I was referred to Dr. Lin for my knee injury (full rupture of my right Patellar tendon). Although he is a hand specialist, he has knowledge of all things Orthopedic. After being told by 2 different doctors that they needed an MRI to verify the injury before they could do anything, Dr. Lin performed an ultrasound of my knee and saw right away what the problem was. He seemed frustrated that it had taken 2 weeks for me to get the problem officially diagnosed, as my injury needed surgery to be performed pretty quickly. He didn't want to waste any time and got me scheduled for surgery 5 days later. The work he did was phenomenal...only a 2 1/2 inch incision and minimal pain during recovery. I'm 14 weeks post op now and almost back to full range of motion in my knee. Nothing but good things to say about this man. Positive experience all around. read more

Where to begin? My husband was involved in a motorcycle accident {due to some idiot running a stop sign) and the ER surgeon told him he'd need surgery. At the pre-surgery consultation, the ER Dr, said he wasn't sure how to fix the "bad break" to his wrist but would try screwing an exterior metal bar down his arm at two locations and casting for 6 weeks and "see if that works". He also wasn't sure what kind of hardware he'd be able to use and would have to figure that out. WHAT? Sounded pretty archaic, and, if it didn't work then we'd be back to square one. Having had a wonderful experience for a different issue at Monterey Spine and Joint, I called them and was able to schedule an appointment for my husband to see Dr. James Lin in a couple of days. We went in, Dr. Lin looked over the MRI from the ER and said he could fix it. When asked about the hardware, he whipped out his phone and pulled up an image of what he'd be using. When asked what his level of experience was with this type of injury, he said "Let me put it this way, if you'd seen any other doctor in Monterey County, they'd send you to me." SOLD! Confident minus the cockiness. Dr. Lin performed the surgery two days later at the Monterey Surgery Center (Which is another great review) and personally came out to the waiting room to speak to me when he was done (other doctors sent nurses to speak to other loved ones), which I was grateful for. My husband only needed to use painkillers once then the occasional Ibuprofen. Ten days later and all was looking good enough to start hand therapy. They don't have a hand therapist at MS&J so Dr. Lin referred him to Terrapin, also at Ryan Ranch. The therapist there (Lisa) had a great relationship with Dr. Lin's patients and could email or call him directly if anything came up, which was great and showed a team approach in my husband's healing. Dr. Lin was great with all follow ups and we never had to wait long in the office or get more X-rays than absolutely needed. He and his staff were great, always smiling and warm and tolerant of our sense of humor. Fast forward 6 months and am grateful to say my husband is healed, and we're happy to say that choosing Dr. Lin was the BEST decision we could have made throughout my husband's road to recovery. Dr. Lin, we are thankful beyond words for everything you did for us. B & P read more

Dr. Lin performed two successful carpal tunnel-release surgeries (right hand in November, 2016 and the left hand in July, 2017. I suffered significant pain and hand impairment before the surgeries. Each procedure had been independently confirmed in advance as needed by my neurologist, who referred me to Dr. Lin. My experience with each surgery (out patient) was more than satisfactory. I experienced no post surgical pain whatsoever, and never had to take any pain medication. I was able to use my hand for keyboarding at work the following day. I can not imagine any better result, and found Dr. Lin to be caring and concerned throughout my dealings with him. Thank you so much, Dr. Lin. read more

After having bilateral carpal tunnel-release surgery (both hands), I developed trigger finger in both my thumbs. My neurologist sent me to see Dr. Lin for this painful problem. Dr. Lin quickly determined he could help me, and he scheduled me for a procedure in his office, instead of having to undergo surgery again, where with the use of ultrasound he could go in with just local anesthesia and release the tissue causing the triggering in both my thumb joints. One of my thumbs was much thicker and more stubborn than the other, but Dr. Lin patiently and diligently performed the procedure until it finally was taken care of, and I appreciated that so much. He really knows what he is doing, and my thumbs are so much better now. His follow-up care is also excellent. I would easily rate him best hand doctor and surgeon in the Central Coast. Thank you so much, Dr. Lin. read more

Very efficient, professional AND likable. Great explanation of issues, options, and recommendations. Performed trigger thumb procedure right in exam room. Provided immediate major relief. Thumb remained sore for 2-4 wks ( as Dr. Lin advised). Appointment wait time was always less than 10 minutes. Office/Admin staff were pleasant, professional and helpful. Highest of recommendations. Request him via primary physician referral or telephone directly. read more

I came to Dr Lin with a tendon injury to my finger. After examining me and ordering X-rays he told me that he couldn't diagnose the cause or properly recommend treatment without an MRI. After the MRI he proceeded to tell me he hadn't recommended the MRI and that he didn't know why my finger hadn't healed and that I was imagining that it wasn't straight. Incompetent and rude while casually handing out doses of radiation. read more

I was referred to Dr. Lin after a MRI and neuro test showed multiple ligament and tendon tears in my wrist, in addition to moderate carpal tunnel. I had no issues before a specific injury over the summer. I waited over an hour to be called into the exam room. If you're running that late - you ought to have someone notify your patients. When he finally saw me, he quickly scrolled thru the MRI images without pausing on any of them for any length of time and briefly glanced at the neuro report. He then pressed on my wrist while having me move it different directions. He asked about prior treatment and I told him my referring physician had given me a cortisone injection that didn't help. Dr. Lin said it would have helped if it were done properly. Seriously?! He then said I do not have any tears and there is "slight inflammation" in one tendon and minimal carpal tunnel. Two physicians have already told me - and shown me the images - that there are indeed ligament tears - one is nearly a complete tear. He said the pain isn't from my injury and dismissed the MRI results. He ordered oral steroids for the inflammation. The referral mentioned casting my hand/wrist to let it rest and heal. He completely dismissed that and said it wouldn't help. He said there was no need for surgery and I said I didn't want surgery. He said, "Well I am a surgeon!" and laughed. He told my boyfriend the prednisone would make me moody "on top of everything else" I am. He was rude, arrogant and disrespectful all the way around. I will not be following up treatment with him and I let both my primary physician and referring physician know what an unprofessional jerk he is. I DO NOT recommend anyone going to him. read more