Summary

As a child in India, Kumar Kakarla, MD, thought he’d be an engineer like his father. He even entered architecture school to pursue that ambition. Before his engineering education began, however, he learned that an uncle living in the United States had secured visas for his family. They immigrated to the southwestern U.S. in 1991.

After earning his BS in chemistry at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Dr. Kakarla focused on helping his family financially. As he worked as a chemist, he began to realize his desire to become a physician. He developed a passion for human anatomy, especially neuroanatomy, because it was objective and offered him the opportunity to work with his hands. He liked the challenge of diagnosing a neurological problem, then being able to offer a solution to that problem. Neurosurgery was a perfect fit.

Dr. Kakarla is an expert in the treatment of pediatric spinal deformity—particularly scoliosis. He enjoys helping children, and his goal is to establish Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix as the leading center for the treatment of scoliosis in the country.

Dr. Kakarla credits his family and the sacrifices they made to settle in America with his current success: “The mentors in my life set a great example for me in the way they helped others and strove for excellence in all they did. I plan to follow that example by doing all I can in my field to provide excellent care to my patients who trust me with their health. In this way, I can be confident that, when I’m 70 and look back on my life, I will feel that I have done enough to help others and made something of myself.”
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Quick Facts

  • accepting new patients
  • 4.4
  • 23 years of experience
  • 13 insurance plans accepted
  • speaks English
  • Indiana University School Of Medicine
  • 10 written reviews
  • 1 award
  • 2 specialties
  • 9 areas of expertise
  • 2 board certifications
  • 1 hospital affiliation
  • 1 office location
  • 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.

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Office Location

Kumar Kakarla

2910 N 3rd Ave Ste 200Phoenix, AZ 85013
Mon8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Kumar Kakarla, MDDr. Christopher A. Iannotti, MD, PhD, FAANSDr. Karam Moon, MDDr. Nasser Khaled Yaghi, MD
Neurological SurgeryNeurological SurgeryNeurological SurgeryNeurological Surgery
Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients
4.4 
4.4 
4.8 
23 Years of Experience 16 Years of Experience 10 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option Virtual Visit Available No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English Speaks English
Phoenix , AZPhoenix , AZScottsdale , AZPhoenix , AZ
Med School: Indiana University School Of Medicine Med School: St. Louis University School of Medicine and University of Louisville at the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center Med School: Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine Med School: Baylor College Of Medicine
Current Profile
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Insurance Plans Accepted by Kumar Kakarla

  • Accepts Medicare
  • AARP (Medigap)
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
  • Cigna
  • Copper Point Mutual Workers Comp
  • First Health
  • Great West
  • Indian Health Plan
  • Medicare
  • Mercy Care
  • Mercy Maricopa
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare

Medical Specialties

Kumar Kakarla has the following 2 specialties

Specialty Expertise

Kumar Kakarla has the following 9 areas of expertise

  • Aneurysm
  • Brain Surgery
  • Brain Tumor
  • Craniotomy
  • Glioblastoma
  • Laminectomy
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Stroke

Certifications, License, & Education

23 Years Experience

Kumar Kakarla holds an active medical license in the state of Arizona.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an active medical license in the state of Arizona that expires in 2026.

Education & Training

Medical School

Graduated from Indiana University School Of Medicine in 2003.

NPI Number

Kumar Kakarla's NPI number is 1609056647.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make an appointment with Kumar Kakarla?
You can find contact information for Kumar Kakarla here on Vitals.
Does Kumar Kakarla accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Kumar Kakarla has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Where is Kumar Kakarla's office located?
Kumar Kakarla's office is located at 2910 N 3rd Ave Ste 200, Phoenix, AZ, 85013.
Which hospitals is Kumar Kakarla affiliated with?
Kumar Kakarla is affiliated with Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.
Does Kumar Kakarla accept my insurance?
You can see the insurance plans that Kumar Kakarla accepts on their Vitals profile.

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