Caring for you and your family

Brain and spine care you can trust, from a neurosurgeon who listens

Board-certified neurosurgeon in Austin with 18 years of experience and more than 4,000 procedures — focused on the least-invasive path back to the life you want.

James Bowen
4,000+Procedures
5 Star Rating
James Bowen, MDNeurological Surgery
Telehealth Visits
Care from home when you need it
Easy Scheduling
Book online in under a minute
Coordinated Team
A team that works together for you
4,000+
Procedures
18
Years of experience
98%
Patient satisfaction
4.9
Patient rating
About

About Dr. Bowen

Dr. James Bowen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery. For nearly two decades he has helped patients across Central Texas move past chronic pain and neurological conditions and get back to the things they love. His approach is simple: an accurate diagnosis first, then the least-invasive treatment that can actually solve the problem. Many of the patients he sees never need an operation at all — and for those who do, he favors techniques that mean smaller incisions, less time in the hospital, and a faster recovery. Dr. Bowen trained at some of the most respected programs in the country and has performed more than 4,000 procedures. His research on minimally invasive spine surgery has helped shape how the procedure is taught to the next generation of surgeons. Above all, he believes patients deserve a clear explanation, honest options, and a plan built around their goals — not a rushed appointment.
What we do

Services & specialties

Comprehensive care that keeps you well and catches problems early.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

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Brain & skull base tumors

Precise removal guided by modern intraoperative imaging and navigation.

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Cerebrovascular surgery

Treatment for aneurysms, AVMs, and other vascular conditions of the brain.

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Spinal fusion & disc repair

Modern techniques to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve compression.

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Trigeminal neuralgia

Microvascular and minimally invasive options for facial nerve pain.

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Second opinions

A clear, unhurried review of your imaging and options before any decision.

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Conditions

Conditions we treat

From everyday concerns to complex needs, care starts with an accurate diagnosis.

Herniated disc

Spinal stenosis

Sciatica

Brain tumors

Cervical radiculopathy

Trigeminal neuralgia

Degenerative disc disease

Spondylolisthesis

Brain aneurysm

Chronic back & neck pain

Credentials

Education & training

B.S., Biology — Undergraduate

Stanford University

1997–2001

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

2001–2005

Residency, Neurological Surgery

Barrow Neurological Institute

2005–2011

Fellowship, Complex & Minimally Invasive Spine

University of California, San Francisco

2011–2012

Board Certified — Diplomate

American Board of Neurological Surgery

2013

Affiliations

Hospital affiliations

SD

St. David's Medical Center

AS

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin

TS

Texas Spine & Brain Institute

AA

American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Recognition

Awards & honors

2024

Texas Super Doctors

Spine Surgery

2023

Patients’ Choice Award

Top-rated by patients

2022

Top Doctor — Austin Monthly

Neurological Surgery

2021

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Regional honoree

Research

Research & publications

Outcomes in minimally invasive spine surgery. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2024. Intraoperative imaging in brain tumor resection. Neurosurgery, 2023. Return to activity after endoscopic discectomy. The Spine Journal, 2022. Long-term results of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. World Neurosurgery, 2021.
Patients
Dr. Bowen took the time to explain everything and never rushed me. After my surgery I’m finally pain-free and back to hiking.
Maria G.Spine surgery patient

What to expect

Your first visit starts with a thorough review of your history and imaging, an exam, and a clear conversation about what’s going on and what your options are. You’ll leave with a written plan and a direct way to reach our team with questions.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to be seen?

No — you can book a consultation directly with our office, though we’re happy to coordinate with your primary care doctor.

Will I definitely need surgery?

Not necessarily. Many conditions improve with non-surgical care, and Dr. Bowen always starts with the least-invasive option that can work.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept most major plans. Call our office and we’ll verify your coverage before your visit.

How long is recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery?

It varies by procedure, but many patients go home the same or next day and return to light activity within a couple of weeks.

Can I get a second opinion?

Absolutely. Bring your imaging and records and Dr. Bowen will give you an honest review of your options.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

A photo ID, your insurance card, a list of medications, and any recent MRI or CT imaging on a disc or via your portal.

Learn

Patient education

Preparing for spine surgery

What to expect before, during, and after a minimally invasive spine procedure — and how to prepare for the best recovery.

Understanding a herniated disc

How a herniated disc causes pain, when imaging is needed, and which treatments actually help.

When to see a neurosurgeon

Red-flag symptoms that warrant a specialist evaluation, and what a first visit looks like.

Coverage

Insurance accepted

We accept most major plans. Don't see yours? Call and we'll check your coverage.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCignaUnitedHealthcareHumanaMedicareTricareOscar Health
Visit us

Locations & hours

Austin — Main Office

3501 Mills Ave, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731

(512) 555-0147

Mon – Thu 8:00 – 17:00 Fri 8:00 – 14:00

Round Rock

201 Seton Pkwy, Suite 140, Round Rock, TX 78665

(512) 555-0162

Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 – 16:30

Why choose us

Care built around you

Trusted Expertise

Board-certified, experience-led care you can rely on at every visit.

Whole-Person Care

We listen first and treat the person, never just a symptom or a chart.

Responsive Access

Reach the practice when it matters, with direct and timely communication.

Evidence-Based

Up-to-date, research-backed treatment plans tailored to your goals.

Ready when you are

Take the next step toward better health

Request a time that works for you and our office will confirm within one business day.

Request an Appointment
Get in touch

Book an appointment

Request a time that works for you — our office responds within one business day.

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3501 Mills Ave, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Hours
Mon – Thu 8:00 – 17:00 Fri 8:00 – 14:00 Sat – Sun Closed
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