Summary

"Many patients mistakenly believe that spine surgery does not work or that they will be worse after a procedure," says Dr. Christopher Wagener, MD. "New techniques, technology, and diagnostic studies have improved results and returned patients back to their lives."

Dr. Wagener's elite training and practice experience has made him one of the nation’s premier surgeons and an expert in spine surgery. He is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he graduated with honors. He performed his orthopedic surgery training at Georgetown University Hospital before completing a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dr. Wagener has performed thousands of procedures on the neck and back helping patients live better lives. His professional interests are in minimally invasive and alternative spine surgery procedures and he is considered an expert and innovator in the field. He has been on the development team of multiple FDA-approved minimally invasive surgical implants, and an international speaker/expert, author, and instructor on minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Elected by his peers to be part of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, which was limited to fewer than 200 surgeons worldwide during the time of his inclusion, Dr. Wagener has demonstrated a commitment and mastery to this emerging technique. His reputation and results have made him one of the busiest spine surgeons in his region, performing more than 350 surgeries per year.

“The personalized care you get at Coordinated Health cannot be found at the university setting," reports Dr. Wagener. "In addition, I personally perform all surgeries along with a hand-picked spine surgery team. There are no residents, fellows, or medical students training and learning on our patients. This increases efficiency and limits complications associated with inexperience."

Dr. Wagener believes in an honest and up-front approach to his patients' problems.

“I am lucky to have done a lot of spine surgery as well as having access to a network of colleagues to discuss cases," he notes. "I have a sense of who will benefit from surgery and who will not. In truth, I offer surgery to less than 20 percent of those who seek a surgical opinion. Some people simply won’t get clinically significant benefit from surgery.

"I recently attended an information session on laser spine surgery in Philadelphia. A family practice doctor, not a surgeon, gave the talk on behalf of the group. He said they offered operations to 90 percent of those that sought treatment from them and that most of them improved. His definition of 'improved,' after I questioned him, was if a patient with a pain level of 9/10 before surgery had a level of 8/10 after surgery. I almost fell off my chair. This is not clinically significant improvement. I want my patients to get better. If surgery isn’t the answer, I will be upfront about it.”

When Dr. Wagener is not doing spine surgery, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife Marie, a dermatologist. In the last few years, he has traveled to England, Peru, Argentina, Brazil/Amazon, Panama, and Nicaragua.

“Seeing and experiencing different parts of the world allows me to connect with all kinds of patients, as well as appreciate what we have at home," he says. "Without question, it has made me a better person and a better physician.”

He also is an avid fly fisherman, surfer and recently started playing golf.

“I’m addicted (to golf). Unfortunately, unlike spine surgery, my passion does not match my ability. I’ve never been so frustrated, but I enjoy the struggle.”
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Quick Facts

  • accepting new patients
  • 4.3
  • 25 years of experience
  • 16 insurance plans accepted
  • speaks English, Spanish
  • Georgetown University School Of Medicine
  • 17 written reviews
  • 1 award
  • 2 specialties
  • 15 areas of expertise
  • 2 board certifications
  • 1 hospital affiliation
  • 5 office locations
  • Male

Patients’ Perspective

  • Gave an accurate diagnosis
  • Had a good bedside manner
  • Spent time with me

Awards

  • Vitals Preferred Provider

    • Vitals Preferred Provider Award
      • Preferred Provider badge recognizes providers that are committed to transparency, responsiveness and great service to patients, and have earned a high patient satisfaction rating.

  • Click for our Methodology

Office Locations

Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener has 5 locations

Lake Worth Surgical Center

7408 Lake Worth Rd Ste 900Lake Worth, FL 33467
Mon7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri7:00 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital

2100 Se Salerno RdStuart, FL 34997

Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital

200 Se Hospital AveStuart, FL 34994

Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener

2842 SE Federal HwyStuart, FL 34994

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Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener, MD
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Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener, MDDr. Michael Stark, DODr. Mark Eskenazi, MDDr. Philip Saville, MD
Orthopedic Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Spine Surgery
Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients
4.3 
4.7 
25 Years of Experience 20 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish Speaks English Speaks English Speaks English
Lake Worth , FLBoca Raton , FLDelray Beach , FLPalm Beach Gardens , FL
Med School: Georgetown University School Of Medicine Med School: Nova Southeastern University Med School: New York University- Bellevue Hospital Center Med School: University of Leicester
Current Profile
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Insurance Plans Accepted by Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener

  • Accepts Medicare
  • Accepts Medicaid
  • Aetna
  • Ambetter
  • AmeriHealth
  • AmeriHealth - HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Florida Blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
  • Humana
  • Medicaid - Medicaid
  • Medicaid - Medicaid (Managed)
  • Medicare
  • Medicare - Medicaid
  • Medicare - Medicare
  • Progressive
  • State Farm
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • UnitedHealthcare - Medicare

Medical Specialties

Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener has the following 2 specialties

Specialty Expertise

Dr. Christopher Frank Wagener has the following 15 areas of expertise

  • Arthroscopy
  • Bone Fracture
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Herniated Disc
  • Joint Pain/Swelling
  • Joint Replacement
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Surgery
  • Laminectomy
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis (Hand and Wrist)
  • Scoliosis
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgery

Certifications, License, & Education

25 Years Experience

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Florida, 2027, Active

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Medical School

Georgetown University School Of MedicineGraduated in 2001

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dr. Christopher Wagener's office located?
Dr. Christopher Wagener's office is located at 7408 Lake Worth Rd Ste 900, Lake Worth, FL, 33467.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christopher Wagener affiliated with?
Dr. Christopher Wagener is affiliated with Saint Lukes Sacred Heart Campus.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Christopher Wagener?
You can find contact information for Dr. Christopher Wagener here on Vitals.
Does Dr. Christopher Wagener accept my insurance?
You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Christopher Wagener accepts on their Vitals profile.
Does Dr. Christopher Wagener accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Dr. Christopher Wagener has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.

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