Meet Dr. Nicole
Nicole C. Record, D.O.
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Record specializes in surgical and non-surgical management of spinal disorders of the neck and back. She is well trained in minimally invasive techniques as well as advanced techniques for degenerative disease and deformity (scoliosis) surgery. Her goal is to help patients reduce pain, return to normal daily activities and improve quality of life.
A Southern California native, back home to care for her community
Dr. Record has served on medical missions in the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Colombia.
Dr. Nicole Record grew up here in Southern California. She attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she served as a Student Athletic Trainer for both the varsity football and women’s soccer teams — an early introduction to helping people return to the activities they love.
She earned a master’s degree in Medical Science from Boston University School of Medicine, then worked for a year in the Emergency Department at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston before receiving her medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Dr. Record completed her Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences in Paterson, New Jersey, then returned home to California to complete her fellowship in Spine Surgery with San Diego Spine Foundation at Scripps Hospital System in San Diego.
She actively participates in research advancing the treatment of spinal disorders, presented at national and international conferences. She also has a passion for treating patients in underserved communities and has participated in medical mission work in the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Colombia.
Treatment philosophy
“My goal is to help alleviate patients’ pain and get them back to doing the activities they want to do.”
The goal of treatment is simple: reduce pain, restore function, and help patients get back to the activities and quality of life they have been missing.
A Conservative Approach to Spine Care
Dr. Record believes that surgery is not necessarily the first step for every patient. Whenever appropriate, she works with patients to explore non-operative and conservative treatment options first.
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief — or when a patient would like to understand whether surgery may be appropriate — Dr. Record provides a comprehensive discussion of available surgical options.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Whenever clinically appropriate, Dr. Record utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to accomplish the necessary surgical treatment while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Minimally invasive approaches may offer advantages for appropriately selected patients, including reduced recovery time and a quicker return to normal activities.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Accurately identifying the source of neck or back pain is an important part of determining the appropriate treatment.
When necessary, Dr. Record may order diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, nerve testing, or laboratory studies to better understand a patient's condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
Fellowship
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
San Diego Spine Foundation, Scripps Hospital System, San Diego, CA
Residency
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Paterson, NJ
Medical School
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO
Memberships
- North American Spine Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Osteopathic Association
Where Dr. Record operates
Our approach
Your path to relief
The goal of treatment is simple: reduce pain, restore function, and help patients get back to the activities and quality of life they have been missing.
Accurately identifying the source of neck or back pain is an important part of determining the appropriate treatment.
When necessary, Dr. Record may order diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, nerve testing, or laboratory studies to better understand a patient's condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
Testing is ordered through outside imaging and testing facilities — there are no X-rays in the office.
A Conservative Approach to Spine Care
Dr. Record believes that surgery is not necessarily the first step for every patient. Whenever appropriate, she works with patients to explore non-operative and conservative treatment options first.
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief — or when a patient would like to understand whether surgery may be appropriate — Dr. Record provides a comprehensive discussion of available surgical options.
Minimally invasive when surgery is needed
Whenever clinically appropriate, Dr. Record utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to accomplish the necessary surgical treatment while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Minimally invasive approaches may offer advantages for appropriately selected patients, including reduced recovery time and a quicker return to normal activities.
Insurance
Accepted insurance
Dr. Record accepts Medicare, workers’ compensation, PPO plans, and a variety of private insurance plans — plus cash payments. Please contact the office to confirm participation with your specific insurance plan.
FAQ
Questions about Dr. Record
Learn more about her training, credentials and where she operates.
What does D.O. mean?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a fully licensed physician and surgeon. Osteopathic training adds a whole-person approach — looking at how the muscles, bones and nerves work together — to the same medical and surgical training as an M.D.
What does “fellowship-trained” mean?
After completing a five-year orthopedic surgery residency, Dr. Record completed an additional fellowship devoted entirely to spine surgery with San Diego Spine Foundation at Scripps — focused, advanced training in complex and minimally invasive spine procedures.
Is Dr. Record board certified?
Yes. Dr. Record is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Where does Dr. Record perform surgery?
Dr. Record operates at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, where she serves as Chief of Surgery.
Does Dr. Record offer second opinions?
Yes. If you’ve been told you need spine surgery, Dr. Record can review your imaging and history and walk you through every surgical and non-surgical option.
Which insurance plans does Dr. Record accept?
Dr. Record accepts Medicare, workers’ compensation, PPO plans and a variety of private insurance plans — including Aetna, Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, TRICARE West and UnitedHealthcare — plus cash payments. Please call (213) 876-8670 to confirm your plan.
Can I pay without insurance?
Yes. Dr. Record welcomes self-pay patients and accepts cash payments. Call the office to ask about self-pay pricing.
Does Dr. Record always recommend surgery?
No. She focuses on non-operative treatment first whenever appropriate, and offers surgery when conservative care doesn’t provide enough relief or when a patient wants to discuss surgical options.
Does Dr. Record perform minimally invasive surgery?
Yes — it’s central to her practice. Whenever clinically appropriate, she uses minimally invasive techniques that may reduce recovery time and allow a quicker return to normal activities.
Do you take X-rays in the office?
No — there are no X-rays in-house. When needed, Dr. Record orders X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, nerve testing or lab work through outside facilities and reviews the results with you.
Patient reviews
What patients are saying
"Dr. Record and staff were very nice and welcoming. I had very minimal wait time and she listened and was very considerate of everything I had to say. First time a doctor gets straight to the point of trying to help me figure out exactly what my injury is so she can guide me in the right direction."
Verified patient
"Dr Record took so much time to go through thoroughly everything, answer all my questions, and cover all of my concerns. I highly recommend her."
Verified patient
"Dr. Rucker listened to my concerns and gave me an honest opinion on where I was at with respect to my recovery from hip surgery, that has also included spinal issues. I expect to be back to see her again soon for a follow up appointment."
Verified patient
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