Consultations and first visits reviews

Mine was a very mixed experience with this orthopedist and staff. I found Dr. Millstien on the internet. I’ve been treated several times in his offices for a very typical joint issue, no surgery. His offices are very conveniently located. Each was very clean with absolutely no wait times. It is really comfortable in the beautiful waiting areas; both waiting areas were nearly always empty on all of my visits. My first impression of Dr. Millstien was that he was a nice guy. But although my first visit was fine, I get a strong sense something is “off” with this organization. My second visit was OK, but I’ve noticed that this doctor’s bedside manner seems caring at first, but later surfaces as quite arrogant, condescending and “superior to you.” Honestly, he comes off making it clear that he is doing you a favor by treating you. Although he called me with test results, he recommended a very cookie-cutter approach -- cortizone “for the pain” -- which I resisted as I knew it to be a short-term, band-aid fix. My pain had gone. I succeeded in leading him (via many phone calls with one helpful nurse) to a more sophisticated treatment used by the top guys. I would have expected him to have led this discussion and options with me right off the bat since it is known that cortizone can have negative side effects. Still...no big deal. But what followed were excruciating, unnecessary problems with his poorly trained staff -- they are incompetent, unhelpful and really don’t seem to care that a patient is calling because that patient needs assistance. In my case, I only needed a procedure code typically required by insurance -- just a number! Ironically, they answer the phone with “How may I help you?” yet cannot or will not fulfill that promise. One staffer refused to provide the code, yelled at me and made me feel as if my insurance company’s need was a real bother to her and her co-workers. What the very rude and condescending staff member finally provided....... was still wrong simply because she refused to listen to my request. Her behavior was unacceptable. I ended up getting the needed code from the doctor in person on my final visit -- it took him less than 10 seconds to provide it. I really gave this place a chance because it is so convenient and their internet website marketing really pulled me in. But I will NOT return here and certainly would NOT consider surgery with this organization should I need it. Lesson learned -- 1) don’t pic a doc off the internet just because he is close. 2) the way the staff treat patients starts at the top of the organization, trickling down from the attitude of the guy whose name is on the door. There are hundreds of great orthopedic guys with professional, caring, service-oriented staffs in Los Angeles. Now I am reminded why the best orthopedists have the busiest waiting rooms!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Today I received probably the worst news an athlete could have expected on a first visit - a potential Rotator Cuff tear (needs further diagnosis via MRI). The positive is I felt I was dealing with a total professional, nice, human who understood that, though in my 40's, I am still a competitive athlete who just wants to continue doing what I love. No lectures, no obvious impatience with my chosen lifestyle, etc. He introduced himself as Eric (i of couse said nice to meet you Dr....) and then walked me through what he saw at this point in my examination - explained on his iPad (yes the dude is tech savvy) how the rotator cuff is comprised, its function, and why I am feeling the pain I do. In the midst of all this potential bad news, I felt comforted, his staff was top notch, facilities clean etc... Yes I have an MRI to go - maybe surgery (maybe not!!!) but all I can say is if you are in the same boat I am, don't muck around, call his office, go see him - then make your decisions based on what you learn. Oh and though I saw him in Beverly Hills I was in and out in an hour... Lovely.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

My 11 year old son had been complaining about knee pain for a few weeks, and his pediatrician recommended an orthopedist we weren't happy with from a previous visit (we waited almost two hours to see him, while my son was in pain with a broken wrist). I needed to find a good doc, so I did what I always do... Checked in with Yelp! When I saw Dr. Millstein's listing I remembered him from two years ago when I had taken my daughter to his old office in century city, and at the time thought he was terrific! Very professional and very personable at the same time. I remember thinking, at that time, that I needed to remember his name, but alas, life gets hectic... Bottom line, I called and got an appointment for my son for a few days later. The office has you fill in paperwork at home (big time saver!) and when we got to his beautiful new office, we were taken in within about 5 - 10 minutes. The office staff were all very friendly, and seeing Dr. Millstein reminded me of why I was so happy on the first visit, years ago. He has a great personal manner and my son was immediately comfortable. The Dr. took his time in speaking with my son, learning the progression, and doing a complete physical exam. When he gave his diagnosis, he took out his new iPad to show my son an animated 3-D image of the knee and explained how the knee works and exactly why his was hurting. My son was very impressed and so was I. We are a very active family and have seen too many orthopedists here in L.A. Until now, I haven't been impressed by anyone like I am with Dr. Millstein. He clearly knows his craft very well! My son will be starting physical therapy next week, and we'll check in with Dr Millstein in a couple of weeks. It's good to know that my son's knees are in good hands, and Dr Millstein's number is now programmed into my phone!

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Eric S. Millstein, MD