Nonsurgical care and treatment options · Patient experiences

Eric S. Millstein, MD.
Nonsurgical care and treatment options reviews.

12 five-star reviews for Dr. Eric S. Millstein discuss nonsurgical care and treatment options. Patients share stories of clear explanations and helpful staff. 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.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

A person behind your care

Get to know
Eric S. Millstein.

Dr. Eric Millstein is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Commons Clinic, where he helps lead a new, more connected model of musculoskeletal care. He specializes in total joint replacement of the knee and shoulder, as well as sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and joint preservation. Known for delivering excellent outcomes and faster recoveries, Dr. Millstein combines surgical expertise with a personal, attentive style that makes patients feel truly cared for.

Patients describe him as kind, clear, and highly skilled—someone who listens first, explains thoroughly, and guides them through the recovery process with confidence. His team is equally known for their warmth and professionalism, creating a care experience that’s both top-tier and deeply human.

Outside the OR, Dr. Millstein is a dedicated dad to two teenagers, and likes to stay active—often on the basketball court or ski slopes.

Total Knee ReplacementPartial Knee ReplacementTotal Shoulder ReplacementReverse Total ShoulderKnee ArthroscopyShoulder Arthroscopy

Meet Eric S. Millstein at Commons Clinic ↗

Bring what matters to you

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

  • What would I like to ask about the options being discussed?
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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 nonsurgical care and treatment options. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.

12 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

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
Reviewer’s Google activity

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
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I fell on a treadmill that stopped while going around 6.8 mph on an 14.5 incline and slammed hard and fast onto a wood floor. I broke my shoulder, dislocated it, and caused a rotator tear. I waited several weeks for the appointment and drove from the Valley. This was a trek that seemed worth it. Now in retrospect was likely a fair amount of one reviews (questionable ratings). Dr Millstein is nice enough but that does not make a great doctor. He spent less than three minutes with me. There was almost no exam except for 'hold your arm out.' Then he announced the diagnosis of frozen shoulder and proceeded to offer me steroids. I had a tumor history so he then said I could not have this until I got clearance from my doctor. I appreciated that taking that caution, but I would also like to think an MD would know that Glios and brain tumors in this category are the only tumors that are exacerbated by steroids/Cortisones). You would think a doctor would know that. My neurotologist said as much. Additionally, I asked about a Cortisone shot vs steroids. First, he said no to the shot then he flip flopped. I want a doctor to tell me with absolution what I need. This should not be a pick and choose like a pair of shoes with a patient. This is why I drove out of my way. Additionally, he told me to call the doctor myself. I never heard of a doctor telling the patient to call and ask their doctor. Normal protocol is a staff member gets the doctors' info and then communicates with the doctor or gets them on the line with the doctor needing the information (I have a fair number of doctors in my family). I could have not bothered and said it's fine and just had the shot or meds, but I didn't. I was assured that I could be fit in the following week if I had to come back. Thanksgiving weekend was two days later so I had to wait until the following week. I proceeded to call five days after that visit only to be told it would be another two weeks. They offered me a slot that day but there was no way I could get there otherwise it was another two weeks. No accommodations were made and then it's another trip, visit, and more unnecessary nonsense in addition to weeks more pain, but I think it was a lesson learned because he is not the right doctor for me. I sent my info to a surgeon that treats top sports teams, and he offered a non-surgical procedure. Was this even mentioned in that 2.5-minute visit...nope! In conclusion: this doctor does not respect other peoples' time and seems a bit too speedy with the very limited offered care in the visit.
CC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, 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

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

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
Reviewer’s Google activity

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
Read review on Yelp

Eric S. Millstein, 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
Read review on Yelp

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'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
Read review on Yelp

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Mine was a very mixed experience with this orthopedist and staff. I found Dr. Millstien on the internet. I’ve been treated several times in his offices for a very typical joint issue, no surgery. His offices are very conveniently located. Each was very clean with absolutely no wait times. It is really comfortable in the beautiful waiting areas; both waiting areas were nearly always empty on all of my visits. My first impression of Dr. Millstien was that he was a nice guy. But although my first visit was fine, I get a strong sense something is “off” with this organization. My second visit was OK, but I’ve noticed that this doctor’s bedside manner seems caring at first, but later surfaces as quite arrogant, condescending and “superior to you.” Honestly, he comes off making it clear that he is doing you a favor by treating you. Although he called me with test results, he recommended a very cookie-cutter approach -- cortizone “for the pain” -- which I resisted as I knew it to be a short-term, band-aid fix. My pain had gone. I succeeded in leading him (via many phone calls with one helpful nurse) to a more sophisticated treatment used by the top guys. I would have expected him to have led this discussion and options with me right off the bat since it is known that cortizone can have negative side effects. Still...no big deal. But what followed were excruciating, unnecessary problems with his poorly trained staff -- they are incompetent, unhelpful and really don’t seem to care that a patient is calling because that patient needs assistance. In my case, I only needed a procedure code typically required by insurance -- just a number! Ironically, they answer the phone with “How may I help you?” yet cannot or will not fulfill that promise. One staffer refused to provide the code, yelled at me and made me feel as if my insurance company’s need was a real bother to her and her co-workers. What the very rude and condescending staff member finally provided....... was still wrong simply because she refused to listen to my request. Her behavior was unacceptable. I ended up getting the needed code from the doctor in person on my final visit -- it took him less than 10 seconds to provide it. I really gave this place a chance because it is so convenient and their internet website marketing really pulled me in. But I will NOT return here and certainly would NOT consider surgery with this organization should I need it. Lesson learned -- 1) don’t pic a doc off the internet just because he is close. 2) the way the staff treat patients starts at the top of the organization, trickling down from the attitude of the guy whose name is on the door. There are hundreds of great orthopedic guys with professional, caring, service-oriented staffs in Los Angeles. Now I am reminded why the best orthopedists have the busiest waiting rooms!
M
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

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