 2025

5.0

He's a rock star.

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December 02, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski takes the time to allow for questions and concerns to be addressed. He did a great job on my surgery. His skills are top notch.

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November 26, 2025

5.0

Extremely happy with his explanation of upcoming procedures.

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November 26, 2025

5.0

Thoroughly reviewed all tests and recommended a minimally invasive procedure.

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November 26, 2025

5.0

Professional, takes time to explain what will happen, what had happened and what will happen.

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Very thorough and knowledgeable.

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski made my life so much better. My pain is gone!

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November 25, 2025

5.0

He is a very smart surgeon who is easy to communicate with and explains all the things.

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski is very thorough and explains all treatment options that may be available.

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November 16, 2025

5.0

Perfection

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November 13, 2025

5.0

Dr Koski is an excellent doctor and I was truly blessed that he took my case. He takes time to explain everything to you and he answers your questions. What an outstanding physician.

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November 13, 2025

5.0

I completely trust his skilled hands and am amazed by his knowledge.

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November 13, 2025

5.0

He explained everything and the reasons for his conclusion.

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November 12, 2025

5.0

He was very familiar with my history which was very impressive Dr Koski quickly discussed what I need to do to even think about getting my body in the shape it needs to be in to do any surgery I'm grateful that he didn't discuss rushing into surgery

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November 11, 2025

5.0

He was wonderful. Didn't feel rushed and he explained all my options to me and answered all my questions.

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November 11, 2025

5.0

Very professional, relieved pain and numbness caused by the spinal issue.

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November 11, 2025

5.0

Very kind; logical; practical; his explanations were understandable, completely made sense & seemed very reasonable; a lovely person to meet & one I could have complete confidence in...

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November 08, 2025

5.0

Probably one of the best spine surgeons in the country AND he is very personable and caring about patients.

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November 05, 2025

5.0

I have had successful spinal surgeries with Dr. Koski and highly recommend him.

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November 05, 2025

5.0

Dr Koski is an extraordinary and caring physician

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November 04, 2025

5.0

Personable and knowledgeable

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November 04, 2025

5.0

Listens and spends time to explain his impression and plan of care

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November 04, 2025

5.0

He is very professional, speaks with the patient, explains things thoroughly, answers all questions and doesn't rush the visit.

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November 04, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski took his time to walk through the options I have in my healthcare and explained the potential outcomes for each. My wife and I both felt very comfortable with Dr. Koski. He answered all of our questions with patience and candor. We has our confidence and trust.

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October 27, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski is always a great listener and provides exemplary care. Our appointments are never rushed and he entertains all questions.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

His professionalism, skill bed side manner.

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October 18, 2025

5.0

Very personable and explains things well.

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October 15, 2025

5.0

Outstanding; A1 care

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October 14, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski was great. Very personable, took plenty of time to explain my complex back issues and discuss a treatment plan.

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October 14, 2025

5.0

Professionalism and reputation

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October 13, 2025

5.0

Very professional, kept me informed

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October 12, 2025

5.0

He explained my problem so o could understand it. Answered my questions and was very respectful to my problem

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October 10, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski took time to explain imaging findings and the reasons for my pain and other symptoms. He offered a surgical recommendation without pressure to schedule the procedure. He recommended medication my PCP can prescribe to help with pain. He ordered additional imaging to further explore my back issues before further discussion of surgery options. He was confident, competent, and thorough.

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October 08, 2025

5.0

He explained everything in detail & has a good plan for care.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

He is kind, skilled, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable in his field.

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September 30, 2025

5.0

Great Doctor.

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September 16, 2025

5.0

He's the man

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September 16, 2025

5.0

He instills confidence, is personable, empathetic and kind, and in my own case and everything I've read or listened to he is knowledgeable and an excellent surgeon. I have even listened to his talks to other spinal surgeons on YouTube.

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September 09, 2025

5.0

Gets to the root of the cause. Explores all options. Great bed side manners.

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September 09, 2025

5.0

He was very pleasant and forthcoming with information. He really explained why they need an MRI of the cervical area although my problem is in the lumbar region. He also encourage me to seek a second opinion to allay my concerns about back surgery.

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September 08, 2025

5.0

Very thorough!

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September 04, 2025

5.0

Dr Koski is an excellent doctor.

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September 03, 2025

5.0

The best around

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September 02, 2025

5.0

He listened to my issues and thoroughly explained my options to me. He does not jump into surgery unless absolutely necessary. Very kind and competent.

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August 31, 2025

5.0

He is highly skilled and possesses tremendous knowledge

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August 30, 2025

5.0

Simply, he's the best in the business

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August 30, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski is an amazing surgeon that thinks about all aspects of the procedure.

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August 26, 2025

5.0

Straight forward and great bedside manner

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August 26, 2025

5.0

One of the best neurosurgeons in the country. Dr. Koski did the surgery of my spine nine years after another neurosurgeon said: "Nothing can be done; it's already too late". Turned out that it wasn't to late; my spine just needed good, professional neurosurgeon.

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August 26, 2025

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable, personable, patient, etc etc

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August 23, 2025

5.0

For the reasons I stated the doctor was interested in my issues, thorough in his answers and targeted in his questions so that he and I will get the most out of this telehealth call. I was not rushed and definitely felt that he wanted to try to find a solution.

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August 20, 2025

5.0

He takes the time to explain things and really listens to you

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August 09, 2025

4.0

Dr Koski very good and focus on my health

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August 05, 2025

5.0

Excellent doctor, knowledgeable, polite and helpful. Staff great!

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August 05, 2025

5.0

ive already have recommended him to others.

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July 28, 2025

5.0

He is a magician! He got me from being forward at about a 40angle almost to standing up straight! I had so much bone growth in my back that I ended up having a 3rd surgery (it was only supposed to be 2) because he was working on my back for so long on the 2nd day and there was a few complications (of no one's fault) just so much bone growth I had. He is just very open and honest with what he says he's going to do and he is truly AMAZING at what he does! His bedside manner when I was in the hospital last summer was phenomenal as well!!

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July 27, 2025

5.0

Dr. Koski took the time to explain exactly why I am having the pain and each step of the surgery. This level of attention was unprecedented in my experiences with medical services.

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July 27, 2025

5.0

Recognized as the best in his field by other practitioners.

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July 27, 2025

5.0

LOVE HIM!

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July 26, 2025

4.0

met with him twice, although no answers for me, liked his honesty

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July 22, 2025

5.0

Friendly & took time to explain everything

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July 22, 2025

5.0

Excellent in all phases!

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Ownership or Investment Interest

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have an ownership or investment interest in the following companies

  • Alphatec Spine, Inc.

Consulting

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • Alphatec Spine, Inc.
  • SeaSpine

Royalties

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have 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.

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