Dr. Christine Hammer, MD

I was impressed with the fact that Dr. Hammer listens, truly listens. She puts things into plain English so you can understand. She’s passionate about what she does. She’s compassionate and truly concerned about her patients. My wife, who is not a fan of doctors said, “She is the best doctor I’ve have ever met.” I have been in pain for over 20 years. After my surgery, I am totally out of pain. Amazing!!! I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Hammer.

I’m 69 and recently went to Centralia Providence Hospital with serious neck pain complaints. They gave me a CT scan and decided to send me in Emergency status via ER Ambulance to St. Peter’s Providence Hospital in Olympia, Wa. They told me I needed cervical surgery and this is where I met Dr. Christine Hammer MD. Dr. Hammer told me my condition at that time was too dangerous for release which is why I was still in the hospital. I was grateful for her presence, ER medical knowledge and quick thinking. Dr. Hammer MD performed surgery at C3 C4 and I was in the hospital for about one week. Upon waking up in the recovery room I felt better. It took me about Dr. Hammer graciously came by recovery a few times to check on me and let me know my surgery was a success. I believe this is the best top quality Neurosurgeon out there.

Dr. Hammer is thorough and accommodating. She explained everything clearly and makes sure that follow up procedures are at a location that is convenient for you.

She took her time with me, answered my questions and explained the care she was providing. She is kind, not hurried, and very knowledgeable.

Dr. Hammer, is such a compassionate doctor. She listens, she goes over each issue. She lays out a plan. You can feel her commitment to helping you.Dr. Hammer is truly a positive and caring person. I am grateful to have found her. Rj

I was evaluated, sent for a MRI, reviewed the results with her at this appointment. I have a treatment plan and I'm very happy with it. Thank you Dr. Hammer.

Dr. Hammer took the time to listen. I felt heard. Compassionate, kind and caring. Two surgeries were required for a neck issue. Both times it was clear that Dr. Hammer had my best interests for a full recovery and only recommended surgery after alternative treatment was offered. This is a rare doctor that wants the least invasive approach to treat a disabling pain.

I think I upset Dr. Hammer. I sure didn't mean to. She is a very very wonderful person! I sure hope she forgives me if I did upset her. I'm in horrible pain and I sure hope she helps me as soon as possible. Please.

Exceptional in her communication and explanation of very technical information regarding the health of my spine and past surgeries.

Dr. Hammer has given me a great deal of pain relief from decades of degenerative disc disease, which had severely impacted my quality of life. She took the time to listen and made me feel like she really cares. Ultimately, I had to have surgery in my neck and lower back and those surgeries have given me my life back.

Dr. Hammer is very professional and passionate about her patients. Pays attention to details and explains everything. I would choose and recommend her every time.

Dr Hammer far exceeds the other Neurosurgeons I have seen. Her pleasant demeanor enhances communication. I loved how she presented treatment options and the pros and cons of each. She is an expert in her field. I highly recommend her for future patients.

Helped with options for pain and was able to get me right in for trigger injection. I left clinic 70% better than when I walked in. Still more follow up to do but feel I am in great hands to solve my pain.

I had to wait several weeks for an appointment, just to get a referral to another Orthopedic physician that does steroid injections. Now I wait for more weeks to pass before even getting called to schedule an injection, then more waiting. When you’re in constant pain! She offered no medication and when I asked if there was anything I could take she sent a message saying I should contact my PCP. What, more waiting? She offered me two other referrals, to a noncompany surgeon and a pain practice. All this waiting in pain and then all I get is three referrals. I think I’m done. Note: I will not take, and did not ask for, narcotics so that’s not what this is about.

Explained my issues well. Asked me if I had any questions or what she could do for me. I felt heard and respected.

Good listener,helpful and explained everything clearly.

She understood my concerns and answered all of my questions. She is an outstanding surgeon.

Dr. Hammer made the time to see me at on extremely short notice for a surgery consultation, after getting my MRI results from another doctor. She empathized with my pain & has been nothing but helpful, kind & understanding. The surgery she performed had zero issues & she has continued to be one of the best doctors I have ever encountered. I cannot recommend her enough. My husband & I are both so thankful to have Dr. Hammer be the one to treat me.

Beware of Dr. Hammer: Dismissive and Unresponsive Care My experience with Dr. Hammer over three appointments was unfortunately quite disappointing. My concerns were consistently met with a lack of attention and understanding, leaving me feeling disrespected and unheard. At no point did I ever feel taken seriously. Dr. Hammer's explanations were cursory and dismissive, and I never felt confident that she fully grasped the complexity of my condition. This lack of active listening and engagement significantly impacted my trust in her ability to provide adequate care. Furthermore, the overall approach felt impersonal and detached. It became clear that Dr. Hammer's bedside manner prioritized swift appointments over thorough examinations or comprehensive communication. This left me feeling anxious and frustrated, with my questions and concerns ultimately unaddressed. While I understand every patient's experience is unique, I would advise anyone seeking a doctor who actively listens, engages in open communication, and prioritizes patient well-being to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, in my case, Dr. Hammer did not demonstrate the level of care and understanding I require from a medical professional.

Dr. Hammer operated on my husband twice - first his neck surgery (which did correct his imbalance and pain issues mostly), and then his lumbar spine. She did an extensive fusion when in fact he should have had cages put in due to severe spinal stenosis. Her office is the rudest office I have ever dealt with. Following my husband's surgery on his lumbar spine, no one called me to tell me he had survived the surgery let alone was okay. When I went through My Chart to voice my concern about that, the office had someone else call me rather than the doctor who then informed me it was the hospital's responsibility to call me, not the doctor's. I feel like this practice is not based on optimizing patient care or making family feel connected, especially since my husband is a veteran (so elderly), a cancer survivor and having to go through all of this during the pandemic. Patient care and family/patient support should be priority #1 and I do not feel this is their MO.