Reviews by topic · Care experiences

Treatment choices and shared decisions.
In patients’ words.

Patients often remember how the choices were explained. These reviews mention options and decisions, offering a starting point for your own questions.

184 matching reviews14 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.Estess takes her time to explain things and offers the best options for care.
AG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Allyson Estess, MD

Excerpt

She listened carefully to my symptoms and explained what was going on with my knees and the treatment options available.
DS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Allyson Estess, MD

Read all 21 matching accounts for Allyson Estess, MD →

Excerpt

After initial consultation, x-rays and MRI I had follow up appointment with Dr. Bhalla to discuss options.
CM
Read review on Yelp

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Excerpt

I had a consultation regarding surgical options for cervical radiculopathy.
JC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Read all 29 matching accounts for Amandeep Bhalla, MD →

Excerpt

Very patient and explained my options.
DR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Andrew Wassef, MD

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Excerpt

He took the time to thoroughly explain my diagnosis, reviewed imaging in detail, and clearly outlined the reasoning behind each treatment option.
MH
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

Excerpt

Dr. Ortega took the time to review my MRI in detail, explain my condition thoroughly, and walk me through all my options.
BC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

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Excerpt

Dr Combs listens and explains in layman’s words.He gives you the options and let’s you decide.
MR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Christopher Combs, MD

Excerpt

He explained everything to me, my current prognosis, my options, surgical and non surgical treatments.
PG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Christopher Combs, MD

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Excerpt

my issues are and explains well what options for treatment are available to me. Highly recommend.
R
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

Excerpt

He answered all questions and offered options.
JM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

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Excerpt

The visit to Dr. Millstein was comforting, as he thoroughly explained my shoulder issues, reviewed my options, and answered my concerns.
BR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Excerpt

Dr Millstein could not have been more helpful and precise discussing my options after an acl and meniscus tearing ski accident two weeks prior.
VG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Read all 45 matching accounts for Eric S. Millstein, MD →

Excerpt

Wait time was short and Dr.. Kamrava is very good about explaining treatment options.
LW
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Evish Kamrava, MD

Excerpt

his time with clear explanations presenting all options. The epidural I received was easy and pain-free and so far seems to be successful.
DR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Evish Kamrava, MD

Read all 4 matching accounts for Evish Kamrava, MD →

Excerpt

I especially appreciated his thoughtful approach to shared decision-making—he clearly explained my options without making me feel rushed or pressured.
AA
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Hyun Bae, MD

Excerpt

He gave me the least invasive, cutting edge and advanced surgery options with the quickest recovery!
HO
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Hyun Bae, MD

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Excerpt

We just saw Dr. Hunt for some cervical spine issues and was prepared to discuss surgical options.
CM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Leonel Hunt, MD

Read all 1 matching accounts for Leonel Hunt, MD →

Excerpt

what was going on and what my options were, from there I decided that I wanted to go through with getting a bilateral hip arthroscopy.
KB
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Excerpt

He took the time to answer my questions, explain my options, and give me confidence when I was scared about the future.
JR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Read all 19 matching accounts for Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA →

Excerpt

After years of treatment we decided surgery was the next best option.
JS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Richard Ahn, MD

Excerpt

He explained all options to me regarding my broken wrist.
CG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Richard Ahn, MD

Read all 2 matching accounts for Richard Ahn, MD →

Excerpt

He also took the time to discuss all of my options and answered every single question I had.
EL
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Excerpt

My concerns were reviewed, and several options were identified.
WC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Read all 24 matching accounts for Sanjay Khurana, MD →

Excerpt

There may be other options, but we parked in the underground structure and it was valet only.
GK
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Excerpt

to do surgery and he gave me options to see if this pain will go away with physical therapy and no running.
JK
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Read all 4 matching accounts for Tigran Garabekyan, MD →

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

184 written reviews

Highest rated first · Newest within each rating

Besides his immense knowledge, Dr. Khurana showed patience and concern. He also took the time to discuss all of my options and answered every single question I had.
EL
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

My appt was a follow-up to my successful surgery by Dr. Khurana of several years ago. My concerns were reviewed, and several options were identified. Dr. Khurana is a caring and experienced surgeon. I highly recommend him.
WC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Bae and the team made an excellent first impression. Dr. Bae was extremely personable, a great listener, and took the time to fully understand my concerns and answer my questions. I especially appreciated his thoughtful approach to shared decision-making—he clearly explained my options without making me feel rushed or pressured. His combination of expertise, compassion, and genuine care made me feel very comfortable and confident in his recommendations.
AA
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Lee is a very attentive doctor, takes time to really understand what my issues are and explains well what options for treatment are available to me. Highly recommend.
R
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

I’m a returning patient after 4 years. Dr.Estess takes her time to explain things and offers the best options for care.
AG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr. Bhalla is great! I've had back issues and intermittent pain throughout my adult years. Whenever it got intolerable I resorted to acupuncture and/or chiropractic care and on a few occasions epidurals. Someone cutting on my back was not anything I was receptive to. When sciatic episodes became more frequent and longer lasting and I was forced to postpone scheduled knee replacement surgery I reluctantly decided to again consult an orthopedic surgeon. After initial consultation, x-rays and MRI I had follow up appointment with Dr. Bhalla to discuss options. He recommended surgery. Still reluctant to go that route I opted for another try with an epidural, but to to no avail. Back to Dr. Bhalla who told me the problems were going to continue to get worse so at age 73 I finally agreed to surgery. Lower lumber fusion surgery was performed at Long Beach Memorial Hospital by Dr. Bhalla and Dr. Rao (vascular surgeon). Anterior Lumber Interbody Fusion (ALIF) and laminectomy surgeries were performed on Monday and Thursday of the same week. The week in the hospital (overall very good care and treatment) and first 2 weeks at home I experienced moderate pain and discomfort but nothing intolerable. After 2 weeks of light rehab at home I started physical therapy program. After several weeks of PT my back felt really good. It has been nearly one year since the surgery and other than minimal discomfort during the initial recovery period I have experienced no back pain! From the initial consultation through the post-op visits Dr. Bhalla thoroughly explained all the options, the details of the surgical procedure, the recovery and rehabilitation process and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Bhalla is a compassionate and highly skilled physician and surgeon! And, kudos to his very competent and kind office staff. While back surgery is a last resort, if there is no other viable way to address your pain and problems Dr. Bhalla is the surgeon for you.
CM
Read review on Yelp

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I visited Dr. Estess for ongoing knee pain and couldn’t be happier with the experience. She listened carefully to my symptoms and explained what was going on with my knees and the treatment options available. She took the time to answer all my questions without rushing, and I left with a clear plan going forward. Highly recommend her for anyone dealing with knee issues
DS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Allyson Estess, MD

I’m only 15 days out from my MAKO-assisted total knee replacement, and I’m already very happy with my decision to have Dr. Ramkumar perform my surgery. I originally found Dr. Ramkumar while researching the Nano Knee procedure and exploring my options for knee replacement. After learning more and meeting with him, I ultimately chose to work with Dr. Ramkumar and opted for the MAKO-assisted total knee replacement—and I’m so glad I did. Dr. Ramkumar really knows his stuff. From the beginning, he was thorough, straightforward, and made sure I understood exactly what to expect before surgery and throughout recovery. He lays everything out for you and provides in depth information through his website so that you can go into the process informed and prepared. I’ve been committed to following his directions, taking my medications as scheduled, and doing my physical therapy. I know I’m still very early in the healing process and have more work ahead of me, but at just 15 days post-op, I’m extremely happy with my progress. Dr. Ramkumar and his entire team have been knowledgeable, professional, and supportive throughout this experience. A total knee replacement is a big decision, and having confidence in your surgeon and the process makes all the difference. I’m grateful I did my research, grateful I chose Dr. Ramkumar, and very pleased with both the care I’ve received and my recovery so far.
VM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

As a Div 1 Track athlete with bilateral hip pain before meeting Dr. Ramkumar no one I went to could accurately tell me what was going with my hips. After the first visit with Dr. Ramkumar he explained in detail what was going on and what my options were, from there I decided that I wanted to go through with getting a bilateral hip arthroscopy. He explained exactly what was going to happen during the procedure and about the recovery process before hand so there were no surprises. The procedure went great and I would say the recovery went even better. There was minimal to no pain within the first few days and I was walking the day of the procedure. It has now been around 4 months since the surgery and with the help of physical therapy and strength training my hips feel way better than they did before and I am able to run pain free again. I am very grateful to Dr. Ramkumar for playing a major role in my journey of getting back on the Track.
KB
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Prem Ramkumar performed FAI hip arthroscopy on me, and I can’t recommend him highly enough. I come from a combat sports background - Muay Thai, BJJ, grappling, and powerlifting - and years of that caught up with my hips. What I want people to know is that this surgery exists. A lot of athletes get told hip pain is just wear and tear, something to live with or manage until a replacement down the line. That’s not the only option. Hip arthroscopy for FAI is a real, minimally invasive procedure, and finding a surgeon who specializes in it makes all the difference. Dr. Ramkumar explained exactly what was happening in my joint, was realistic about recovery timelines, and clearly understood the demands athletes place on their bodies. I’m scheduled to have the other side done with him - which says everything. If you have hip pain that won’t resolve, get it looked at properly instead of delaying.
NM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I received exemplary care from Dr. Ahn and his staff. After years of treatment we decided surgery was the next best option. Dr. Ahn performed the procedure and I underwent months of occupational therapy. The results are my surgically repaired right thumb is now stronger than the left! Needless to say I am 💯 percent satisfied with the results. I’m heading to the driving range ⛳️to finally begin hitting some golf balls again! Thank you Dr. Ahn!
JS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Richard Ahn, MD

I had a consultation regarding surgical options for cervical radiculopathy. Everything was excellent all the way around, from the beautiful modern office, friendly attentive staff, and the clearly outlined options and recommendation from the highly skilled Dr Bhalla. Thank you all!
JC
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Kamrava and his staff were friendly and efficient. I was there for a consultation and Dr. Kamrava reviewed all of my Xrays and MRI reports. He asked questions and did some physical exam assessment testing to identify my weak and painful areas. He recommended a treatment option that he felt was necessary and I understood that although there were no guarantees the procedure (PRP injection) would be helpful for rehabilitation of torn muscle in my left hip. The procedure was done and follow-up visit scheduled.
JK
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Evish Kamrava, MD

Dr Richard Ahn is an exceptional hand surgeon. He is knowledgeable, kind & caring. He explained all options to me regarding my broken wrist. Choosing surgery was my best option. Dr Ahn explained the surgery procedure and recovery path to me in detail. I was referred to Medcessity in Long Beach for my PT clinic. Six months later, my hand is at 90% and is stronger now than it was before I broke it. Thank you Dr. Richard Ahn, you are truly the best!
CG
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Richard Ahn, MD

Dr. Ramkumar helped me during one of the most vulnerable and uncertain times of my life. As a 20-year-old college soccer player, tearing my ACL and meniscus and needing reconstruction with a patellar tendon graft right before my season was devastating. From my first appointment, I knew he was the right surgeon for me because of his dedication to sports medicine, his expertise, and the genuine care he showed throughout the process. He took the time to answer my questions, explain my options, and give me confidence when I was scared about the future. Today, I am 4 months post-op and proud to say that I am jogging again. It’s been an incredible blessing to have my surgery performed by Dr. Ramkumar. The entire team at Commons Clinic has been outstanding. Everyone is professional, kind, and encouraging. I also attend physical therapy right in the clinic, and the experience has been excellent. From the front desk staff to the physical therapists, including Mina, everyone has played a role in my recovery. I am determined to come back stronger than before, and I’m grateful I made the decision to trust Dr. Ramkumar and his team. This surgery has given me a second chance to live an active lifestyle—to run, cut, jump, compete, and do the things I love. That’s something I’ll never take for granted. Thank you, Dr. Ramkumar and the entire Commons Clinic team, for helping me get my life back.
JR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

After my daughter injured her knee, we spent months being told she just needed rest, but she never fully healed. Once an MRI was finally ordered, we met with a local orthopedic surgeon, but the experience felt rushed and lacked compassion. That’s when I started researching other options and came across Dr. Ramkumar. From our very first appointment, we knew we had made the right decision. Dr. Ramkumar was kind, patient, informative, and never once made us feel rushed or pressured into surgery. He took the time to thoroughly explain her ACL and meniscus surgery along with the recovery process, which gave us so much reassurance during a stressful time. Her recovery has honestly exceeded anything we expected. She was off crutches at 2 weeks, out of her brace at 4 weeks, and now 4 months post-op she continues to do incredibly well with minimal to no pain. His physical therapy team has also been amazing supportive, patient, and truly invested in her recovery. We gladly make the almost 3-hour commutes because Dr. Ramkumar and his entire team have been the perfect fit for my daughter. We are beyond grateful for the care, encouragement, and support they have given her throughout this journey.
YR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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!
JJ
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

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.
PS
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I'm 3-months post-op from my meniscus repair done by Dr. Ramkumar and I'm super happy with the outcome. As a 66-year old mountain biker, golfer and pickleball player, I really appreciate his approach focusing on repair first vs automatically shaving or removing the meniscus, since repair helps slow the onset of osteo arthritis and will help extend my athletic life. The pre-op visits with Dr. Ramkumar were great! I never felt rushed, he took time to answer all my questions and discuss options. He's friendly and easy going with a great sense of humor which helped me feel alot less nervous about the surgery and recovery process. 5 stars for Dr. Ramkumar and his team!
HL
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

The visit to Dr. Millstein was comforting, as he thoroughly explained my shoulder issues, reviewed my options, and answered my concerns. I feel better already! Five stars to Dr. Millstein and his competent team.
BR
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

We had a great experience with Dr Garabekyan. We saw him for a consultation and I feel he did a thorough evaluation and took his time to explain his findings. Everyone at the office was a pleasure to deal with from my initial phone call, appointment confirmation call, office staff and x-ray tech. The office is modern, beautiful and comfortable. There may be other options, but we parked in the underground structure and it was valet only.
GK
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Dr. Eric Millstein was my last minute second option, I'm filled with graduate for that chance to end up having my left rotator cuff surgery done by him. I can’t say enough good things about the entire experience. From my very first consultation, he was thorough, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable, he took the time to clearly explain my diagnosis, walk me through all my treatment options, and set realistic expectations for recovery. The surgery itself went smoothly, and I felt confident knowing I was in such capable hands. What really stood out, though, was the level of care and attention I received throughout the entire process, from pre-op to post-op follow-ups from the entire crew. Today, 10 weeks after the surgery, and only 5 weeks of physical therapy, I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my recovery progress, now I can see it thorough, full recovery is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated orthopedic surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Millstein!!
DG
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
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I was having a difficult time walking, and surgery was my last option to try and give me quality of life. My current doctor suggested a hip replacement and referred Dr. Ramkumar, a specialist in total hip replacement. I was greeted with a smile, a handshake, and encouraging words to find the best option for my situation. He suggested the anterior total hip arthroplasty surgery assisted with MAKO, a robotic arm. His knowledge of the lastest technology and providing a detail explanation of the procedure could give a shorter time of recovery, was the best option. His meticulous guide was easy to follow from pre-op through post-op and helped me with a positive outcome. I was walking the next day, no limping, not in pain and a smooth moving hip! My appreciation to Dr. Ramkumar for being in tune to my specific symptoms and providing transparency to my specific needs.
CM
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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