Family and caregiver experiences reviews

Dr. Ram is the best orthopedic surgeon in the Orange County area. My wife was on her third hip surgery and he fixed it. His revision made it so we can still run and hike together.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

There are no words to truly express our gratitude to Dr. Khurana. He is a genius surgeon with a heart of gold. My husband spent 50 years in agonizing pain until Dr Khurana performed an intensely difficult surgery that left my husband pain free for the first time in his life. I myself had a very complicated surgery that Dr Khurana performed on me completely successfully. I was terrified and this deeply compassionate doctor walked me through my fears and changed my life..Dr Khurana's commitment to his patients care is priceless and heartfelt. He is simply a very special human being and a master surgeon...We are truly blessed to have him in our lives...

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

My dad has had an incredible experience with Dr. Bhalla. He did a great job on my dad’s spine surgery and recovery. He is knowledgeable but most importantly compassionate and patient. He has been great clearly communicating what’s expected to my parents and our family. We are very lucky to have our dad walking again thanks to Dr. Bhalla!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

My husband had successful back surgery done by Dr Khurana a few years ago so when my back became a problem, I went to him too. Both Dr Khurana and his PA were clear in their explanations, answered all our questions, and did not rush us. Dr Khurana suggested a treatment plan which I'm about to begin. I expect that my final result will be just as successful as my husband's.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

My father was impressed by Dr. Khurana's evaluation and recommendations. He will follow through with his recommendations and definitely follow up in a few months to see if he needs any aggressive treatment. Thanks Dr. Khurana

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Would give this guy 100 stars if I could! Was referred by both one of my best friends and my son who is an insurance defense lawyer who uses both drs Kaye and Millstein as their ortho experts. Had rotator cuff surgery and was expecting the worst, given all of the people I talked to who had the same procedure done. Couldn't have been easier. Little pain and discomfort, but that should be expected why you get high quality care. Dr. Millstein was out of network but paid his fee in cash happily. I'm playing golf this weekend, 14 weeks post surgery. Dr. Millstein's CV is ridiculous, as are his doctor and surgical skills.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Awesome experience and result. Millstein is the king, was recommended to him by good friend and my son who is an insurance defense lawyer who uses this office as their experts. Couldn't be happier, physical therapist told me I have the most range of motion the quickest he's ever seen. Hopefully back to playing golf after 3 months. If you go to anyone else, you're braindead!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Leonel Hunt is an excellent surgeon and he has a great staff! I was suffering from an excruciating pain due to a torn disc that was pinching my nerves. My husband had called many surgeons in order to make an appointment for a potential surgery and all have given him sometimes within 2 months of wait. His staff was very kind after my husband was explaining how much pain I am suffering to email him as they were talking over the phone to see if he can see me soon. I was in his office 5 days after! It was obvious that he had studied my MRI images before coming into the room because he knew what exactly was wrong with me and spotted the areas I was suffering with pain. His bed manner and presents and how involved he was with me throughout was remarkable. I am very grateful I picked and trusted him. I am 7 weeks post-op and feel amazing. Thank you so much Dr. Hunt!

Leonel Hunt, MD

Dr. Bhalla is an excellent doctor who truly cares for his patients. Not only, has he kept me snow skiing, hiking and sailing, but he has help my parents, too. I highly recommend this incredible doctor!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Lee performed osteotomy surgeries (correcting flat, pronated feet) on each of my 17yo daughter's feet. (one in June and the other in December). We are SO incredibly pleased with the outcome. She is still in recovery and going to PT for her 2nd foot, but we can already tell that this is definitely going to increase her quality of life. Dr. Lee is very easy to work with and talk to. My daughter feels 100% comfortable with him and has full confidence in him. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Lee. Also, the office runs so smoothly and we love the staff there. Always very helpful and friendly.

David Lee, MD

Dr. Bhalla is a caring, thorough doctor who listens to his patients and explains the procedure that he feels is necessary extremely well. I would recommend him to anyone who has back pain of any kind. Thank you, Dr. Bhalla for all you have done for me and my husband.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I don't really know where to begin. I was introduced to Dr. Khurana after injuring my neck and not having any strength/extreme pain in my shoulder. This was a Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. He reviewed my MRI and knowing the pain I was in insisted that his assistant schedule me for surgery Thursday that same week and not wait until Friday. I had a herniated disk. It was in pieces. It was only one day but it showed a lot about the doctor understanding his patients and doing what needs to be done to put them first. He answered all my questions, was honest about everything I asked him, and most importantly made me feel like I was his only patient despite having I believe 4 other procedures to do that day. I didn't even get a 2nd opinion...this guy was so impressive upon meeting him my father who is a physician and I decided it wasn't necessary. I handled zero paperwork, everything is done for you, what a pleasure. Lastly, I was back at work 4 days later. I was back playing 18 holes of golf 5 weeks post op. No rehab was necessary. I simply cannot say enough good things about this man. I thanked him 1000 times over and its still not enough. I am back to normal life. Dr. Khurana is the absolute best!!!!!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

It is my great pleasure to give Dr Sanjay Khurana a five star rating. I am a retired surgeon that suffered a catastrophic disc rupture with 16 by 9 mm extrusion that broke off L2/3 and entered my spinal canal. The diagnosis was complicated by prior back issues and a recent post motor vehicle accident MRI that was unremarkable. The accident was in June and MRI was in July and by September the pain was debilitating and under pain management I was taking methadone and OxyContin like candy. Short story a renowned Spine surgeon based on the July MRI diagnosed Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. WRONG. Referred to Dr Khurana for a second opinion who did a long and compassionate examination and ordered a new MRI that revealed the monster fragment. Dr Khurana , broke his schedule and operated on me within 3 days as emergency. With in a week post op I was opioid free. Dr Khurana is a brilliant diagnostician,skillful surgeon , and remarkable human being. I am , four years later , enjoying Dr ASG PS I am 71 year old and do not Yelp. Hence I used my wife's account for this Yelp . Thanks dear!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Doctor Khurana is the type of doctor that every doctor should try to emulate. I know he is busy but each time I meet with him he spent all the time I needed, as if I was the only patient he had that day. My surgery when very well and my recovery was easy. He and his PA Ms. Kim made sure my and my wife’s questions were answered fully. If I had further questions between appointments Ms. Kim got back to me right away and always said she would, if we wanted, would set-up a call with Dr. Khurana.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Wonderful experience with Cedar Sinai. Dr. Leonel Hunt was a wonderful surgeon, and the staff was always helpful and kind. They ensured my father had a smooth prep, surgery, and follow-up. I am so glad we chose Dr. Hunt and would highly recommend him to anyone. My father is feeling better after the surgery and I am grateful that he did the surgery for my father!

Leonel Hunt, MD

As long as I have been going to Dr Millstein for both my mother in law and myself since 2011. the experience has always been very positive. I have never felt rushed and his patience explaining the situation and if there were any options to be considered. He is the true professional in every way.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

We learned that our daughter would likely need to have PAO surgery to correct the congenital hip dysplasia of her left hip in the summer of 2019. She found Dr. Garabekyan online and came to her dad and I (both physicians in Indiana) and asked if we could talk to him. At the time, I thought of the idea of going all the way to California to have the surgery was a long shot. I reached out to Zohra, who put us in contact with Dr. Garabekyan. He took the time to meet with my husband and I over the phone and answered all of our questions and concerns. He had a second meeting with our daughter to address all of her questions. We read his research and papers published on the CU-PAO and were convinced that he was who we wanted to do her surgery. With the way Dr. Garabekyan talks to his patients about the mechanics of the hip, we were assured that this is his passion and he is very skilled at what he does. Our daughter had a hip scope in late June of 2020 and her PAO a week later. Her recovery has been amazing and working with Dr. G was our best decision. We cannot say enough good things about Dr. Garabekyan, Zohra, and his staff.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Wen't into Dr. Lee's office a few days after I had torn my Achilles Tendon. All the nurses and staff were very friendly and helpful. Everyone in the staff is very easy to work with. Dr. Lee explained our options and did a great job of explaining the pros and cons. His bedside manner is excellent and he is a great listener as well. I elected to have surgery and he explained the process. They put me in a boot until it was time for surgery and the staff was very helpful in getting us a handicap sticker. I was amazed when I took off my cast off and I saw the scar. It looked great. I was able to attend physical therapy in the same building and Dr. Lee's office was with me every step of the way. When COVID-19 happened and the office was closed Dr. Lee even called me to check in on my progress. My wife broke her ankle a few years ago and still has hardware in her leg that sometimes gets aggravated. We are planning to go back to Dr. Lee's office to have it removed. All in all Dr. Lee is the best surgeon I have ever met. He is very skilled at his craft and great with people. I would give him a 10/10 and highly recommend him to anyone who needs help! Thanks Dr. Lee!

David Lee, MD

Dr. Bae is a miracle worker. He’s a brilliant diagnostician and surgeon, ethical, empathetic and a wonderful person. He saved me from having 4 vertebrae fused after 2 other orthopedic surgeons told me it was necessary. Fast forward 2 years and my wife gets a horrible case of vertebral osteomyelitis. After 2 ER bungles, misdiagnoses by another another 2 doctors and 20 wasted days at UCI Medical center and a rehab, Dr. Bae came to the rescue.The 2 months of debilitating pain she endured was gone when she awoke from a 6 hour surgery. She’s now recovering at home. We will both be forever grateful to Dr. Bae.

Hyun Bae, MD

My daughter was a new patient called Monday morning and they got her an appointment at 10am same day! Nice office staff and Dr. Lee was great!! Thank you!!

David Lee, MD

We found Dr. Garabekyan online and had our personal Physcian vet him out as we needed to find the best possible to perform a hip surgery for my daughter who is a Division 1 college softball athlete. We have been extremely pleased with Dr. Garabekyan as he has been amazing. His bedside manner is over the top, his communication with my daughters sports medicine team has been top notch, thorough and very timely. His nurse Zohra is also amazing and takes care of everything quickly and efficiently. My daughters outcome has been great. We would highly recommend Dr. Garabekyan and his office to anyone.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

My husband had right hip replacement surgery in June 2019, and Dr. Wassef and his staff did an amazing job. He was up an walking 2 weeks after surgery. My husband says Dr. Wassef is the best!

Andrew Wassef, MD

I located Dr Bae's name during a visit with a man in a shop near Las Cruces NM. His wife had been to see Dr Bae and recommended him. This man lives in Whitefish Montana and I do not know his name. Wish I did so I could thank him. We drove to Santa Monica June 3 and met with the staff of The Spine Institute and came away very impressed and are scheduling my surgery for June 18. Dr. Bae was very helpful and fully described the work needed and the planned schedule and even offered suggestions for a place to stay nearby the hospital and his offices. I look forward to this operation. We arrived June 17, checked int Ambrose Hotel and the operation went as planned at St Johns. Was in hospital 2 days due to slight complication during procedure. Stayed in hotel nearby until June 24 when we met with Dr Bae and Dr Cano and were cleared to return home. Drove back to SF Bay Area. Stopped using Oxycodone after leaving Santa Monica and then Tylenol within a week and then only one Tylenol at bedtime. Numbness in lower body is nearly gone but comes and goes as expected. Local home nurse and PT were set up through The Spine Institute and they are headquartered here in Orinda. All visiting assistance has been wonderful. My wife was a wonderful nurse and recovery placed a lot of work on her that I had shared so it must be a team effort when serious operations such as back repair are considered. I had a Foley in use for 3 weeks and a complication occurred in that I went into septic shock and was hospitalized for a few days at John Muir in Walnut Creek. At first it was thought my back incision was infected so focus for 2 days was on that possibility, but it turned out I had an extreme bladder infection from the Foley. I setup a local doctor to perform the 6 weeks review in order to save another trip to LA and that was OK with Drs Cano and Bae. All was well. Walked as much as possible, first on my deck then around a local lake. Now walk a mile easily but slowly and use either my Hurrycane or a walking stick. One issue I had was the inability to release urine. Several doctors said they thought this was not related to my nerve pinch in my back. I felt it was. Turns out we were both right since after use of Flomax and the operation and after 3 months working with a local urologist I am back to normal. It has been 3-1/2 months now and slowly my legs are regaining sensitivity. It seems slow but with PT my balance and strength are improving. I feel the effort to work with The Spine Institute in Santa Monica was well worth the extra effort required.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr.Millstein and his staff are top notch. Dr Millstein performed knee surgery on me about 7 years ago. Our kids have also seen him a few times for sports related foot and ankle issues. Highly recommend for kids and adults. Just took my son in AGAIN--both our kids are pretty active (one is in a travel sport) and tend to have flare ups--sprains etc. We feel it's always best to get the best professional opinion. Glad Dr. Millstein is able to fit us in and help!

Eric S. Millstein, MD