Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/) 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. Patient experience # Choosing a physician who helps you feel heard Feeling heard matters when pain is interrupting your life or a treatment decision feels difficult. Look for listening, respect, and an explanation that gives you room to ask another question. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Look for actions behind the word compassionate](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-1) 2. [Name the concern you have been carrying](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-2) 3. [Ask questions without having to apologize for them](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-3) 4. [Notice how uncertainty and disagreement are handled](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-4) 5. [Make the conversation accessible to you](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-5) 6. [Bring your priorities to our physicians](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-6) 7. [Notice whether your concern changes the conversation](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-7) 8. [Look for attention you can describe](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/#consultation-questions) ## Look for actions behind the word compassionate Compassion can be easier to recognize in a small action than a description. Did the clinician let you explain why you came? Did they acknowledge a worry before returning to the images? Were you able to say that a recommendation did not fit your circumstances? AHRQ’s clear-communication guidance emphasizes respect, active listening, and plain language. These are useful things to notice at a consultation. You do not need a particular conversational style; you need a conversation in which your concerns can be understood. Sources: [AHRQ: Communicate Clearly, Tool 4](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool4.html) ## Name the concern you have been carrying It can be difficult to begin with a fear: losing independence, missing work, needing help at home, or having had an upsetting prior experience. You might say, 'Before we discuss the options, I need you to know what worries me most.' Give one concrete example of how the problem affects your day. That makes it easier for the physician to address the concern alongside the examination. A clinical discussion can be direct and honest while still making room for how the situation feels. ## Ask questions without having to apologize for them You are allowed to need another explanation. AHRQ recommends creating an environment where questions are expected rather than treating them as an interruption. If you lose the thread, ask to slow down or start with the main decision. Try, 'What is the one thing I should understand before deciding?' or, 'Could you explain why this option fits me?' You can also ask for written information to review later. Leaving with unanswered questions is a reason to ask how to continue the discussion. Sources: [AHRQ: Encourage Questions, Tool 14](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool14.html) ## Notice how uncertainty and disagreement are handled A physician may be unable to promise the result you hope for or may recommend a different approach from the one you expected. Respectful care still explains the reasoning, acknowledges uncertainty, and explores alternatives where they exist. Feeling supported does not require agreement with every request. Ask what evidence or change in symptoms would lead the clinician to reconsider. You can assess whether your priorities were taken seriously even when the answer is not the answer you wanted. ## Make the conversation accessible to you Tell the office before the visit if you need language support, more accessible written information, or help hearing or seeing. Ask whether a trusted person can join to take notes or help remember the discussion. If a painful examination or a prior experience makes you anxious, mention it before the examination begins and ask the clinician to explain what they are doing. These requests can make the visit easier to participate in. They are practical needs, not evidence that you are a difficult patient. ## Bring your priorities to our physicians At Commons Clinic, we want your questions and concerns to be part of the care conversation. Amandeep Bhalla and Sanjay Khurana are among our physicians focused on spine care; their profiles below explain their backgrounds and areas of practice. Before an appointment, identify what would help you feel able to decide: a clearer explanation, time to compare choices, or a discussion of a particular fear. Tell the clinician that at the start, and ask how to continue the conversation if something remains unresolved. ## Notice whether your concern changes the conversation AMA patient-rights guidance includes dignity, respect, and answers to questions. You can explore those expectations during a consultation by naming what is hardest for you: fear of an operation, an earlier experience, or uncertainty about the diagnosis. Ask our physician to explain how that concern affects the next step. Feeling heard can include an honest answer that an option may not suit you. What matters is whether you understand the reasoning and have room to ask again, including when your priorities differ from the initial recommendation. Sources: [Patient Rights — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.1.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/patient-rights) ## Look for attention you can describe The AMA’s 2025 communication article emphasizes attentive listening and empathy. Try to identify the behavior that helps you participate: time to finish your history, a plain explanation of an unfamiliar term, or a check that the answer addressed your question. If you are anxious, tell us what makes the discussion easier for you. You might prefer to hear the main recommendation first and then review the details. Bring a trusted person if helpful, while keeping your own questions and preferences at the center of the visit. Sources: [6 simple ways to master patient communication](https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/succeed-medical-school/6-simple-ways-master-patient-communication) 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. - Can I explain my main worry before we compare treatments? - How does this recommendation fit the activities that matter to me? - Could you explain that term in ordinary language? - What are you certain about, and what remains uncertain? - Is there another reasonable way to approach this? - May I bring someone to help me listen and take notes? - How can I continue the discussion if I have questions afterward? - Can we review the plan once more before I leave? - Could you explain how my biggest concern affects your recommendation? - May we pause and revisit the part of the explanation I still find confusing? - Can we agree on the decision I need to understand before today’s visit ends? ## Sources & further reading - [AHRQ: Communicate Clearly, Tool 4](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool4.html) - [AHRQ: Encourage Questions, Tool 14](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool14.html) - [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 - [6 simple ways to master patient communication](https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/succeed-medical-school/6-simple-ways-master-patient-communication) American Medical Association · Published January 29, 2025 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/compassion-and-bedside-manner/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**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/) [**Sanjay Khurana, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [More about Sanjay Khurana ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-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 > He truly cares for my health F. Ambriz Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 1, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107417635541873824901/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > Dr. Bhalla is a warm and kind surgeon of great skill. L. Charlesworth Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 22, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113387763363131130488/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: An individual patient’s description of their experience. Excerpt > Dr. Bhalla was kind, listened to my concerns, and explained the current issues and the next steps involving my treatment . V. Rogers Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106166372079464553826/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Very professional front desk staff, Dr. Bhalla is highly communicative and empathetic doctor who has empathy for the patients. R. Rao Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 15, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113257416005400728669/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Excerpt > Great care and staffs, very professional. C. jon Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 27, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116051034873680031847/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: professionalism Excerpt > From the appointment to communication, information and the caring of Dr. Bhalla and office staff. R. Conkle Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 23, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115238239607365187844/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Patient experience ### [Choosing an orthopedic second opinion in LA, Long Beach, or Santa Monica](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/) A second opinion can help you understand an uncertain diagnosis, compare treatment choices, or feel more prepared for a major decision. Choose the right expertise and make the visit answer a clear question. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/) Patient experience ### [Finding clear explanations and a coordinated care team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/listening-explanations-and-care-coordination/) Clear care means more than receiving information. You should be able to connect the diagnosis, the choices, and the next step—and know how your team will help keep the plan together. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/listening-explanations-and-care-coordination/) Spine ### [Herniated disc and sciatica: questions that clarify your options](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/herniated-disc-sciatica-questions/) A disc finding matters when it fits the symptoms and examination. Use your visit to understand the cause of leg pain, the pace of change, and the reasons for each next step. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/herniated-disc-sciatica-questions/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![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/) [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Marina del Rey · Santa Monica [Meet Sanjay Khurana](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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