Second opinions reviews

Dr. Millstein presented as very knowledgeable, caring and honest. I saw him for a third opinion and although he could've easily made money from my great PPO plan, he asked my about my future plans in regards to my desire for activity level and sports. He recommended a conservative approach and gave me hope instead of scaring me and talking me into surgery. I think it shows great character and honesty in a true professional.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is my hero! I'm 71 years old and have had back problems all my life with 7 curvatures in my cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine leading to pain, pinched nerves, numbness, etc. I've relied on chiropractic adjustments to alleviate my discomfort for many years, but my condition had been getting worse the last 2-3 years. My back pain was now expanding down both legs and was accompanied by numbness as well. I was now walking like Quasi Moto, hunched over and to the right to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves. In May 2018, I saw an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays and sent me for an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI, he referred me to an orthopedic spine surgeon in his office who informed me that I was precariously close to becoming incontinent (best case scenario) or paralyzed (worst case scenario) due to the severe stenosis I had from L2 to S1 (4 levels) as well as anterolisthesis at L5 on S1. I was scheduled for surgery early July 2018 for decompression at 4 levels and "some" fusion. I was told I would have a scar about 10" long on my back and be on a walker for 4 months. I got all the instructions regarding no bending, lifting (5 lb. max.) or twisting, driving and travel restrictions, etc. This was really depressing since I'm so accustomed to being independent and not relying on others to do things for me. I wanted a second opinion so I asked my chiropractor for a recommendation. I showed him the report of my MRI and he referred me to Dr. Khurana, telling me the outcome would be critically dependent upon the surgeon I chose. I called Dr. Khurana's Torrance office at Beach Cities Orthopedic that day and got an appointment for the very next day (he's only at the Torrance office on Wednesdays and I live in the South Bay). Dr. Khurana concurred that I needed surgery and described the technique (microsurgery) he employs in detail for the decompression L2-S1 (4 levels), as well as the anterior approach he preferred for fusion of L4-L5 & L5-S1. This would leave me with about a 4 inch scar on my back. He works with a vascular surgeon to perform the ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and his preferred vascular surgeon was Dr. Rao, whose first available date was July 10, 2018 at Providence St. John's Hosp. in Santa Monica, so that's what I signed up for. That vertical abdominal scar is about 3 inches long from the navel down. The next part of my story is the best part. I did remarkably well post-op. I never used a walker once after I returned home. Sure I had to wear a back brace whenever I wasn't sitting or lying down, but what a huge relief. I stopped all pain killers and muscle relaxants after 2 weeks. I have no more leg pain or numbness at all. I still feel a little ache in my low back but I assume I will until the fusion is completely healed. I started walking in the neighborhood 10-20 minutes a day and worked up to 1 hour walks in week 4 post-op. I'm almost 3 months post-op now and I only wear the brace when I walk. I do that daily and while walking I think about how I couldn't walk even 5 minutes without pain and numbness before the surgery. I thank God for my blessings every day... and Dr. Khurana.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Bhalla is a very conscientious and knowledge person and figured out my shoulder pain was actually a herniated disk in my cervical spine. He thoroughly explained my options for treatment and even suggested for me to get a second opinion before I decided to have surgery with him. The surgery was success and I'm very thankful for Dr. Bhalla's care during my whole ordeal.

Amandeep Bhalla, 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.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dealing with pain after an accident, & I needed a second opinion. Dr Estess was very patient with me, made me feel comfortable and helped me to better understand my situation. I'm very grateful to have found her!

Allyson Estess, MD

OUTSTANDING! Just had Dr. Millstein perform surgery on my torn meniscus. He was actually my 'second opinion' doctor and i found his explanation of the surgery and its ramifications to be thorough and understandable to me -- a frustrated old sports player. Prior to the surgery, Dr. Millstein literally showed me through the entire procedure -- with pictures! The surgery was painless and the healing process has been much more pleasant than the last three months trying to live with the torn meniscus while going through physical therapy. His bedside demeanor is very friendly and compassionate without being patronizing or obsequious.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Wonderful doctor! Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, skilled, responsive, and respectful. Dr. Millstein operated on my torn meniscus. When discussing the problem and possible solutions, Dr. Millstein thoroughly answered all of my questions and encouraged me to get a second opinion. When I had a follow up question after my appointment, his clinic's on-call service was able to address my concern. When the time came for surgery (which Dr. Millstein was able to schedule promptly), Dr. Millstein was a pro. Afterwards, he showed me, through images, exactly what he had done. I was back on my feet very quickly. Highly recommended.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

This is the first time that I have written a review on Yelp. I was compelled to do so after receiving wonderful care from Dr. Millstein. I had a terrible experience with the first doctor I saw, Bert Mandelbaum, and asked family and friends for a new recommendation. My uncle (bless his soul) recommended Dr. MIllstein. My uncle had both knees replaced by Millstein and absolutely loved him. Side note: I later found out that my very good friend went to Millstein after a car accident badly damaged her knee and she raved about him. I called his office and had an appt within 3-4 days. I waited about 30 minutes, for which he apologized, but I told him it was not a problem after the 2+ hour wait I had with Mandelbaum. He noticed that I had a swollen bursa in my knee and gave me a cortisone shot. Problem solved. The pain dissipated and it never returned. I would recommend Dr. Millstein a million times over. He is smart, caring and great at what he does. He takes his time, displays compassion and figures out the problem. I went to a top knee specialist prior to Millstein, and he completely misdiagnosed me. I am so very glad that I got a second opinion. Millstein will be my first choice if I ever experience another knee issue. He is fabulous! Not only do I highly recommend him, but my good friend and and my uncle do as well. So consider this three reviews in one. Good luck!

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Eric S. Millstein, MD