Imaging and diagnosis conversations reviews

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!

Yelp^®

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Millstein is the best. I’ve been seeing him for a number of injuries over the year. He’s great at diagnostics, conservative in treatment, and on the one injury that required surgery - a torn labrum in my shoulder - the recovery was fast and the shoulder is like new. Also a great guy. Highly recommend!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Such a well oiled machine! My first time visiting Dr David Lee, I need a foot surgeon and he got such great reviews I was very happy to meet him. The staff were efficient and friendly between getting Xrayed and meeting with Dr Lee it was a quick process. He took time to review my X-rays with me, we discussed surgical options, and next steps for my care. Overall very good experience.

David Lee, MD

I've been to several doctors over the years for my back pain and none of them come close to Dr Bhalla...well, excluding his dad Dr S. Bhalla. I'm thoroughly pleased with Dr Bhalla's professionalism. He took his time explaining my MRI results and my surgery options. I like that he responded to my email questions rapidly. I appreciate him performing my spinal fusion in the mist of the COVID-19 shutdown. A lot of doctors postponed surgeries. The office staff is always efficient. His nurse Roni is so friendly and nice. I've never had a problem making appointments. This office is the best ortho providers in the area!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Millstein was very nice and easy going. He listened to the description of my knee and the activities I wanted to continue doing. After a quick x-ray and diagnosis I was given a cortisone shot and my knee feels amazing. I was worried about needing a second surgery but he said it is arthritic and does not require surgery at this time. I will make sure to see him if required in the future.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I would highly recommend Dr. Bhalla for any concerns relating to back pain or injury. I had been having pain for several months that physical therapy could not relieve and that it seemed could not be diagnosed. Dr. Bhalla was able to diagnose the issues and perform a successful surgery that removed a cyst and alleviated pain from vertebrae. Additionally, his interaction with patients and family members is exemplary; he is patient with questions, compassionate, and takes the time to explain and understand patient concerns.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

A bit frustrated by the office as I scheduled an appointment 2 weeks in advance and was told my insurance covered my appointment (Anthem EPO; just FYI, they do take PPOs, but not EPOs), and I was not notified until I arrived that my insurance would not cover the appointment. I should have confirmed with my provider, but it's hard not to trust the people with experience at the front desk. Nevertheless, Dr. Millstein still saw me and didn't charge me. I only had a minor tendon injury in my foot, so it wasn't much to diagnose and for him to give me some basic advice, but I still found the fact that he would see me despite the mistake a sign of good character and a good doctor. He also offered to look at a list of orthopedists my insurance covers (from the Anthem site) and give his rec, something I thought was a good way to make up for the mistake. These things happen, and I think it speaks volumes as to how this practice is run that they did the best to accommodate me despite the confusion of our insurance system in this country, hence the 5 stars.

Yelp^®

Eric S. Millstein, 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.

Yelp^®

Sanjay Khurana, MD

In early 2017 I slipped on some ice and suffered a stable fracture of the L1 vert. Once the trauma of the fall settled and I thought I could return to normal, I soon discovered I'd never see normal again. The fall changed EVERYTHING, as most traumatic injuries do. I was also suffering from a bad knee I believe was exacerbated by the fall. About a year and a half after the fall, I went to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of my Dr. He took a look at my MRI and noted I had a bone spur hitting the nerve someplace below the L1 where the break was, something others had missed (bulging discs, not much to do about it). He assured me this was easy to fix and I'd be good as new. BACK SURGERY!!! AHHHHH!!!! I was terrified. He noted that while I had some disc degeneration, he felt my spine overall looked no worse than someone else's my age, or his even, which made me feel good--he's young. Anyway, in November 2018 I had surgery to fix the bone spur. I've had several surgeries in my life and I woke up sick and out of it every time. This time I woke up like I just had the best nap of my life. I was up and going to the bathroom shortly after I woke up and I was home a few hours later. The office follow-up was great, and I thank Lisa Cano for her kindness and thoroughness during a small rough patch about three weeks post surgery. I'd been feeling a little blah and I could tell I was retaining water throughout my body. I just felt...swollen. I got a massage, and while the masseuse was very careful around the incision, she moved things around, as massage will do. A few hours passed and as I got up from the couch to go to bed, my back was wet. Long story short, the incision opened up and was leaking fluid. I immediately called the office (around 9pm, so it was the exchange I got), and Lisa called back immediately, asked me to take a picture, then told me how to cover it, etc. and had me come in the following morning. Dr. Bae was extremely concerned, said he'd never seen this so far out post surgery. He was NOT dismissive or cavalier, which I appreciated. His concern actually made me calmer about it (we can address the psychology of that another time) He swabbed for infection, then dressed it and sent me home with dressings and orders to take pictures after every dressing change. Within a day or two he called and said he wanted to go back in and surgically put a drain in. I finished a round of antibiotics he normally gives post surgery, and he put me on a second round. I was very against going under again, and within a few days the incision began tunneling. It was clear I had an infection but it wasn't bad enough to make me ill-no fever, no pain to speak of, just a little uncomfortable and a lot unnerving. He finally prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic and within a couple of days the tunneling stopped and the incision closed. These things happen. Drs work diligently to prevent infection, but it happens. The competency and care I experienced with Dr. Bae and his PA Lisa cannot be overstated. I was not worried for a second, and when I objected to going under again for the drain, Dr. Bae was firm that we shouldn't wait too long, but he didn't push. I sent Lisa gross pictures of the wound and the bandages every day, and it was enough to ruin the strongest of stomachs. Her communication was right on, and frequent. Saving the best for last, my back is good as new. The only negative was that with a repaired back my knee situation came to the forefront and proceeded to cause me suffering the back couldn't hold a candle to. I got that taken care of in September of 2019 (see my review of Dr Andrew Yun). I cannot say enough about Dr. Bae and his staff. He is just wonderful and he'll be my go-to if any future issues arise.

Yelp^®

Hyun Bae, MD

Consummate professional!!! Answered every question I had whether in person, Zoom call or on the telephone. Thoroughly discussed every x-ray with detail I could understand. I would unquestionably recommend Dr. Bhalla to family and friends. Don’t put your health in just any surgeon’s hands. If you need spinal surgery, you want Dr. Bhalla on the end of the knife.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is an awesome surgeon. This was my second surgery in ten years. The first was at St. Marys in Long Beach. It did not go well for me there. I was never the same. I was very reluctant and scared knowing that I would have to relive that nightmare from ten years ago. Well, here I am two days post-op and I'm walking slowly but without any balance issues or complications. I am very grateful to Dr. Khurana. Before, I could not walk a half city block without falling to the ground in pain. I felt helpless and scared. I feel some discomfort after the surgery but that is to be expected. This is nothing like I encountered in my first surgery ten years ago. I put off the surgery as long as I could because I was genuinely frightened. All is great now! I feel twenty years younger. If I have must require further procedeures Dr. Sanjay Kharana will be the doctor I choose. In closing, it was a wonderful experience. I had the procedure performed at the Diagnostic & Interventional Surgical Center. The staff is wonderful. They are extremely accomodating and genuinely concerned. Again, a big thank you to Dr. Khurana and all of his wonderful staff who made this happen.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Great doctor who I will recommend to anyone with neck issues. His staff is top of the line and help you easily coordinate appointments, MRI’s etc…  Dr. Khurana was very professional, took his time to explain things and went above and beyond to help me with my neck problem . knowledgeable about their work. I was very worry because my age 59 and  It has been 9 weeks since my surgery and have had zero pain .I will never be able to thank him and his staff enough.I feel great. . I had my surgery done in Marina Del Rey at Diagnostic And Interventional Surgical Center which I will say was probably the best experience ever after having surgery.

Sanjay Khurana, 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

I highly Dr. Garabekyan and the staff that work there -- it is a welcoming environment and the office building is in a convenient, nice location. I had been having hip pain for about a year from a workout injury before I decided to go in. We did x-rays and I also ended up doing an MRI to get a closer, more detailed look at what's going on with my hip (it's a labral tear) and Dr. Garabekyan was able to describe to me exactly what's going on. I'm going to try doing physical therapy with someone he recommended and see if that helps fix the issue (fingers crossed). Otherwise, if a procedure is absolutely necessary I will be visiting again.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Very quick, safe, and received my results, many thanks! I love the fact that you can get an MRI, if needed on site. Saves a lot of time! Thanks again, Bob Roger

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Doctor Lee conducted an excellent exam, reviewed my x-rays and gave me different treatment options. I will follow up with again if condition does not improve. Very pleased with his attention to my problem and provided good solutions.

David Lee, MD

Front desk and X-ray staff were very friendly. Dr. Lee very personable, professional, knowledgeable and patient with questions and explanations.

David Lee, MD

Dr. Lee is precise and thorough in his examinations and has excellent bedside manners! IL feel very comfortable with his diagnosis and recommendations!

David Lee, MD

Dr. Millstein is an excellent doctor. I went to see him for two separate medical problems which he diagnosed quickly and accurately. I'm now well on my way to getting back to a performance level of 100%. He has an excellent bedside manner, thouroughly explaining my injuries so that I could understand the issues. He also went above and beyond in helping my 80-year-old mother with an orthopedic issue during this very challenging COVID-19 environment. I can't give him enough stars!!

Yelp^®

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I someb managed to mess up my back pretty bad Memorial Day weekend. I contacted dr Bhalla's office on a Tuesday morning and got an appointment for the next day. He scheduled me for a MRI on Thursday. Got results Friday morning and the GOOD doctor said I needed surgery. My pain level on a 1-10 scale was approximately 17! He got his team together and managed to get me into the hospital that afternoon and performed surgery at 6:00AM the following day. When I recovered from the anesthetic the pain was gone. It's important to note the he had things on his agenda that took him out of the country but that did not stop him from making a follow up call to assure all was well. He also arranged for my release the next day. I'm grateful to have had a skilled and caring doctor. Hopefully I won't need his surgical skills in the future. Well, I had another problem with my lower back that required the GOOD doctor do another surgery in January. As hoped and believed, it had great results. I just left his office about 20 minutes ago for a follow up check and ALL IS WELL!! Thanx again!!

Yelp^®

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I recently had spine surgery with Dr. Khurana. I had L5 fusion. My experience is so very positive. I have the utmost trust in Dr. Khurana's diagnostic and surgery skills. I was referred to him by a doctor who had back surgery himself with Dr. Khurana. I interviewed many spine surgeons before making my decision to have Dr. Khurana treat my spinal issues. So glad I did. He is an outstanding surgeon and a caring doctor. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Dr. Khurana

Yelp^®

Sanjay Khurana, MD

This is a top notch diagnostician, physician, surgeon. His manner is kind, un-rushed and he listens. He also knows his stuff. I am a professional musician and had I not sought treatment it's possible I might have lost significant dexterity. As it turned out, the surgery was a tremendous success and I have renewed dexterity at the keyboard, especially with my left hand (the one with the most noticeable decline) which has lifted a huge worry and put me back in my game with new speed. He has a kind and gentle spirit. By the way, even at his younger age, I am of the understanding that he presents at medical conferences. His credentials are impressive. I am grateful that not only did I not permanently lose my ability to play, I regained what I had lost.

Yelp^®

Amandeep Bhalla, 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

I never followed up my review with an update, so here it is. I healed up great! The doc said I'd have 90% of what I had before, I actually think it's closer to 97%. There's a bit of pain if I really push my movement to the outer limits, like reaching way past overhead to the far left, but I have to try really hard to feel any pain. Super happy with the surgery. Here's a couple of tips for anyone that goes through this: 1. Follow aftercare instruction to a T. Be extra conservative. 2. Use the ice machine in your shoulder as often as recommended. 3. Try to wean off any pain medication ASAP so you don't get hooked on it. I was done in 3 days but kept taking the Toradol. 4. Expect to take a year or maybe a bit longer to be totally healed. Even then there may be some pain for awhile. This is NORMAL. Even a couple years is no big deal when you consider the pain you were in before surgery. Ok. Those are my tips. One more thing. When in his office he took an MRI of my left shoulder, even though he worked on the right. He said my acromion was getting long and going to likely start causing me pain. Well guess what? He was correct. I just had an MRI and will send him the results. I've been in pain for a few months and most recently I've experienced tingling in my left shoulder. Neck has been hurting too for around 8 months. So... I'll keep you posted. James :-)

Yelp^®

Eric S. Millstein, MD