Imaging and diagnosis conversations · Patient experiences
9 five-star reviews for Dr. Leonel Hunt discuss imaging and diagnosis conversations. Patients share stories of clear explanations. Read their words, learn what mattered to them, and bring the questions that matter to you to your next visit.
Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here.
A person behind your care
Dr. Leonel Hunt is a nationally recognized, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with deep expertise in both adult and pediatric deformity, motion-preserving techniques, and minimally invasive spine surgery. From advanced cervical disc replacements to complex spinal cord injury protocols, Dr. Hunt has helped shape the evolution of modern spine care—especially in shifting major procedures to same-day, outpatient settings.
He treats patients of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on helping older kids, young adults, and aging patients stay active longer. His philosophy is clear: care should be personal, precise, and focused on the whole patient—not just the scans. Whether it’s a small incision for a fast recovery or a complex reconstruction for a life-changing result, patients trust his skill, honesty, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for them.
For more than a decade, Dr. Hunt served as Director of Spine Trauma at Cedars-Sinai. Today, no longer in that role, he continues to lead with empathy, innovation, and impact—one patient at a time.
Outside the OR, he’s a self-described exercise enthusiast, foodie, globe-trotter, and podcast host.
Bring what matters to you
Understanding the explanation can matter as much as seeing a report. These patient accounts mention imaging or diagnosis conversations with our clinicians.
In their own words
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 imaging and diagnosis conversations. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.
9 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
Dr.Leonel Hunt I live in the Los Angeles area and was referred to Dr. Leonel Hunt by a local physician. I was referred for a very painful, complex, and difficult to diagnose cervical spine disorder. Dr. Hunt was able to make the correct diagnosis, based on his physical examination, the meticulous history that he took, the imaging that he reviewed, as well as his extensive experience as an orthopedic surgeon . He explained the reasoning behind his thinking, and explained how he came to the conclusion that he did. He answered all my questions fully. The decision to proceed with immediate surgery was a collaborative decision between Dr. Hunt, myself and my spouse. I had surgery the following day at Cedars-Sinai , with everything going uneventfully. Dr.Hunt found a herniated disk , as he expected, which he removed. My pain symptoms ,which had kept me out of work for 2 1/2 weeks ,markedly improved immediately after the surgery. Some diminished pain persisted postoperatively, however, five months post surgery, my pain was completely gone. I highly recommend Dr. Leonel Hunt. He is the best. D. C. Los Angeles
Leonel Hunt, MD
One-Star Review – Extremely Unprofessional Experience I am leaving this review again as my previous one was removed, but my experience with Dr. Hunt is valid and deserves to be shared. I saw Dr. Hunt in 2022 for severe spine pain. Unfortunately, he was dismissive and unprofessional, disregarding my concerns and attributing my pain solely to weight issues, recommending only physical therapy. More concerningly, I later discovered that he allegedly accessed and incorporated outdated, sensitive, and confidential records from past Cedars-Sinai visits into his notes without my consent. I had to contact Cedars multiple times to have this information removed from my after-visit summaries, as these notes are automatically populated for future visits with any provider once added. I would not recommend Dr. Hunt under any circumstances. His approach to my care was not only dismissive but also unethical. After seeking opinions from multiple specialists, I was properly diagnosed with a pars fracture that requires surgery—something physical therapy alone could never have addressed. If you are looking for a thorough, ethical, and competent physician, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. His actions were inexcusable. I will continue to leave my review if it is removed again in the future as my experience is true and experienced by me.
Leonel Hunt, MD
Dr. Leonel A. Hunt is a great Doctor. I suffered from chronic right lower back and right back hip pain for over 2 years and he fixed it. I was diagnosed from my MRI with Sciatic Nerve Pain where my nerves was hitting my vertebrate at L4-L5, obstructing my walking, and standing, causing me to have spasms running down my legs, thighs, knees and to the bottom of my feet; I would have to sit down when they occurred. Dr. Hunt performed a Laminectomy and in 3 months I was during physical therapy and recovered fast. His staff was amazing, especially Raquel, she took care of all of my employment issues in a timely manner. Thank you very much.
Leonel Hunt, 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. Hunt and his office are terrific. I had had great pain and trouble walking any distance. He quickly diagnosed my problem, spinal stenosis, with a vertebrae pressing against my spinal cord. He was able to schedule surgery around my work and it was quick and the result was excellent.In and out the same day, and a speedy recovery. I could not be happier and recommend him to any friends in need.
Leonel Hunt, MD
Dr. Leonel corrected a very painful neck surgery that almost left me paralyzed. He was also able to discern that I was traumatized and needed help with this and made my primary aware of it. He is a very talented and highly professional and qualified surgeon. Especially using technology to explain MRIs, scans, and x-rays in consultation with a patient. He's very understanding with authorizing time off of work and helping with disability benefits. He's very cautious and warns you sternly about postoperative care. I really like the way he dresses and his style because after all he is a Beverly Hills doctor. His staff and office environment is very calming and organized. I highly recommend this doctor and Cedars Sinai Hospital.
Leonel Hunt, MD
- Visited Dr Hunt for 2nd opinion after another ( top, top rated spine doctor) recommended surgery for a herniated disc L3-L4. - Dr. Hunt reviewed the MRI and examined me and told me there was nothing wrong with my disc. The pain I was having was from my Sacroiliac joint and PT was all I needed. No surgery. - I'm writing this review 3 months after finishing PT; my pain issue has been successfully addressed. ** When I visited Dr.Hunt he took the time and explained very carefully what exactly was going on with me and answered all of my questions. He is a very confident and competent doctor. He is my guy going forward.
Leonel Hunt, MD
Fantastic doctor, who cares about his patients. He makes sure you get the right diagnosis and his staff is top notch.
Leonel Hunt, MD
Dear Dr. Hunt, I want to thank you so much for making me enjoy life again. My hip was hurting so much when I came to see you I could hardly stand for any length of time. You diagnosed the problem, It was coming from my spine. You said one of my discs was wearing out and was on an angle that was pinching a nerve . I have been completly free of pain since the Surgery. Thankfully, H. Ader. Los Angeles, Ca.
Leonel Hunt, MD
A little more understanding
Spine
An MRI report describes what the radiologist sees. These seven questions help you understand which findings matter, what remains uncertain, and whether the information changes your next step.
Read the guide