Consultations and first visits · Patient experiences

Sanjay Khurana, MD.
Consultations and first visits reviews.

13 five-star reviews for Dr. Sanjay Khurana discuss consultations and first visits. Patients share stories of compassionate care and clear explanations. A first visit is a chance to be heard and understand your options. Read what patients chose to share about theirs.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

A person behind your care

Get to know
Sanjay Khurana.

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and over 7,000 successful surgeries. He specializes in motion-preserving procedures like cervical and lumbar disc replacement, as well as minimally invasive microscopic and endoscopic techniques. Whether he’s treating complex conditions like scoliosis or performing precision-guided reconstructions with robotic navigation, his approach is deeply focused on safety, function, and long-term results.

Dr. Khurana’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition by Castle Connolly, Newsweek’s Top Spine Surgeons, and the Hall of Fame Super Doctors, among other regional and local honors. Dr. Khurana completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by his medical degree and orthopedic surgery residency at Stanford University. He then completed an orthopedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship at the University of Miami.

Patients describe Dr. Khurana as warm, attentive, and exceptionally skilled. He’s known for his clear, thorough consultations and a calm, empathetic presence that helps patients feel supported and confident in their care. He and his team are known for their professionalism and responsiveness, and patients often describe their results as ‘life-changing.’

Outside the OR, Dr. Khurana enjoys family time with his two kids, catching up with friends, and soaking in the best of Southern California.

Cervical Artificial Disc ReplacementLumbar Artificial Disc ReplacementEndoscopic Spinal DecompressionSpinal FusionScoliosis & Alignment RestorationMinimally Invasive Techniques

Meet Sanjay Khurana at Commons Clinic ↗

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A first conversation is a chance to explain what brings you in. These patients describe consultations, first visits and preparation for care.

  • What would I most like the clinician to understand at my first visit?
  • Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about?

In their own words

Care feels personal.
So do these stories.

These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.

This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention consultations and first visits. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.

13 written reviews

Highest rated first · Newest within each rating

This was my first visit with Dr. Sanjay and it was refreshing to hear a doctor Discuss alternative treatment rather than jumping straight to surgery
ML
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

When I arrived for my first appointment I entered the front desk area, it was evident that everyone and everything was well organized. I arrived early, as I am a new patient, and provided notes and images of recent MRIs and CT scan. The front desk staff was professional and personable. Before my appointment time, the X-ray technician came for me to take a routine spine image. He has a great sense of humor, and quickly completed the X-ray. He also escorted me to the patient room. The Doctor's assistant arrived almost immediately and asked some routine questions regarding my current symptoms and pain level. Dr. Khurana arrived at about 5 minutes after my scheduled time. We discussed my past history, and he reviewed the recent MRI and CT images I had provided. He offered a surgical solution and discussed/explained how it would be accomplished while showing me on the images what would be done. I was treated with the utmost courtesy and respect by everyone. I thank everyone associated with my appointment for making this first visit a pleasure. Revision L5-S1, posterior decompression and extension of fusion to pelvis was scheduled for August 5, 2024. When I arrived for surgery, it was clear that the admitting staff was well organized and professional. There was a sense of calm which reduced any anxiety I had. I was escorted to my room in a timely manner by one of the nurses. Almost as soon as I had changed into a hospital gown, Dr. Khurana and the Anesthesiologist came in to discuss the procedure, medications, expectations, etc. I was treated with the utmost respect as we discussed the medications to which I am allergic or highly sensitive. In short, I cannot take narcotics or opiods for pain, which was a challenge for the medical team. However, my requests were honored, and I did very well. In addition, two of my best friends "stood in" for my family who were unavailable. They were treated with the highest regard and were updated on my condition as though they were my family. I was released to go home the afternoon of August 6 with routine post-op instructions. My post-op appointment with Dr. Khurana was September 20, 2024. I am making good progress, and I am very thankful for Dr. Khurana's expertise and willingness to address my spine issues. The entire staff at DOCS Surgical Hospital is exceptional!! The nurses were quickly available when needed, but did not "hover". Without exception, this was the best surgical experience of my life, and this was the 7th on my spine.
LS
Google
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Sanjay Khurana is an amazing spine surgeon. He did my lower lumbar spinal fusion surgery 7 weeks ago and I am very happy with the results. It has been a true pleasure having Dr Khurana as my surgeon. He is so talented, kind, smart, and professional. A real class act! UPDATE: Just recently on August 14 of 2025, it was one year since my back surgery with Dr. Khurana. I feel amazing! I’ve been going on 7 mile hikes with steep inclines in the mountains for the last three months. With no discomfort or pain whatsoever. I’m training and working out like I always did. Every day I’m grateful for how successful this surgery has been for me. And that’s why I came on here to add to my review. I followed all my preop and postop protocol precisely. I do eat super healthy and I know that helped my body heal well. I also started walking regularly as soon as I could following my surgery. I’m forever grateful to Dr. Khurana. He literally changed my life! I’m so happy! 🙏🏼
DR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Every one at Dr. Khurana’s office is friendly, helpful, and professional. Dr. Khurana Spent a lot of time with me during the first visit, explaining the details of the surgery and answered all my questions. After the surgery, all the pain in my back and right leg was gone. The office communicated with me, regarding all the precautions, gave me several calls to be sure that everything is going well with my progress. I really can say that my experience with Dr. Khurana and his staff was extremely pleasant.
E
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I can't say enough about Dr. Khurana and his team. My surgery has given me a new lease on life. I traveled to see Dr. Khurana specifically for his expertise, and it was absolutely worth it. From the initial consultation to post-op care, the entire team made me feel supported, informed, and truly cared for. Dr. Khurana's attention to detail and dedication to my recovery exceeded all my expectations. Today, I’m able to do things I hadn’t imagined possible, pain-free. I am beyond grateful for the skill and compassion of everyone involved. They’ve changed my life!
RP
Google
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Great initial consultation visit. The Dr. took the time to explain existing conditions and how they developed, his recommended course of action and why this was the preferred method for my circumstance. He was patient with answering any questions we may have had.
WP
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Very impressed at my first visit with the doctors understanding of my pain and my spine and how he wishes to treat both.
AV
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

There is no doubt Dr. Khurana is one of the most talented spine surgeons in the country. However, his talents go far beyond his surgical skills. By way of background, I had an artificial disc replacement at the L5-S1 level. After a decade of countless epidurals and two microdiscetomies, I finally opted for surgery. Everything went as planned. To say “Dr Khurana has been there every step of the way” is a massive understatement. He has called me numerous times post-surgery to ask how I’m doing and walk me through what to expect next from my body during the recovery. I have never encountered such a thoughtful and caring doctor in all my years. You can hear it in his voice and more importantly see it in his actions. I couldn’t be more thankful for what he has done to get me through both my surgery and my ongoing recovery. Now for his staff. I have to thank Jessica and Nancy for making the pre-op process so smooth. They walked me through the process and helped me take care of everything I needed to do prior to the surgery. I have to give a special thank you to Jessica for dealing with my insurance company. It feels like an on-going battle, but I have a feeling all will work out with Jessica fighting by my side. Saving the best for last…I can’t thank Marineh enough for all the support and care she has given me. She is an absolute superstar!! I text or call her almost every day. She answers every time without delay and helps me in any way she can. She inspires a sense of calm and confidence. She embodies the definition of compassion. The long and the short of it is that Dr. Khurana and his staff are hands down the best team in the country. Putting my spine in their hands has been the best decision I have ever made.
MC
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Khurana has been very influential in my life and he is humble about it, that he probably doesn't realize that. I am a Spine and Sports Medicine physical therapist that has been helping people with debilitating spinal pain. I only bring that up because when I had back surgery, he demonstrated good bedside manner, compassion, expertise and most importantly, I've been able to perform at a high level... lifting weights and being active with three kids 15 years later. When I had to make the decision on who to do my spine surgery at age 28, (I am 42 now) I went and had consultations by the best. I was a spine specialist at that time and went to numerous conferences, so those were who I reached out to. I had second, third , and fourth opinions. Khurana was my fourth and he was the only one that showed compassionate care. Btw I had a disc that was sequestered (broke off). He taught me that being the best is not enough as a practitioner. It is important to also be compassionate and caring. To practice listening. We don't get taught this in school. I've referred my colleagues and patients to him and they come back with the same beautiful stories as you are reading. I hope Dr Khurana is reading this review and to know that he is truly a gem in this field. Wishing everyone who is reading this the best recovery. I know it's a scary place to be when you are in pain and deciding to have surgery or not, you don't know who to trust, and I hope this LONG over due review can help you.
DP
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

This was my first meeting with the doctor. He immediately established a friendly and safe space for my consultation. My questions were answered in a direct and easy to understand manner. I left feeling that I was in the hands of an experienced, competent and easy to communicate with seasoned professional.
SS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

July 27, 2022 Lower back pain is gone, just mostly slight discomfort. Spinal fusion was performed on July 18, and I am out of Cedars Marina Del Rey Hospital and at California Rehabilitation Institute in Century City for a week now. I have had numerous spine surgeries in the past, all done by the very skillful Dr. Khurana. All of them have given me total pain relief within a week or two. No more serious pain meds are needed, just Gabapentin and Tylenol. I would very much like to thank Dr. Khurana and his skilled team for making my life pain free. Special thanks go to Surgical Coordinator Jessica Lopez who always took my calls, answered my numerous questions and scheduled my surgery date. Special thanks also to Noor Lakhani for ordering my meds prior to surgery and with helping me get placed with Cal Rehab...I'm very appreciative. Others deserve mentions as well, Elena De Silva who coordinated the delivery of my ice machine and helped me with my post operative back brace. And Bianca who also ordered my pre operative pain meds. And especially all those wonderful people at Cedars Marina Del Rey; the Anesthesiologist and all of the operating nurses and technicians. I am thankful for what you did for me. And I look forward to not seeing you in that environment again. But if I do, I know I will be well taken care of. Thanks again to Dr. Khurana...you were sensational.
JM
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

The best spine surgeon in the business IMO. He's recognized as a Super Doctor for a reason. Important training you want to look for in a spine surgeon doing fusions, which Dr Khurana has, is a fellowship in spine reconstruction because the doctor is removing certain parts of your spine and putting it back together with implants like a car engine that's taken apart and put back together. I've had several surgeries with Dr Khurana... 2019: L4L5/L5S1 fusion, instrumentation, and decompression and 2020: L4L5/L5S1 hardware removal from the 2019 fusion and C5C6 disc replacement. For my neck, I had radiating pain/ongoing tingling down both arms which was exacerbated even from carrying groceries and severe chronic pain in the lower back due to having very little disc material left and couldn't sit long. After the 2019 fusion, I was walking the next morning as soon as I was allowed and my neck disc replacement was a complete success getting rid of the pain down both arms. Dr Khurana is efficient and to the point, answers all your questions, and will diagnose your condition very accurately. He has a great team taking care of patients in different capacities such as his PA, medical assistants, schedulers, billers, surgery staff, etc.. If you're considering spine surgery or want a consultation to discuss a game plan to rehab your spine, I highly recommend you see Dr Khurana.
JK
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

This review is 1 year and a month post S1-L5 and L5-L4 microdiscectomy. After an injury at an obstacle course race that was completely my fault, load over capacity on a heavy lift, I had lumbar pain that eventually became a sciatic pain that was most felt in my left calf. I started Physical Therapy to resolve the issue, but in my case and situation, it was not resolving the issue the way we wanted it. The pain kept coming back immediately when walking, even after performing exercises that would relieve it. My PT recommended a few surgeons to talk to, and after looking at DISC I chose to go see Dr. Khurana. I figured if DISC gets Red Bull athletes back to performing, I would be in capable hands. Another reason I chose Dr. Khurana was that he understood why I had the injury and what I needed to do to get past it. There was no "oh you must have surgery" or "we can do surgery but never flip that 400lbs tire again". Upon initial consultation and look at my MRI, we both agreed to continue PT for a few more weeks to make sure that PT was not progressing for "me" and what I wanted to continue doing. As another reviewer stated, these things are not one size fits all. Make sure your PT, surgeon AND YOU are in line with your life goals. I felt that Dr. Khurana, and the entire DISC staff, cared about my situation and wanted to get me back to where I wanted to be. I wanted to race again that year, wanted to carry 70lbs buckets uphill, wanted to trail run for 30+ miles, wanted to crawl under barbwire, wanted to blah blah blah. Dr. Khurana understood where I wanted to be as an athlete and where I was before the injury and I felt his consultation kept all this in mind. I elected to have the surgery performed, and everything was super smooth. In on a Friday morning, out that evening and I was back to work on Monday. I was back to racing again in just over six months (Tahoe Ultra Beast, aroo!). My case is not all cases, as I had done a ton of work during the previous years that would have been considered pre-hab. The surgery experience was excellent. Everyone was very caring and explained everything to me in as much detail as I wanted. I would do it again if I "had" to. I was never second-guessing the decision. All of the post-op appointments were the same caliber. Dr. Khurana explained what I may experience in the next year or two as I started training again, so while sometimes I am alarmed thinking "uh...should I be feeling this now?" between Dr. Khurana and my PT I am guided in the right direction. He cared about how I was progressing and how I was getting back to my pursites. Shout out to Devin Blessing at Evolution Physical Therapy. They are just around the way from DISC in Playa Vista and are an excellent place to follow up your surgery at.
BC
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

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