Loading Complete
Steven Thomas Swinford

Steven Thomas Swinford, MD

Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery

Accepting New Patients
Referral Required

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Children 2-4
  • Children 5 and up
  • Teens
  • Adults
  • Adults 65 and up

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About Steven Thomas Swinford

Steven Swinford, MD, is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with Prisma Health in the Upstate. Dr. Swinford believes in maximizing non-operative options before pursuing surgery. When surgery is necessary, he prefers to "stack the deck in the patient's favor" by focusing on getting an accurate diagnosis and encouraging smoking cessation, blood glucose control, healthy body weight, and regular aerobic activity. He surgically treats spinal conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including degenerative problems such as stenosis and disc herniations, as well as traumatic injury, tumors, infections, and spinal deformity in patients of all ages.

Video

Locations

  1. Prisma Health Orthopedics Spine – Cross Creek
  2. Prisma Health Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas–Patewood Building B
  3. Prisma Health Blue Ridge Orthopedics – Powdersville

Expertise

Education

  • Medical School: Georgetown University
  • Fellowship: University of California Davis Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery of the Sp
  • Residency: Stanford University Orthopaedic Surgery GME, Orthopaedic Surgery

Board Certifications

  • -: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Insurance

Note: Please contact your insurance provider to confirm participation
Search plans
  • Absolute Total Care - Ambetter
  • Absolute Total Care (Centene)
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Allwell Medicare - Absolute Total Care
  • BCBS
  • BCBS Blue Essentials
  • BCBS PPC
  • BCBSSC Blue Reedy Exchange Product (Upstate)
  • BCBSSC State Health Plan (PEBA)
  • BlueChoice Health Plan
  • BlueChoice Medicaid - Healthy Blue
  • BlueChoiceMyChoice Advantage
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Medicare
  • Companion Benefit Alternatives
  • CorVel Workers Compensation
  • Evernorth Behavioral Health
  • FirstHealth (Aetna)
  • Healthy Connections
  • Humana - Healthy Horizons
  • Humana Choice Care
  • Humana Medicare
  • Liberty Advantage
  • Logistics Health
  • Magellan
  • MedCost
  • Medicare (Traditional Fee-for-Service)
  • Molina
  • Molina Medicaid
  • NHC Advantage
  • Optum Behavioral Health
  • Promise Health Plan
  • SC Medicaid Healthy Connections
  • Select Health Medicare
  • Select Heath (First Choice)
  • Spectera
  • TriCare
  • UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
  • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network - VACCN
  • Wellcare (Centene)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5

303 ratings, 64 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is derived from patient surveys based on the likelihood to recommend this provider’s office.

Trust Provider with Care
Likely to Recommend
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    Great visit.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/15/2026

    Yes, actually, this was kudos for Dr. Swinford, whom I was really impressed with. He remembered me from a few years ago and bedside manner was outstanding, very personable. I'd highly recommend him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/14/2026

    Can't get no better than they already are can't find a better place to go excellence. Praise God for the people over there. They are awesome.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/14/2026

    No complaints ! All fine!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/8/2026

    The complete staff, from scheduling to the Doctor was the best I have seen. I would drive hundreds of miles to keep this team.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    Dr Swinford & his staff are amazing

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Stay the way you are.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/8/2026

    Ok

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/8/2026

    Dr. Swinford and his team excellent. They were kind, respectful, and knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/26/2025

    Nothing. Went above and beyond with information.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/27/2025

    Many try to get a second or third open when it comes to that kind of surgery. Talking to other patients of my age, my issues about how they felt would give me some Anxiety Relief. But no names or pictures would not have to be known. Just their age, scoliosis type, how they felt the surgery worked for them. Even the same weight issues, and height.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    The staff is very friendly and helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/6/2025

    Nothing. Dr Swinford is phenomenal.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    Everything went well. I think they were very good and helpful.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/16/2025

    Shorter time for appointments

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/12/2025

    There's no improvement needed. The staff and Dr. Swinford are excellent. I highly recommend them. Thank you.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    It was fine. No Need for improvement

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    Have the Dr read my chart before enteringmy exam room. He asks me the same question about what meds I am taking for my condition each and every visit. He even brings in a phone to record the conversation. After the appt I always find inaccurate info in my chart in the clinical notes. I know he is a good surgeon but he doesn't record things accurately. Inaccurate information can lead to a misdiagnoses. I'm not always sure I am receiving the correct treatment. Sometimes I feel like I should be getting sooner that I do. Prisma patients are just numbers. I should know, I am employed by Prisma. I see it everyday.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    None. I was completely satisfied with all aspects of my care and the care plan forward.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    Get the appointment sooner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/18/2025

    Everything went great.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    I am not exactly sure what the next step in my care is. I know what he asked to be done, but no information was given as to how the procedure would be done or who is doing it. No phone number was provided to me if no one contacts me about the requested procedure.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    Give more in depth details of x rays in explaining what is going on to where the patient can understand fully, to many big words and other stuff to where it hard for patient to understand

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/12/2025

    Really nothing because everyone there is always so nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/9/2025

    He was perfect!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    Nice place and great personnel

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    All went well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    Nothing to add, I had a very good visit.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/25/2025

    This office is one of the best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    Everything was good

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/19/2025

    Give the patient adequate time to fill out the pain questionnaire, the one given to all patients at check-in. It's nice to be taken back to the room quickly however the doctor can't get all the info they need for a proper assessment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Great care! Dr Swinford is awesome!

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/5/2025

    I left not knowing what my next step is and the dr told me someone would be calling to schedule an MRI and know one has called me

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/30/2025

    Everything was exceptional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Very pleased

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Exercises that would help for my type of scoliosis.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Absolutely no complaints. Dr Swinford is one of the most kind & respectful Drs my wife & I have met. Family members that have attended appts with us agree! He greets all in the room. And includes the patient and his family in his discussion about health concerns. He genuinely seems to care About his patient & offers f/up if wanted or needed. This office gets an A+

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Trusted 100%

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Everything was great and I would definitely use them again and refer others to them.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/17/2025

    None! This doctor has amazing staff and great concern for his patients. He's one of the best!

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/10/2025

    Everyone was professional and respectful. Thank you.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/28/2025

    I can not think of thing, they great.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Everything was perfect and professional

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    All good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/20/2025

    It can't be more improved than it already is they are perfect

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Keep doing what you're doing

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/15/2025

    No change - I felt respected.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    You already have our trust and respect.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/29/2025

    Have no complaints!

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/27/2025

    Understand that pain increases anxiety. By addressing the physical pain, the patient's anxiety will decrease. Patients are not expecting physicians to heal/alleviate the anxiety, just the condition/disease. Do not berate the patient for having anxiety. We already understand it compounds the physical issues we experience. Anxiety is an grueling mental condition that affects a patient's life on a daily basis. We wouldn't wish it on anyone.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    talked a bit slower about certain issues...

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Everything was excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/13/2025

    No improvements needed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/6/2025

    Everything was excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/5/2025

    Not a thing. Dr. Swinford is the BEST!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/25/2025

    Yall do everything great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/11/2025

    Everything was outstanding

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/8/2025

    Everything was excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/11/2025

    I do not know how you could improve. Everyone is wonderful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/9/2025

    Dr. Swinford and staff always treat me with the most respect and care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/2/2025

    I would love it if when visiting a surgeon like this, where images of my back are shown to me in the room, that they could be added as static images to my chart so that I could see them at a later date or share them with my primary doc. This doctor, albeit very professional, nice and caring, moved quite fast through the images and within a few minutes the appointment is over and I find it hard to retain the information to share with my wife or even recall for myself and my primary doc. Plus the images he walked me through were MRI images that he could move around but he would stop on key frames to show me something important. Those images would ideal for recalling what he talked about and how it applies to my condition. This is probably more of a want than a true need as I'm sure the physicians in my care can correspond to cover key details if needed, but I feel that having images like this would save everyone a lot of time as this doc may barely remember me if/when my doctor, or even myself, were to inquire later on about his findings.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/1/2025

    I do not think I could have been offered any further support or trust and respect than was given to me while I was under your care. Dr. SWINFORD and the nurses and staff are the best. You are fortunate to have Dr. SWINFORD. He has a heart for his patients. So humble and caring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/1/2025

    Everything was fine

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/1/2025

    Everything was great

Need help scheduling? Call 864-797-7150