Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # Who is the best orthopedic physician for your problem? Start with fit The right orthopedic physician starts with your problem, your goals, and a clear explanation of the choices. Use expertise, communication, and access together when making your decision. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Define the problem you want help solving](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-1) 2. [Match the clinician’s focus to your question](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-2) 3. [Listen for reasoning you can follow](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-3) 4. [Compare the whole treatment commitment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-4) 5. [Use reviews to identify questions worth asking](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-5) 6. [Find a starting point at Commons Clinic](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-6) 7. [Ask why this referral fits your problem](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-7) 8. [Notice how disagreement is handled](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/#consultation-questions) ## Define the problem you want help solving 'The best surgeon' is a difficult search to act on until you know what kind of help you need. Persistent wrist numbness, a painful arthritic knee, and a recurrent ankle injury may call for different expertise. Start with the body area, your symptoms, any diagnosis already discussed, and the activity you want back. If the diagnosis is uncertain, say so when scheduling. You should not need to choose an operation in order to choose a first consultation. ## Match the clinician’s focus to your question Orthopedics includes assessment, nonsurgical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Many physicians focus on particular body areas or types of problems, and more than one specialty can sometimes address the same complaint. AAOS describes these overlapping roles. Ask how often the physician evaluates your type of condition, whether they manage both surgical and nonsurgical options, and when another specialist might be helpful. Relevant training and current clinical focus are more informative than a long list of procedures that do not relate to your needs. Sources: [AAOS OrthoInfo: What Is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/orthopaedics/) ## Listen for reasoning you can follow A useful consultation connects your history and examination to the proposed explanation. Ask which findings support it, what remains uncertain, and whether more information would change the recommendation. You can also ask what the physician considers a reasonable alternative. The quality of that conversation is something you can assess directly: can you describe the reasoning afterward, including why a particular next step fits you? Confidence in a recommendation should leave room for questions. AHRQ recommends that care teams actively invite questions; you can ask to return to an unanswered point before ending the visit. Sources: [AHRQ: Encourage Questions, Tool 14](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool14.html) ## Compare the whole treatment commitment An option may involve repeat appointments, time away from work, transport, therapy, or help at home. Write down those practical demands beside the hoped-for benefit. Ask how progress will be reviewed and what would make the plan change. If surgery is recommended, discuss why it is being considered now, the main personal risks, and what recovery may require. A physician who understands your obligations can address constraints that an online description cannot see. ## Use reviews to identify questions worth asking Detailed comments about explanation, listening, office support, and follow-up can show what other patients valued. A glowing account is still one person’s account, and a star average cannot compare the complexity of different physicians’ patients. Look for the details closest to your priorities, then verify the process in your own visit. For example, a review about an unrushed explanation can lead to, 'Could we go through the alternatives before I decide?' Your consultation remains the place to evaluate the fit. ## Find a starting point at Commons Clinic Our team includes physicians focused on spine, sports injuries, joint replacement, hand and wrist conditions, and foot and ankle care, alongside physical therapy and pain management. Richard Ahn’s work includes hand and wrist care; David Lee focuses on foot and ankle conditions; Allyson Estess treats sports injuries. Their linked profiles explain their backgrounds and areas of care. Use that information to make a shortlist, then confirm the appropriate appointment, location, insurance arrangements, and records needed for your particular concern. ## Ask why this referral fits your problem The AMA’s referral guidance centers the patient’s medical needs and the receiving professional’s relevant skills. Make the reason for your appointment specific before comparing names. Are you looking for a diagnosis, a nonsurgical plan, a procedure discussion, or help after earlier treatment? Ask whether the clinician routinely handles that question and what records make the first visit useful. If another specialty may be needed, ask how that consultation would fit into your care rather than assuming one office must provide every service. Sources: [Consultation, Referral & Second Opinions — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.2.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/consultation-referral-second-opinions) ## Notice how disagreement is handled AMA patient-rights guidance includes questions, respectful treatment, and participation in care decisions. A consultation can reveal those qualities more clearly than a rating: explain the part of the proposed plan that worries you and listen for a reasoned response. You might value staying at work, limiting medication, or understanding another option first. Ask our physician to separate what is medically urgent from what you can take time to consider. Keep notes on answers you can explain afterward, and on important questions that still need an answer. Sources: [Patient Rights — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.1.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/patient-rights) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Does your clinical focus include my condition or symptoms? - What supports the diagnosis, and what else could explain it? - Which reasonable options should I compare? - What do you hope treatment will help me do? - What would change your recommendation? - How will we decide whether the first treatment is helping? - What follow-up and rehabilitation might I need? - May I have the plan in writing or seek another opinion before deciding? - What makes your particular clinical focus a fit for the question I need answered? - Which part of this decision is time-sensitive, and which part can I consider further? - If I disagree with the first recommendation, how can we revisit the reasoning? ## Sources & further reading - [AAOS OrthoInfo: What Is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/orthopaedics/) - [AHRQ: Encourage Questions, Tool 14](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool14.html) - [Consultation, Referral & Second Opinions — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.2.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/consultation-referral-second-opinions) American Medical Association - [Patient Rights — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.1.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/patient-rights) American Medical Association We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Richard Ahn, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [More about Richard Ahn ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [**David Lee, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [More about David Lee ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Amandeep Bhalla, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [More about Amandeep Bhalla ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > explains well what options for treatment are available to me. R. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 22, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115609479754843510647/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD On the care experience: One reviewer described David Lee explaining available treatment options. Excerpt > Dr.Estess takes her time to explain things and offers the best options for care. A. Godoy Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 11, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101359851645784381487/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > She listened carefully to my symptoms and explained what was going on with my knees and the treatment options available. D. smith Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 15, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108123157602243958375/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > He explained all options to me regarding my broken wrist. C. Gibson Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 2, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114661459648046647472/place/ChIJ5ZcieJcz3YARAmR7mrBZU7Q) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Richard Ahn, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Dr. Lee was kind, patient, spending a lot of time with me and answering my questions. L. Strong Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102866486651013343422/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD On the care experience: questions during the consultation Excerpt > Dr. Ahn quickly recognized that I had a rare glomus tumor and clearly explained the surgical process, which gave me great confidence and reassurance. A. B Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 26, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104309920648621439197/place/ChIJ5ZcieJcz3YARAmR7mrBZU7Q) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Richard Ahn, MD On the care experience: explanations Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Sports medicine ### [Choosing a sports medicine physician for your injury and goals](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-a-sports-medicine-physician/) The right fit combines relevant expertise, a clear explanation and a plan for the activity you want to regain. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-a-sports-medicine-physician/) Spine ### [How to choose a spine surgeon who fits your needs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) The right match combines relevant experience, sound reasoning, and a conversation you can follow. Start with your problem and goals, then compare how each surgeon explains the options. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) Physical therapy ### [How to choose a physical therapist for your goals](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/) The right physical therapist understands what you want to do, measures where you are starting, and helps you use a plan outside the clinic. Ask about experience, progress, and the practical details of visits. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/richard-ahn-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand ### [Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Richard Ahn](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [![David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/david-lee-md.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle ### [David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Long Beach – Douglas Park · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet David Lee](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Amandeep Bhalla](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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