Treatment choices and shared decisions reviews

Delighted with Dr. Millstein. He's been my ortho guy for at least 3 years, and I have full confidence in his diagnosis ability. He knows what he's doing, has great "bedside manner," and perhaps most importantly, he does not suggest surgery as a first, second or third option, trying less invasive procedures first. Plus, he doesn't talk down to his patients.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Thank you to Dr. Bhalla and the wonderful nursing and surgery teams at LB Memorial Care! I was in a lot of pain from herniated cervical discs going on several months. Rest, meds, PT was not improving so when I got my MRI and then an ortho surgery consult, I knew my situation was steadily getting worse and I was barely managing my day to day activities. However I'm pretty conservative with surgery as an option. Previous issues with carpal tunnel like symptoms had 2 hand surgeons wanting to cut me open with little discussion on why or how or preventative care or alternative options. So I'm a skeptic and firmly believe in researching and educating myself on not only the medical condition but also the practitioner treating me. What gave me no doubt to trust Dr. Bhalla beyond his credentials and extensive papers and research contributions was his ability to genuinely connect and convey trust. I've never met a surgeon who wasn't so talented and confident that it comes across as arrogant and that typically makes me distrust them. Not a great way to start a relationship where your way of life is literally in their hands. Dr. Bhalla was succinct but sincere and thorough with my endless questions of what when why how and what ifs. I think I even asked the same question in 3 different ways on 2 separate visits. The surgery went well along with my immediate and ongoing recovery so far. Pain free right after surgery and so grateful to have a great quality of life again. I've always told my own clients to never proceed with surgery or a doctor's treatment unless you completely trust them and the team and I followed my own advice here. Dr. Bhalla is an incredible doctor and surgeon, go to the consult and you'll see for yourself.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Felt really comfortable with his staff and him! He took the time to really talk to me about my options. My case is complicated because three different joints are affected. He specializes in knees (which both of mine need work) but my hip is critical! He asked did I have the time to see his partner, who is a hip specialist and one of the top Docs at Cedars. Even though the office was backed up due to the rain, he made sure I got new xrays so his partner could see me right then! Awesome, because the other CS hip specialist didn't have an opening until mid March. So now I am looking at getting my surgery with the next 4-5 weeks vs 4-5 months! YEAH!!!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Hands down some of the best medical care I have ever received. I've had back problems for almost 13 years, and I've seen dozens of the top specialists and surgeons in the Los Angeles area throughout the years. I came to Dr. Khurana in August with excruciating sciatica due to a severe herniation at L4L5 and moderate herniation at L5S1. I had had a previous microdiscectomy at those same levels almost 10 years prior which made things a little trickier, and the three surgeon opinions I got did not all agree on what to do with me. Dr. Khurana spent probably almost an hour with me in-office, and then another 30-45 minutes with me on the phone talking me through my options and what he would recommend if it were him or a family member going through the situation. Never once did he tell me I should see HIM for the procedure, only what he thought would be the smartest and safest course of action for me. Ultimately, I ended up scheduling a repeat microdiscectomy with him and am so happy with my decision. His office is easy to get ahold of, he is consistently on-time (even early!), and made the surgery scheduling process absolutely seamless. Dr. Khurana's PA, Elaine, could not possibly be more knowledgable or helpful. They've both been incredibly accessible to me both before and after surgery, answering all 1000+ of my questions thoroughly. Dr. Khurana does his surgeries at DISC, which felt like I was getting royal treatment compared to the two surgeries I've had at Cedars Sinai hospital. From my nurses to my anesthesiologist, I felt like both the facilities and the team Dr. Khurana uses were the absolute best.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! As one begins to explore replacing a knee it can be scary and brings on a lot of apprehension and questions. I started my search in YELP and did a lot of comparison and review reading. After all, you're replacing an integral part of your body and if not done right can leave you crippled. I ended up selecting Dr. Millstein for an appointment. Dr. Millstein was very straightforward, informative and organized. I felt comfortable with him right away. He gave me my options and I decided to move forward. Appointments were made. His office kept me informed and sent me documents and information when needed. The big day arrived. I had the normal fear and nervousness one gets prior to surgery and he talked to my wife and myself at length and answered all questions. We both felt much better. Needless to say he did a great job. I'm sure I came out of surgery with the best pain control possible. Cedar Sinai hospital was clean, efficient and very friendly. (Which you don't get the friendly part in most hospitals). I would recommend Dr. Millstein to anyone without hesitation. HE'S A GREAT SURGEON. Dr. Millstein, thank you for the new knee!! R. B

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Estess was amazing and very helpful with my injury and made me feel optimistic about it. She did various tests and told me the options for treatments in detail. She gave me very great advice with no pressure at all. I highly recommend seeing her. She really cares about her patients unlike most doctors I visited in the past.

Allyson Estess, MD

The front office was friendly, not too long of a wait. The X Ray department was thorough, they gave me a cover for my thyroid. I would have liked them offering the protection without me having to ask. Dr Millstein is professional and will always find a way to help with out surgery as the first option. I have been seen by Dr Millstein for a few years and have always left happy.

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.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Bae had a consultation with my wife and suggested that she apply for an FDA trial of LimiFlex for her condition of spondylolesthesis. She was accepted and Dr. Bae performed the operation. It was most successful. In 10 days she was driving and 3 months out she is a very happy person. It surely was a better option that the traditional fusion that others had recommended. On one occasion we were stressed because we had to wait to see him. We were completely de-stressed when he came in with his charming self on a day in which he obviously had a lot of activity. We have nothing but high regard for this doctor.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I went to Dr. Bhalla because of nerve pain resulting from bulging disks. He was honest with me about my options moving forward after trying steroids & PT. He didn't pressure me into surgery, but gave me real options. I'm so grateful I trusted his experience and knowledge because I'm now pain free and feeling great! He is always kind and sincere and greets me with a warm smile. The care and concern for his patients is evident in his demeanor. I will forever be grateful for how he helped me. Thank you, Dr. Bhalla! You're the best!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla is the BEST! He's kind and sincere and makes you feel like you're his only patient. No pressure to have surgery, just wants people to feel better. He gave me options and I'm so grateful I chose surgery (ACDF) - pain free and feeling great! Thanks Dr. Bhalla!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Had my first meeting with Dr. Wassef. Very patient and explained my options. Had a cortisone shot and we will see how well this will help with the pain.

Andrew Wassef, MD

Dr. Millstein is competent, very approachable and does not suggest surgery as a first option----comforting to me as a patient.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Millstein is a terrific doctor. Speaks in layman's terms and always gives options.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I just want to say my experience with Dr. Bhalla has been nothing but positive. From the first time I met him I definitely felt his concern. I came in with pain to my lower back. After looking at my X-rays, he found that I had no cartilage in my L4 and L5. This was causing numbness in my toes and tingling of my feet when I stood up and walked after sitting for awhile. He referred me to do physical therapy. This option I felt did not help. Then Dr. Bhalla suggested I get an epidural. During the procedure I felt Dr. Bhalla really wanted to help relieve the discomfort I was feeling. After receiving the epidural, it helped relieve some of the discomfort but I was still feeling pain. So I opted to get the surgery. Dr. Bhalla did a L4/5 and L5/S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion with insertion of biomechanical cages, allograft, fluoroscopy L5 partial corpectomy. Stage 2 L4-S1 posterior spinal percutaneous instrumented fusion. This procedure pretty much relieved all pain and numbness. I'm still recovering but I am back to exercising. Dr. Bhalla is an awesome doctor. I definitely would recommend him to anyone who is having back issues. Thank you Dr. Bhalla for curing my back and giving me my active lifestyle back!!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I have been a professional dancer for over 10 years. I do a lot of high impact movement and tricks. After about 2 years of chronic pain I finally decided to see a dr. My shoulder got to the point that I couldn’t even bench press the bar with no weights on it at the gym anymore. I was lucky to have found Dr. Garabekyan. He discovered I had a torn labrum in my right shoulder and said I would need surgery. I was concerned that my dance career would be over, but surgery was really my only option. Fast forward about a year and a half later( today) and I am pain free. I almost lose no range of motion and I am back to doing all my old dance moves. I even threw an airflare at practice the other day (if you know what that is) I would definitely recommend him, especially if you are an athlete. He is a miracle worker.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Dr. Hyun Bae performed lumbar fusion surgery May 15, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. My diagnosis was extreme lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesus, and scoliosis. My legs were giving out from under me and I couldn't walk from the car to the front door even tho' I am athletic and in great shape for 70. Long and short of it, I am extremely happy with the results and grateful we found Dr. Bae. We interviewed several surgeons but found Dr. Bae to be the most informed about my condition and treatment option. His professional attitude was confidence-inspiring, answering all my questions and providing me a sense of security. Back surgery is generally the last therapeutic resolution to extreme back problems and I did everything to prevent having to have it so I am happy but surprised with the results. His staff and his assistant Lisa, were caring, efficient and available throughout the process. That's important if you want your doctor to focus on you! -Guy M.

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Hyun Bae, MD

e suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I've suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free! I believe that patient's testimonial is less of a recognition of a doctor's skill and expertise and more of a recommendation of a doctor's ability to listen, care and heal. I can vouch for the fact that Dr. Bhalla's abilities are unmatched. Dr. Bhalla and his staff made me feel comfortable, safe and truly cared for. Thanks for your care and humor and thanks for treating my pain!! Otherwise, I would have gone insane

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla, was great with my back issue. I had a herniated disc that was pinching my Sciatic nerve. We chose surgery as my best option, and I am so glad I did. I am now pain free and have resumed my active life style. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same issues I was having with my back. Dr. Bhalla was personable, professional, and gave me great confidence in my decision and in his abilities as a surgeon.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

About 3 months ago, I went to see Dr. Bhalla on a recommendation from a friend. I had been having lower back pain and sciatic nerve pain down my left leg. I consulted with Dr. Bhalla, and he set me up with an MRI. The MRI showed that I in fact had a herniated disc and that it was pinching my Siatic nerve pretty severely. Dr. Bhalla gave me my options, and since I had experienced this same situation 25 years ago, we decided my best option was surgery. Today, I am pain free, and have resumed my normal life style ( running, working out etc.) I’m really glad I got the tip, to see Dr Bhalla. He was easy to talk to, professional, and gave me his confidence in his abilities. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same back issues that I had, and with total confidence.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Bhalla is a rare find - a surgeon that only suggests surgery as the last option after therapy and other ways to relieve pain and restore mobility don't improve life. After two careful consultations, we decided on surgery to relieve pain and diminishing motor control. Dr Bhalla spent the time needed to rebuild my diseased neck; he was the first person to visit me in the hospital the morning after my surgery; and he has been there every step of the way in my recovery. I highly recommend this skilled, compassionate individual.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I am 46 years old and struggled with severe lower back pain for 18 years. I have had epidurals, rhizotomies and a microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I avoided a fusion for years because it was such a big surgery. Dr. Khurana was fantastic in his analysis of my condition due to his vast experience. He was never in a rush to perform my surgery and always said to come back whenever I was ready. His kind demeanor and attentive staff really made me comfortable during my decision making process. I am now six months post op from having Dr. Khurana perform an ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) and am 100% pain free. My low back has not felt this good since I was in my mid 20's. Before my surgery I could hardly put my shoes on and never slept through the night. I am now back to swimming, surfing, lifting weights, sleeping through the night and most importantly I am able to do everything with my kids completely pain free. You always hear the bad outcomes with spinal fusion surgery but rarely hear the positive. Dr. Khurana has a fantastic surgical team and I would recommend anyone to go see him before having surgery. He was always a pleasure to deal with and his surgical skills are second to none.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Estess is a great doctor. I came to her complaining of ongoing lower back pain and she provided me with a few options. One of which was to get an MRI just to be safe, so I decided to go with that. Turns out, I have two herniated discs in my back! No idea how! Again, she went over a few options with me and I'll be starting physical therapy soon to see if it helps. I'd recommend her to anyone. I felt very comfortable the entire time and I felt like she really listened to me :)

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Allyson Estess, MD