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Best possible outcomes because of Dr. Millstein! I couldn't be happier with my recent knee replacement that Dr. Millstein performed. And - I'm only 2 weeks out from the surgery! He was very upfront with the pros and cons for me. I have always felt that he truly cares about me and my situation. I have Lupus and arthritis and have deliberated the decision for the replacement for almost 10 years. I was told for the first few that I was too young for it at the time. I'm still technically too young since there is a possibility I'll have to have another one someday. But - Dr. M never pushed the surgery on me. In fact, he told me two years ago, that he wouldn't do it for "aggravating" only when it became unbearable. That happened this year when I was held back from almost all of the activities I have enjoyed my whole life. It was time. And I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I was a bit concerned at the start - because I got a UTI in the hospital and had to stay on a little longer. But - my care from Dr. Millstein and the residents on call took amazing care of me, gave me a lot of attention and clearly explained the issues and risks. I came home in fine shape, and was off to rehab! Best decision I've made regarding my health in a long time. I can't wait to ski, hike, bike and play in the coming months!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr Wassef is an incredibly skilled surgeon who treats his patients like good friends. In less than 5 weeks after my hip replacement, I was back on the dance floor. My physical therapist was so impressed with my recovery that he released me after 12 sessions of therapy. If you’re considering hip, knee, or shoulder surgery, definitely get an opinion from Dr Wassef.
Andrew Wassef, 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
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Estess is an amazing doctor I broke my knee cap in 7 pieces on dec. 7,2016 and did an amazing job on repairing my knee cap which I thought would be totally impossible just had the hardware taken out and will be on my way to recovery thanks to her and the staff I highly recommend her if you need a great doctor. K. Jackson
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Bae did my disc replacement L5-S1 in Oct 2015. He did an outstanding job. Recently I went to go and visit him because I have been having pain in my buttocks and he never hesitated to order and MRI and possible injections. Every time I leave his office I leave with a smile because I know I can count on Dr. Bae. His professionalism and sympathy for his patience just make him one humble man. Thank you to Dr. Bae and his staff, especially, Hugo, Alexis and Lisa for helping fill out my forms. I am looking forward continuing my treatment with Dr. Bae and his staff so I can recover 100%. Thanks! Adriana!
Hyun Bae, MD
In February, I had a bad fall and was in agony. My primary caregiver at Cedars said that all of the surgeons at the Spine Center were highly competent but her recommendation would be that I see Dr. Bae because of his personal attention to each patient and caring manner. I am so grateful for the recommendation because after two lumbar spinal fractures (one burst) I was in excruciating pain but was hesitant to undergo surgery. I actually had no choice in the matter because, in addition to the horrendous pain, my spine was left unstable after the fall. Upon awakening from a three-hour surgery by Dr. Bae, I was instantly relieved of 90% my pain. I am now pain free at the six-week mark post-surgery and have been approved by Dr. Bae for outpatient physical therapy. I couldn't be happier with the results and cannot praise Dr. Bae and his entire team enough!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
Eric Millstein performed my meniscus operation so skillfully that I took nothing but Advil in the days following surgery. Four years later I can't find the scars that were supposed to last a lifetime, and have had no further discomfort in my knee. (I sometimes have to think for a moment to remember which side used to bother me.) Better yet, he's patient and communicative. I recently went in for a few mild sports injuries and was impressed by how unhurried and thoughtful he was in evaluating each issue and offering advice. He really puts you at ease. After my appointment I remembered something I'd wanted to ask, so I emailed his front desk, who called me early the next day with his reply. Bedside manner really matters when you're injured! Years ago a surgeon in San Francisco performed a tendon repair on my right foot. The surgery went well, but the period leading up to it and my subsequent recovery were punctuated by anxiety, due to the surgeon's penchant for answering only a few precious questions ("When can I start to walk?") before disappearing without warning for his next appointment. It led to some fierce arguments with my mom, who helped me get to appointments, over whether we'd asked the right questions in our allotted time. It was highly stressful, and made the experience of getting hurt all the less pleasant. On the contrary, thanks to Eric Millstein my experience was a positive one throughout.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein is an excellent orthopedic surgeon. I initially saw him for severe arthritis in both of my shoulders. In 8/16, Dr. Millstein performed right shoulder total replacement surgery. My recovery has been excellent. I never thought that I would regain my strength and range of motion to the extent that I have. My physical therapist has consistently remarked that Dr. Millstein's skill is excellent. At each and every visit, Dr. Millstein gave me all the time I needed to have my questions answered. His office staff is excellent and very caring. J. V.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Khurana performed a micro spinal stenosis surgery in Jan. 2015 at Marina Del Rey Hospital. I've waited 2 years to give a review, one never knows how back surgery will turn out long term. Before the surgery I could barely walk, 4 Advil and 1/2 prescription pain killer got my day going. By mid day I'd take 4 more Advil and at night I'd take 4 more, this went on for several years. Today I can work in the garden, build a shed and I can play golf. I hit the ball farther at 65 than I did at 50. ... Dr. Khurana is the best and he is honest in evaluation. He didn't make promises other than I would have less pain. He hoped for the best and wanted to deliver the best. I could not ask for better, I got the best and couldn't be happier. He's worth a visit to see what he can do for you. (Still doing great at 67).
Sanjay Khurana, MD
My new Ortho... (traveled from Idaho) I am a very "active" grandma of seven... It wasn't until after vetting four different Ortho's that I choose Dr. Garabekyan. I had bi-lateral labral tears in my hips and was in a lot of constant pain. I went to some of the "best" hip surgeons in LA and Beverly Hills. I left their offices feeling discouraged and not very confident. I sought out Dr. Garabekyan for his Arthroscopic Labral repair techniques (no perineal post) and recovery period. From my 1st visit where the tears were explained and the specific details for surgery were given, I was certain he was the right surgeon. He made accommodations for a prompt surgery due to the distance I would need to travel. Dr. Garabekyan gave me his cell number and kept me informed all the way through the process. He was kind enough to share all the details a second time with my husband. Surgery day came, Dr. Garabekyan came into the pre-op room sat with us for 15 minutes, went through the surgery details again, which was very reassuring. Surgery (on both hips) went very well and I walked same day, that was outstanding! He texted me daily to check on my recovery!! Wow! I felt like a VIP! Pain management/recovery: I was off narcotics within 24 hrs. Went on to Toradol for three more days, then to Ibuprofen from there. I used crutches for 1 week inside and two-weeks outside. PT started with bike riding twice a day; PT w/therapist started week 3. My PT was amazed and impressed with my recovery and the techniques that Dr. Garabekyan used. I definitely did my part, but truly believe that my recovery is and has gone so well because of the skills and expertise of my doctor. I am 6 weeks post-op and went for a two-hour beach bike ride in Santa Barbra with my grandchildren even after walking the zoo for two-in-a-half hours!! I am thankful that I listen to my gut and did my research! All my pre-surgery pain is 100% gone! I am pleased to highly recommend Dr. Garabekyan for any of your ortho needs!
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
Dr. Bae operated on me on July 20, 2016, and six days later I went mall walking! Excellent surgeon and I am really thrilled with the results!!! It just keeps getting better each day....I could not even walk a block before surgery and now I am walking 30 minutes! Dr. Bae "forgot" to tell me there would be some pain, but he did a helluva good job.....
Hyun Bae, MD
I am writing exactly one year after my procedure to give Dr. Bae and his office the highest possible recommendation. I did not write earlier because the entire procedure of having two levels of cervical spinal discs replaced went so well and so easily that I forced myself to wait to make sure things remained great. And they have. I was diagnosed in May 2016 with degenerative disc disease with C4/5 and C5/6 bulging directly on my spinal cord, causing numbness and a lack of agility in my hands. Local doctors in the Bay Area said my only choice was a two-level fusion, two nights in the hospital and formidable recovery. I did a lot of reading online and decided that everything about artificial disc replacement seemed better, from procedure to recovery. The only problem was that insurance would not cover it. We bit the bullet and decided to self-fund the surgery. I have never regretted the cost because the experience was AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME. Same-day surgery; I flew in a few days before for pre-op and stayed 11 days afterwards before flying back. The surgi-center was awesome, the surgery went quickly and well, and my recovery was negligible. When Lisa Cano, Dr. Bae's FABULOUS PA, told me that I would not experience much pain I was skeptical, but she was right. I only took one pain pill throughout, the first night. I was out to dinner and going to museums later in the week. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae and Lisa and the staff at the surgi-center highly enough. If you face anything like I faced, with cervical spinal disc issues, you could not do better than to see Dr. Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Terrific surgeon couldn't be better operated on my lower back over a year ago now after rehab & weight loss I couldn't feel better. Dr. Bae works Cedar Sinai Medical Center as well as St. John's Hospital. He's the best in my book!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I had terrible pain in my right should from years of arthritis in my joints. Dr. Milstein performed surgery that replaced my entire shoulder. That was a year ago and I am now pain free. This wonderful doctor has given me a new life! Every day I thank the "powers that be" that sent me to him.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
(This review is WAY late, but more than worth reading!) I had massive knee/joint pain. After meeting with several orthopedists and finding no real rapport or confidence with them, I met with Dr. Millstein. My knees instantly knew they'd found their soulmate! It was clear from arthroscopic surgery I was walking on borrowed time, not to mention being freaked out at the thought of knee replacement. When I'm nervous, I ask a lot of questions, and by "a lot" I mean "a lot MORE than a lot." Not only did he answer each and every one, but went the extra light year and laughed at my jokes (unlike most physicians, who usually threaten to charge me extra). (As they say, I can be a "problem patient.") When it came time to replace my left knee, I went willingly. (He's been kind enough never to mention that in my about-to-enter-dreamland fog, I think I asked him for a date! Oy!) A few days at Cedars-Sinai and a few months of PT and I was walking a zillion times better than I ever had! In fact, a few months later, he replaced my right knee, which I have very comfortably crossed over my left as I type this several years later (I told you I was way late with this). For a while, he no longer accepted my insurance, and I respect him for that, because I felt he was vastly undercompensated by said company. And I am willing to pay the extra "out-of-plan" cost to see him, because I feel 100% comfortable in his care, not to mention that of his nurse, Nancy (how she puts up with me I'll never know either)! In short, if you don't have a leg to stand on, you should see Dr. Millstein! (And no, he didn't laugh at that one either!) In all seriousness, he IS the best!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae did something that 7 other well-known LA neurosurgeons refused to do: take on the tough challenge of correcting a 7-year-old botched surgery. Revisionist surgery is a delicate and difficult undertaking. Everyone else looked at my spine, saw too many problems, and backed off. Dr. Bae looked at the same problems and came up with a plan to fix them. He essentially rebuilt my lower spine. As promised, he took away the constant pain, for which I will be eternally grateful. My initial surgery in 2007 was to correct a foot drop; that "celebrated" surgeon, Dr. Patrick Johnson, not only did NOT correct the problem, but created several more: a deterioration of muscles from the foot on up my entire left side, rendering me unable to walk without knee-high bracing, and with a wheelchair looming in my future. Dr. Bae arrested that progression; there'll be no wheelchair for me now! Nonetheless, even Dr. Bae, amazing as his talents are, couldn't bring back what is already atrophied. However, with the massive remnants of scar tissue and blockages removed, a stronger spine and now pain-free, I can finally attempt to "wake up" what muscles remain and, if I work hard in PT, at least bring back much-needed stability. As you can tell from my story, I'm unfortunately familiar with way too many doctors. I know the difference between waking up from one kind of surgery and the way I felt waking up from this one. One guy was in a hurry, one guy was an artist. Which is why, without reservation, I can confidently recommend Dr. Hyun Bae to help others as he has helped me.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae an amazing doctor! Last December I injured my spine while in North Carolina. The doctors there did what I call temporary fix on my third lumbar which didn't work! Searching for more answers to my problem, Dr. Bae was referred to me as being one of the best in L.A. My first appointment with Dr. Bae was professional in every detail. There was a chance that my spine would heal and he wanted to give it two months. Well, after 4 weeks, I knew something needed to be done. Dr. Bae expedited my appointment and set me up for surgery the following week. He explained clearly everything that would transpire during the one and one-half hour operation. Leaving his office I had complete confidence that I had selected the right doctor. The day of surgery, staff and the doctor were so positive that I was very comfortable leaving my back destiny in his hands. I am happy to say that after surgery the pains have disappeared and I can walk again. I would like to thank Dr. Bae, his excellent assistant Lisa and the entire surgery staff for making my first every hospital stay an easy one. I would also like to thank Amy and Rob for recommending this fantastic surgeon.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Millstein is the perfect orthopedic surgeon for me. He balanced his approach to surgery with care and concern. I am walking pain free after 6 months of difficulties walking. Thank you Dr Millestein
Eric S. Millstein, MD
After 30+ years as a police officer, my back was really messed up. I went to Dr. Bae to see if there was something he could do to help me. He was wonderful but after an MRI, X-rays, etc....it was his opinion that surgery was needed to fix me. Surgery was at Cedars and they were great. Dr. Bae went in to my C-7, T-1 and fixed it. While he was there, he noticed that I had a potential worse problem just above it at C-6, C-7 so, he fixed that too. I woke up with blood running down my forehead (screws to hold my head in place during the surgery) which made me look like Herman Munster LOL, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN. My surgery was in late 2010 and I am still pain-free with no limitations. Thank you Dr. Bae, Lisa (PA) and Julie (#1) for your excellent work. BTW, I have referred several other police officers and firefighters to Dr. Bae and they all have the same opinion.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae changed my life by giving me back my vitality and eliminating my pain. I am a 47 year old athletic female that suffered 3 herniated discs at the same level (L 4-5). I had two microdisctectomies prior to arriving at THE SPINE INSTITUTE that did not hold, I felt better for a while and then suddenly the disc would re-herniate. Dr Bae worked with me (and my insurance company) to get me the disc replacement that would eventually fix me back up. He is so wonderful, I never doubted his decision or his skill. I had many questions that he answered patiently and thoroughly. His office is wonderful, his PA, Lisa, is fantastic. Yes, sometimes there is a wait but that is not the norm (in my experience). I'm very, very pleased to say I'm back to my original activity level and pain free!!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Millstein is the man! Experienced an unusual accident that resulted in a torn knee cap. This was very scary and my first surgery at the ripe age of 70. I had the surgery last week which went well, and am hopefully on the way to what I believe will result in a complete recovery. His office co-ordinator, Mariana , truly went above and beyond the call of duty by always answering my questions and calls in a timely manner. She also dropped off a script for me at the area pharmacy. In a big impersonal city, I cannot rave enough about the warmth, expertise, and professionalism of Dr. Millstein and his staff.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Khurana was one of the most amazing physicians I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Not only was he thoughtful, attentive, understanding, compassionate, but also vested in my recovery. He listened to my questions, I never felt rushed, and he was always there to ease my concerns and help me through my treatment. My spinal injury was a multi-year debacle and I was basically an invalid. Being in my mid-twenties, it was more than depressing not being able to do what I wanted to physically. After my surgery with Dr. Khurana, I got my life back. Dr. Khurana gave me my life back. I'm now back in the gym, playing sports, competitively swimming, and living my life - all thanks to the hands and know-how of Dr. Khurana. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone having spinal issues. I'm back to 100%. He didn't push me for surgery, and we tried several other options prior to. My only regret was waiting two years to find Dr. Khurana, but boy am I thanking my lucky stars that I did.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Khurana was one of the most amazing physicians I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Not only was he thoughtful, attentive, understanding, compassionate, but also vested in my recovery. He listened to my questions, I never felt rushed, and he was always there to ease my concerns and help me through my treatment. My spinal injury was a multi-year debacle and I was basically an invalid. Being in my mid-twenties, it was more than depressing not being able to do what I wanted to physically. After my surgery with Dr. Khurana, I got my life back. Dr. Khurana gave me my life back. I'm now back in the gym, playing sports, competitively swimming, and living my life - all thanks to the hands and know-how of Dr. Khurana. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone having spinal issues. I'm back to 100%. He didn't push me for surgery, and we tried several other options prior to. My only regret was waiting two years to find Dr. Khurana, but boy am I thanking my lucky stars that I did.
Sanjay Khurana, 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.
Eric S. Millstein, MD