James Rizkalla, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Spine Surgery..., Orthopedic Surgery
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Next available appointments
Times may vary. Displayed times are for in-person visits. Additional times may be available for both new and current patients.
Wed, 9/02
- 2:00 PM
Fri, 9/18
- 8:15 AM
- 8:30 AM
- 9:30 AM
Wed, 9/23
- 3:00 PM
Locations of James Rizkalla, MD
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Waxahachie
2360 N Interstate 35E Ste 320, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
6617.8mi
Directions
Call
972.817.7450
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Baylor University Medical Center
3900 Junius St Ste 705, Dallas, TX, 75246
6611.5mi
Directions
Call
972.817.7450
Open
- Monday:8:00 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday:8:00 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday:8:00 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday:8:00 am-4:30 pm
- Friday:8:00 am-4:30 pm
Hours of Operation
Hours
Lab Hours
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Biography
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James Rizkalla, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain, back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal deformity ... and complex spine conditions. He sees patients in Dallas and Waxahachie and is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans utilizing the latest advancements in both minimally invasive and complex spine surgery. Dr. Rizkalla earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. During medical school, he completed a prestigious orthopedic research fellowship at the University of Oxford's Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences in England. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, serving as chief resident and earning the Resident Teaching Award while also being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following residency, Dr. Rizkalla completed advanced fellowship training in complex spine surgery at the University of Utah, one of the nation's leading spine programs. He further refined his expertise through an AO Spine Fellowship in Melbourne, Australia, where he focused on minimally invasive spine surgery, motion preservation, spinal endoscopy and robotic-assisted spine surgery. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Rizkalla is actively involved in spine research and education. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine and as Medical Director of Orthopedic Research at Baylor University Medical Center. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and scientific abstracts, and regularly presents nationally and internationally on disorders of the spine and advancements in spine surgery. Dr. Rizkalla is committed to advancing the field of spine care through innovation, research and evidence-based treatment, helping patients return to the activities they enjoy with improved function and quality of life. As part of Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics, Dr. Rizkalla is backed by a comprehensive team of orthopedic experts across North Texas. Our extensive network offers specialized care for every part of the body, with convenient access through more than 30 locations. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the "Face of Orthopedics" for 2026. Read more here. Dr. Rizkalla is committed to educating patients, families and the community about spinal health, scoliosis, spinal deformities and advances in spine surgery. Explore his featured articles and expert insights on diagnosis, treatment options and preserving function and mobility below. • Back pain? 10 possible causes and what to do about it. • Best exercises for herniated disc: 9 safe moves to strengthen and heal your spine. View More |
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| Adolescents (ages 12-18) |
| Adults |
| Geriatrics |
| Language(s) Spoken |
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| English |
| Education |
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| Education: Indiana University School of Medicine - Indianapolis (2017) |
| Internship: Orthopedics, Baylor University Medical Center (2018) |
| Residency: Orthopaedics, Baylor University Medical Center (2022) |
| Fellowship: Spine Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences/Medical Center (2023) |
| Certifications |
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| Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery |
| Hospital Affiliations |
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| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano |
| Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie |
| Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health |
Insurances accepted
Baylor Scott & White has established agreements with several types of insurance to ensure your health needs are covered.
Insurance listings are subject to change without prior notice.
Please call your physician's office or your health or insurance plan to verify coverage information prior to scheduling your visit or procedure. Not all members participating in contracted networks have "in network" access. In network participation may change from time to time without prior notice. Independent providers (which could include, for example only, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, emergency medicine physicians, advance practice professionals, and other independent providers of health care services) may deliver part of your care, and such providers may be considered out-of-network on your health and insurance plans even if the Facility may be considered in network. If you desire additional information as to the providers who may be involved in providing your care, you can either ask your treating provider (who may know some of the specialists or groups who could be involved) or you can request a list of Facility-based physician groups by calling the following toll free number: (877) 810-0372. This list is updated annually and is subject to change without prior notice.
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Patient Ratings (790)
The patient rating score is an average of all responses to physician-related questions on our nationally recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey .
| averageRating | metric | |
|---|---|---|
| 4.9 | Provider showed concern | |
| 4.9 | Provider included you in decisions | |
| 4.7 | Wait Time at Clinic | |
| 4.8 | Time Care Provider spent with Patient | |
| 4.9 | Friendliness/Courtesy of Care Provider | |
| 4.9 | Rate Care Provider |
Patient Comments (397)
Overview of patient comments
Summary created using AI
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey and are displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
Patients appreciate
The overwhelming majority of reviews describe Dr. James Rizkalla as a knowledgeable, caring, and highly skilled spine surgeon and physician. Patients consistently praise his thorough explanations of diagnoses, imaging results, and treatment options, often noting he uses clear, easy-to-understand language and takes time to answer all questions without rushing. Many reviewers highlight his excellent bedside manner, warmth, and genuine concern for their wellbeing, with several describing him as compassionate, attentive, and a great listener. His surgical skill is frequently praised, with multiple patients reporting successful outcomes and full recoveries, and many say they would highly recommend him to friends and family. His support staff, nurses, and office team are also often mentioned positively for being professional, friendly, and helpful.
Patients also share
A smaller number of reviews point to areas for improvement. Several patients mentioned feeling rushed during appointments or that Dr. Rizkalla seemed to have limited time, which made it harder to ask all their questions. A few reviews cited long wait times before being seen, though in at least one case the doctor apologized and explained the delay. One review described frustration with needing to schedule a separate visit to hear a surgical recommendation despite already being in the same office building, and another noted disappointment that treatment wasn't possible due to the patient's age. These concerns appear to be isolated rather than widespread, but they do represent recurring themes around pacing and scheduling efficiency.