Second opinions.
In patients’ words.

Dr Sanjay Khurana is a humble genius . I am writing on behalf of my husband a retired surgeon. He suffered two serious collisions and has had a 16 year history of back issues . Dr took at least half hour to review the current MRI and CT . He had performed surgery to remove a large ruptured disc fragment ,as emergency , in 2017 and fusion in 2019 . We reviewed new techniques and have a move forward treatment plan. Dr recommended we get second opinion and give serious thought . We have total confidence in his opinion and his surgical skill, empathy, and ability to communicate. 5 stars !!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Ramkumar is so awesome! From the beginning of my diagnoses, he was very transparent with me about my options and how full hip replacement would look for me. I was extremely afraid as this was my first surgery, but Dr. Ramkumar wasn’t pushy. He met me with factual information, images, and humor (especially when I was in tears). My full hip replacement as a 33 year old woman, was not only very neat, clean, and seamless, but it restored my self-esteem and ability to move the way that I’m used to. I have absolutely no complaints! I’m so glad I went with a second opinion, which is how I met Dr. Ramkumar. As a former athlete, I needed someone who has expertise in understanding the many facets of my range of motion and what I expected after surgery (to return to a semi-active lifestyle) that includes attention to diet and holistic options. Thank you so much for your precision, attention to detail, and knowledge. I couldn’t have chosen a better surgeon nor team!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I was “bone on bone“ in both of my knees and had been to see 3 different knee specialists over the past 10 yrs. Dr. Ramkumar was the first and only one of the three to tell me that a partial knee replacement was even an option. It was what he recommended, and he backed it up with my x-rays and a clear explanation as to why a partial vs. a full was the clear way to go. Besides his phenomenal surgical expertise, one of the things I really appreciated about Dr. R is that he “got me“. I’m on the chronologically gifted side of things (71YO), but he took the time to understand how active a lifestyle I led, and the things I wanted to be able to keep doing after surgery, i.e. motocross ride, snow ski, pickleball, golf, hike and last but not least - play with our 7 grandkids! I worked out for 2 1/2 months prior to surgery to get my legs in the best possible shape and to help with recovery. Post surgery results have FAR exceeded my expectations. I know every patient will be different, but I have not experienced the pain level I anticipated. As of this writing, I’m 2 1/2 weeks post surgery and have only had to take two pain pills, and I walked 3.1 miles the day after surgery. We went to Disneyland with some friends a week and a day after surgery and walked from 9am-10:30pm. I was tired at the end but no knee pain following either walk! I would highly encourage anyone to pay Dr. R a visit, especially if you’ve already been told you need a full knee replacement. That’s nothing to mess with, and a second opinion could be very helpful in making an informed and wise decision.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I was referred to Dr. Lee by 2 retired foot/ankle doctors for a second opinion and was thrilled they did!!! Turned out I did not need surgery, wearing a boot and slowing moving into an ankle brace would do the trick. So far it is all working and at 85 who really wants surgery if the above two items will do the job. Thank you Dr Lee for your time and your office staff is so welcoming. M. Medanich

David Lee, MD

Dr Millstein seemed sincere in his second opinion assessment of my patella fracture and in the best course moving forward

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I am a 30 year retired Navy Master Chief who has had 2 previous back surgeries, and now awaiting my 3rd. The plan is extensive and I am concerned. I appreciate the positive reviews given to Dr. Hunts expertise, and I am going to make an appointment for a second opinion.

Leonel Hunt, MD

I went to Dr. Bhalla for a second opinion and I’m really glad I did. He gave me a clear explanation and a different outlook than my first doctor, which made me feel a lot better about my situation. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen. He’s got a good sense of humor too, which made the visit feel comfortable. The office is nice, and the staff were all super friendly and helpful. I’ll definitely be continuing my treatment with Dr. Bhalla.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Met w/ Dr Eric Millstein on Monday for a second opinion. It was a very useful meeting, and he recommended having a Manipulation which I will do.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Seeing Dr. Prem has honestly been the best thing that has ever happened to me. This upcoming July will be two years since I was involved in a car accident. In the accident I sustained a few injuries, a hip fracture being one of them. My career as professional soccer player who has sustained an injury that severe had left me feeling lost and scared wondering if I would ever be able to touch the pitch again. I knew it in my heart that it wasn’t over. After being discharged from the hospital and doing rehab I still felt unsure… doctors would think I was crazy or would turn me down and say “in time” on getting back to where I was at, or even worse… maybe not even able to play anymore but I knew I needed to look elsewhere and get a second opinion. When I first met Prem it was like god sent him to me. He told me his previous work and how he had worked on athletes of my caliber and I knew that he would get me to where I know I could be. Keep in mind when I met him I wasn’t able to put my knee to my chest in a 90 degree angle, I had a limp, I had tightness near my groin area, and I had metal plates in me. We created a game plan he would get me to be able to get my knee to my chest, improve my range of motion, remove those plates, and release the tension. I had faith that he could do it, and so did he. His confidence had made me trust him so much more, and his work proves it. The surgeries? A success. I now have my range of motion back to where it once was, my injuries are healed, and it’s safe to say I’m back to being on the pitch again doing what I loved since I was a kid. After countless times of being told “you may not be able to play again” it took one visit with Prem to turn that uncertainty around and prove to those that they were wrong. I owe Prem everything and I appreciate him so much.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I saw doctor Dr. Khurana for a second opinion and so glad I did! He provided excellent information and advice. I highly recommend him!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

I visited Dr. Khurana for a 2nd opinion and in the process was won over to a new spine specialist. When my physical therapist recommended Dr. Khurana as someone I should get an opinion from, his was a name I’d heard many times over the years. He had a reputation as one of the top spine surgeons in the country. This was something I’d heard touted numerous times over the years. Selecting a doctor with Dr Khurana’s prominence to render a second opinion on a surgery I was scheduled to undergo was comforting to my unsettled mind. I was seeking confidence that the surgery I was about to undergo was appropriate. Alternatives approaches hadn’t been discussed and in the absence of such, I was left to assume surgery was my only option. I just didn’t know the degree of necessity. Was it absolutely necessary? Unsure as I was, I was racing toward another double ADR surgery. I already had double ADR surgery some years ago. Following through with the surgery as planned would render the majority of my cervical spine artificial. Was this even prudent? How many quadruple ADRs exist in the universe? What are the outcomes? I had questions and needed confirmation from another spine specialist that additional ADR surgery was my best course of action. Dr. Khurana analyzed my cervical imaging and surgical history. He reviewed his interpretations with me and my wife, provided us ample time to ask all the questions that had remained unanswered and in the end, it was Dr. Khurana opinion that I didn’t need surgery. Dr. Khurana explained his diagnosis and other more measured alternatives available to treat my case. My visit to Dr. Khurana was as relieving as it was revealing. I feel very fortunate to have turned to Dr. Khurana for answers. It was, in retrospect, a very good decision. Dr. Khurana may be a highly regarded spine surgeon, but he’s a good doctor because he understands the importance of communication and through it, connects. By comparison, It’s now obvious to me what I was missing in my relationship with my previous spine doctor – a human connection. In better hands, C

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I had a problem with my knee for nine months, and had been seeing another orthopedic surgeon who had misdiagnosed me. Luckily, I had the good sense to obtain a second opinion from Dr. Millstein. Dr. Millstein made a diagnosis in literally two minutes, and my knee was operated on about two weeks later. After nine months of walking with extreme pain in my right knee, I obtained complete relief in a very short period of time. Extremely grateful to be able to walk without pain, and extremely grateful to this excellent doctor, who did not even need to obtain any imaging studies whatsoever to make my diagnosis. As a doctor myself, my advice for anyone out there who is experiencing frustration with their doctors's diagnosis is to obtain a second opinion! Not all doctors know what the hell they're doing. And with medicine getting busier and crazier than ever before, and insurance companies less and less willing to pay for tests, outstanding doctors such as Dr. Millstein are becoming more and more crucial.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I give Dr. Khurana a million stars if I could. He is very knowledgeable and compassionate. I thought I hurt my left shoulder somehow and had excruciating nerve pain running down my left arm. It was so bad I wanted to chew it off myself. I went to several doctors that sent me for an MRI of the shoulder and was sent for physical therapy. One finally sent me for an MRI of my neck which showed a degenerative disk that was pressing on a nerve. I wasn't comfortable with that doctor or a fan of spine surgery so I went to a chiropractor for help. After several treatments there was no relief in sight. By some miracle my dermatologist suggested I call Dr. Khurana and get a second opinion. I did and was able to get an appointment the next day! When he saw me almost in tears from the pain and me telling him I had a planned trip to Italy a week later, he immediately told me he would make room for me to have surgery to replace a disk in my neck the very next day. Something about the way he said it and of course researching him the day prior, made me feel at ease. Well, he did the surgery, it took a few days to feel myself again, but only because of the anesthesia. I felt no pain the moment I woke after surgery. The pain was gone! Within one week, I was able to board several flights, pain free and enjoy a well deserved Italian vacation with my family. I wouldn't have been able to do that without the surgery and certainly not without Dr. Khurana's expertise! His staff from the front desk to the surgery center he uses to his after care team is by far the BEST I have ever experienced. Don't hesitate to make an appointment if you have spinal pain. You have a life to live and Dr. Khurana may help you live it pain free! Thank you again doctor for your compassion!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Millstein is one of the few orthopedists I have been to who recommends non-invasive procedures before heading straight for surgery. He is honest, kind, so smart and has so much integrity. This is my second, second opinion for my osteoarthritic knee issues over a four year period. He hasn't steered me wrong yet. I highly recommend him and have great respect for his insights. Rosemary Amendola-Sellers

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I initially sought a second opinion from Dr. Eric Millstein, but after meeting with him, I decided to continue my care with him. Dr. Millstein's attentiveness and genuine listening made a significant impact on me. His excellent bed manners and the courtesy of his staff further enhanced my experience. I am extremely satisfied with the care I am receiving and highly recommend Dr. Milstein for his professionalism and compassionate approach.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Estess was incredibly helpful and gave me a thorough explanation of what was going on with my shoulder. I sought her out for a third opinion and was glad I did. She spent a lot of time with me explaining the MRI and options to consider for me before jumping into surgery. She was kind, practical, helpful and friendly. I trust her judgment and appreciate the way she gave me a full picture of what to anticipate: pros and cons, of my condition.

Allyson Estess, MD

I saw Dr Millstein for a second opinion on a knee replacement surgery. His recommendation was very straight forward and direct. He gave me exactly the information I needed to move forward with the knee replacement.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Estess is not just fantastic as a physician, but she has incredible integrity. I went to see her to get a second opinion on a major surgery I was scheduled to have only a few days later. She carefully evaluated all my data, took her time examining me and understanding the pain I had, and identified the real cause of the issue. I will never forget her saying, "I am a surgeon and I LOVE doing surgery. But, I don't think the pain you're having is going to be fixed with the surgery you're about to have." She turned out to be correct and saved me months of painful rehab that would have been unnecessary. To say that I am grateful that I went to see her would be an understatement. Don't think twice about seeing Dr Estess if you need orthopedic / sports medicine consultation. You will be in good hands.

Allyson Estess, MD

I don't really know where to begin. I was introduced to Dr. Khurana after injuring my neck and not having any strength/extreme pain in my shoulder. This was a Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. He reviewed my MRI and knowing the pain I was in insisted that his assistant schedule me for surgery Thursday that same week and not wait until Friday. I had a herniated disk. It was in pieces. It was only one day but it showed a lot about the doctor understanding his patients and doing what needs to be done to put them first. He answered all my questions, was honest about everything I asked him, and most importantly made me feel like I was his only patient despite having I believe 4 other procedures to do that day. I didn't even get a 2nd opinion...this guy was so impressive upon meeting him my father who is a physician and I decided it wasn't necessary. I handled zero paperwork, everything is done for you, what a pleasure. Lastly, I was back at work 4 days later. I was back playing 18 holes of golf 5 weeks post op. No rehab was necessary. I simply cannot say enough good things about this man. I thanked him 1000 times over and its still not enough. I am back to normal life. Dr. Khurana is the absolute best!!!!!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Millstein was my second opinion and his diagnosis and bedside manner inspire complete confidence. Dr. Millstein is my number one choice to do my surgery! Two colleagues had successful outcomes after Dr. Millstein operated on them. This is a complicated surgery and I'm feeling positive with Dr. Millstein as my surgeon!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

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!

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Sanjay Khurana, 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

Went through alot a pain from having a bulging disc for over a year. I came to DR bhalla for a second opinion from my previous DR. I liked the way he treated me and gave me answers I was looking for . Treated me with respect and I followed through with surgery on L4-L-5 decectomy . I am no longer having pain shooting down my leg thank GOd for Dr Bahalla. He is the best . I would like to thank him and his staff for the treatment and all the hard work.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I went to Dr. Bae after finding him through an online search for a second opinion. I am so lucky that I had him operate instead of the doctor that I saw before him. I had spinal stenosis and spinal decompression surgery with a spinal fusion was the standard procedure for my diagnosis. Dr. Bae told me about a clinical trial that I might qualify for that could be performed instead of fusion. I qualified and had the surgery. He performed the surgery at an outpatient hospital and I walked out the same day. I was able to drive in a week and returned to work very part time in two weeks. I am able to do so many things I couldn't do before the surgery and am seeing more and more improvement in the four months since the surgery. I had complete confidence in Dr. Bae's abilities and would highly recommend him to anyone that has spinal problems. He is the best!!!

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Hyun Bae, MD