Reviews by topic · Care options

Nonsurgical care and treatment options.
In patients’ words.

Many patients want room to talk through their options. These reviews explicitly mention nonsurgical care, conservative treatment or avoiding surgery.

26 matching reviews9 clinicians

This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.

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Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context.

Excerpt

Dr. Bhalla was very nice and was able to look at my X-ray and suggest a non-surgical remedy for my lower back problem.
JB
Google
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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

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Excerpt

He explained everything to me, my current prognosis, my options, surgical and non surgical treatments.
PG
Google
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Christopher Combs, MD

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Excerpt

Low key good looking dude who fixes my painful foot callus without surgery.
R
Google
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David Lee, MD

Excerpt

I try to avoid surgery when I can and he offered me that option with the fallback of reconstruction later on, if needed.
AU
Google
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David Lee, MD

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Excerpt

Dr. Millstein is an excellent doctor who explains both surgical and non-surgical options for my arthritic knee pain.
CP
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Excerpt

with my current injury he is advocating non-surgical approaches first. Highly recommend.
BL
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Read all 10 matching accounts for Eric S. Millstein, MD →

Excerpt

I was afraid of an unsuccessful surgery, so I tried two other non surgical solutions.
EM
Read review on Yelp

Hyun Bae, MD

Excerpt

Believe me I tried for two years to avoid surgery but after 3 epidurals I was in so much pain I had no other choice.
RG
Read review on Yelp

Hyun Bae, MD

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Excerpt

The pain I was having was from my Sacroiliac joint and PT was all I needed. No surgery.
P
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Leonel Hunt, MD

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Excerpt

I’m finally in a place of comfort and can resume my life with physical therapy and better posture, with the goal of avoiding surgery.
PC
Google
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Michael Port, MD

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Excerpt

few months get me back to normal without surgery, when many doctors prior said that surgery was necessary.
JD
Google
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Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Excerpt

He was open to exploring additional strategies (non-surgical) that worked best with my condition and life situation.
BM
Google
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Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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Excerpt

Amazing Dr who is highly skilled, a great listener who pursues conservative treatment when possible.
NT
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Excerpt

He explained my condition and gave me preventive treatments that would avoid surgery.
MC
Google
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Read all 4 matching accounts for Sanjay Khurana, MD →

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Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating.

26 written reviews

Highest rated first · Newest within each rating

We drove from out of town to see Dr Millstein who was referred by a friend.. The directions to the facility and to the office were precise. From the waiting room to meeting Dr. Millstein everything was a five out of five. Dr was very knowledgeable made me feel comfortable. I ended up with a Cortizone shot. No surgery needed in his opinion!
JR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Ramkumar has been one of the best experiences I could have asked for. I had a complex lateral knee injury that many doctors before misdiagnosed. Dr. Ramkumar was extremely honest, focused, and not rushed to surgery, in fact he was able in a few months get me back to normal without surgery, when many doctors prior said that surgery was necessary. He was very honest, no sugarcoating the truth, which to me is preferred when you have to make tough decisions. He was extremely knowledgeable and was able to explain the injury in a way that I couldn’t understand and feel confident in my decision making. This quality is very important when dealing with complex injuries where most average people do not understand the healing process and what you can and can’t do. I couldn’t be more grateful for him and the team putting such care into doing everything they could to heal my knee before rushing into surgery. I was concerned because this injury was quite unique I was worried I would t be able to find the right guy, but luckily I was able to get time with Dr. Ramkumar.
JD
Google
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Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

He’s the best. I didn’t feel a thing! My wife raves about his honest presentation of the facts….when others wanted to use the knife Dr Millstein took the opposite approach and cured her shoulder issues without surgery! Thank you Dr. Millstein. We love you! George and Cameron.
GH
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein is an excellent doctor who explains both surgical and non-surgical options for my arthritic knee pain.
CP
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Low key good looking dude who fixes my painful foot callus without surgery. Great personality, no “me doctor, you peon” attitude. Highly recommended!
R
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

I am a new/current patient of Dr. Ramkumar. First, I’d like to commend the office and medical staff I have worked with to date. All have been efficient, professional, accessible and friendly. As for Dr. Ramkumar, he also displays all those traits. In my research I have received consistently positive opinions regarding his skill level and pre/post care. In addition, I was pleased to note that his treatment options for me were not limited to mandatory surgery. He was open to exploring additional strategies (non-surgical) that worked best with my condition and life situation. I appreciated knowing all my choices and their impact on my wellbeing. I look forward to my continued care with Dr. Ramkumar. HIP REPLACEMENT UPDATE: Today is week 12 since my surgery! I am thrilled to say that I am now able to do so many activities from my long-ago-pain-free-lifestyle. I had major limitations the past few years. All my decisions were based on how much walking, how long sitting, available parking options, walking-cane accessibility as well as energy endurance. I had to curtail my dancing and exercise classes as well modify my home and social activities to accommodate these limitations. Now, I have resumed most of my activities. I can walk, shop, exercise, garden and salsa. (Zumba is my ultimate goal!) I no longer have to strategize - I just say Yes and Go! I have grown to appreciate Dr. Ramkumar more and more each step of my procedure and ongoing recovery. He is always available, consistently proactive, approachable and empathetic. He, as well as his AMAZING team, have stood beside me through this entire process and I’m confident they will continue to do so. I feel secure to be honest and know that all of them will take my concerns seriously and treat me respectfully. Dr. Ramkumar, Ishan, Margo and Stephanie are the best team. My sincere thanks to them.
BM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Amazing Dr who is highly skilled, a great listener who pursues conservative treatment when possible. I have been seeing Dr Khurana over the past 5 years and he’s truly incredible and one of a kind. Why aren’t more doctors like him? I found him bc many of my friends are Drs in La and all said he is hands down the best spine person to see in La if not the country. Also amazing responsiveness and patient communication / care. Makes you feel like a VIP and that you are in confident caring and expert hands. If you are like me and nervous or anxious about seeing a Dr for your back he will put your mind at ease and help you find the best path forward for you (even if that doesn’t mean an operation). Do yourself a favor, go no further, set up an appt with him if you’re even remotely thinking about it. You have found your pro!
NT
Google
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Khurana is a thoughtful, precise and talented surgeon. I researched very thoroughly to find a surgeon for my son's spinal surgery. Suffice to say Dr. Khurana is the only spine surgeon I have recommended I recently saw him for my own spinal issues, he interpreted my images for me very patiently and assured me, he sees no surgery in my future. I trust him completely. His staff, x-ray technician are also thorough kind , and pay attention to the details. Thank you Dr Khurana!
MK
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

I’ve known Dr. Port as a lay colleague and friend for many years, so there is some bias in my feedback. I will say that his approach to explaining esoteric concepts in the simplest of ways, thoughtfulness in listening to and understanding my symptoms, and attention to detail (pre/ post procedure)… are second to few. I experienced an acute sciatic episode, and it scared me to disbelief. Dr. Port found time in his busy schedule to plan my MRI and epidural intervention. I’m finally in a place of comfort and can resume my life with physical therapy and better posture, with the goal of avoiding surgery. Can't thank him enough!
PC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Michael Port, MD

I recently underwent Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery with Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, and I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. For over 22 years, I was down bad, with right hip pain, that caused major foot pain that would make it hard to shake off doing the activities that I love. I was still able to go hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, etc, but with limitations and significant pain in my right hip flexor, knee, and foot. Many orthopedic surgeons have told me there is no surgery or cure; it is just physical therapy. My right hip weakened my knee, and I had a snowboarding accident in 2022. After several doctors could not figure out my history of symptoms and pain, I sent to Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, who took the time to discover this rare and unique condition I had been living with. Over the years, I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to this injury. I feel like the planets, fates, and all the stars aligned because the surgery was a success, and I am already experiencing significant improvement in my symptoms. I highly recommend Dr. Prem N Ramkumar to anyone needing Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery; I cannot speak highly enough of his and his staff's care. My only complaint is that there are often long wait times for appointments for PT and follow-ups.
SA
Google
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Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. SANJAY KHURANA was so personable and helpful. He explained my condition and gave me preventive treatments that would avoid surgery. Thank you!
MC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Millstein is patient, thorough, and thoughtful in his approach. He spends the time to explain what your issues are and the options for solving them. I have had two completely successful surgeries in the past with him (achilles tendon and meniscus), yet with my current injury he is advocating non-surgical approaches first. Highly recommend.
BL
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I just saw Dr.Combs first time today. It's a Monday and during Covid19, so it was a bit busy in the office. I had to wait for about 45 minutes to see him. He explained everything to me, my current prognosis, my options, surgical and non surgical treatments. He does Not prescribe pain medications as it was my first time there. I will be calling my primary doctor today. He didn't treat me as an assembly line patient which is nice. Will post more once I have the surgery.
PG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Christopher Combs, MD

I could not recommend anyone better for spinal issues! His knowledge, care and follow thru are unsurpassed! He is VERY conservative in treatment and tries to rectify the problems without surgery. When I was under his care we did still need to do a double fusion on my neck after Epidurals and PT failed. He informed me that my range of motion might be slightly limited. Now, years later, it is as perfect as it was before I began having complications! Now, seeing him to help me with my lower back. I am confident that I'll be as good as new in no time!
LK
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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Lee showed great thoughtfulness and respect. I broke my toe right before Christmas. He took the time to discuss my options and answer questions. Said he'd typically tape the broken toe to the next toe to help immobilize and align as it heals, but mine was in the 5% that are bad enough to recommend surgery to pin it. I try to avoid surgery when I can and he offered me that option with the fallback of reconstruction later on, if needed. We discussed the pro's and con's and I chose to skip surgery at that time. I kept the wrap on consistently and limited physical activity the next month and my toe was able to heal in alignment as hoped. I'm two months out now and it's healing even better than expected. Really grateful for such a kind and dignifying doctor.
AU
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

Dr. Millstein is a wonderful doctor. I went to him for knee replacement surgery, as well as for his opinion regarding rotator cuff surgery. He suggested that no surgery was necessary at this time. I trust Dr. M and his opinions.
JC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, 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.
P
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Leonel Hunt, MD

Wonderful bedside manner. Gotta love this guy- so far no surgery!!! He keeps me walking on shots. His staff is also amazing and friendly .
SG
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I've had to have a number of arthritis related surgeries over the years and fortunately they have all been successful. With these experiences one gets feel for the doctor in a number of ways. Some surgeons are more than happy to do surgery and others are much more conservative wanting to explore physical therapy and other options to avoid surgery. Dr. Millstein is conservative and someone I highly recommend.
RW
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I chose Dr. Bae over three other, highly recommended spine surgeons and I'm totally convinced I chose brilliantly. I'm 85 years young and have been handicapped with spinal stenosis for forty years. My walking numbness, painful irritation and lack of good balance was ruining my life. I couldn't even walk my dog without sitting on the curb four or five times. I was afraid of an unsuccessful surgery, so I tried two other non surgical solutions. One was a San Fernando Valley fraud chiropractor who promised laser treatments would cure me. The only thing he cured was his empty wallet. Another "doctor" promised that pulling my spine apart with an expensive pulling machine would cure me. He robbed me of $6,000 without doing my spine one bit of good. I finally visited Dr. Bae because two close married friends both had been very happy with his surgery and the wonderful permanent results. Dr. Bae was wonderfully reassuring when he saw my MRI printout, and the successful results of the surgery proved him 100% right. I feel like a young buck again. Thanks Hyun Bae for making me feel smart as hell as well. Also, thankfully, Dr. Bae's P.A., Lisa was always available with intelligent and helpful answers to all of my questions. Jerry Mayer 5/16/17
EM
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Hyun Bae, MD

Found him on Yelp and the rave reviews are well-deserved! Went up on the elevator with two current post-op patients and their opinions of him were very enthusiastic. Went for a third opinion about my shoulder because the first two were so different. He answered all my questions and explained his opinion (no surgery necessary) clearly. Best mix of medical expertise, courtesy and warmth.
LA
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I have plenty of experience with orthopedic surgeons and I have to say Dr. Millstein is the best. I've been in for several issues and appreciated his careful diagnosis and explanation of the problem, and especially the way he talks patients through options for treatment including non-surgical options. Solid. And I'll add that his offices have been great about scheduling appointments and getting me in soon after I call. Just a top notch operation all around.
AC
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I couldn't have picked a better Dr. for my disk replacement. For over two years I suffered with debilitating neck and shoulder pain due to a damaged disc C5-C6. I saw two surgeons here in Las Vegas and tried all the nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, two rounds of physical therapy and epidural steroid injections) to no avail. Both local surgeons eventually recommended spinal fusion. NO WAY, I said. For over a year, I spent hours researching alternative treatments and that's how I found Dr. Bae. On June 2015, I had my initial consultation. When you enter Dr. Bae's office the first person you will interact with is Julie, Dr. Bae's medical secretary. She is incredibly efficient, helpful and skillful at communicating with nervous patients like myself. When you meet Dr. Bae the first thing you will notice is how confident and forthright he is. First, he examined my medical history and MRI images, he showed my husband and I where the prolapsed disk was pressing against the spinal cord and then he explained (in plain language) what could be done surgically to free up the nerve. Both my husband and I were extremely impressed with Dr. Bae's minimally invasive approach to surgery, his communication skills and sincere desire to stop my pain. The surgery, insurance coverage, hospital stay, follow up care, etc was all made possible by his wonderful PA Lisa. Lisa was instrumental in coordinating the "long distance" planning of my surgery in Santa Monica - most of it through email and phone calls. She was SUPER quick replying to all of my questions! Thank You Lisa. Seven weeks ago, Dr Bae replaced my degenerated disk with a Mobi-C cervical disk and I'm feeling fantastic. I Just completed the first week of physical therapy here in Vegas and for the first time in years I'm starting to live free of pain. If you are struggling with a spinal condition, trust Dr. Bae and his amazing team!
CV
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Hyun Bae, MD

I'm not it ANY way associated with Dr. Millstein and his office outside of the many positive experiences with him and the staff. The least I can do is share here. This is my first review. I am a performer with a touring Broadway production. After many non-surgical treatments for an ongoing shoulder injury, it was time for serious intervention. After researching surgeons around the country I landed here in LA and had an appointment with Dr. Millstein. He was not quick to diagnose without first hearing ALL of my questions/concerns. He was very realistic and truthful about my recovery which any athlete/performer appreciates when your livelihood depends on it. It did not take long for me to decide this was the proper route. The front office has been very communicative, polite, professional. Response to any questions I'd have usually were responded to via callback or email the same day. (Not to mention Dr. Millstein called me the night of my surgery to check up!) The nursing staff in the office is amazing as well. They have always been very encouraging, upbeat, and "in tune". None of this feels "put on" or disingenuous. In approximately 6 or 7 appointments I've not waited more than 10 minutes to be placed in a room. Within another 5 minutes a nurse is taking blood pressure, etc. and another 5 Dr. Millstein is there. Something to consider is other patients, like myself, who have 1000 concerns and Dr. Millstein sits, listens, and answers without rushing. We should appreciate an office that functions this way. What's waiting a bit longer, if needed, to know you (and others) will receive top care? Finally, (and most importantly) I have made a FULL recovery. I am SO glad I went through with surgery with Dr. Millstein. I am back to 8 shows a week with no pain.
RR
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

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