Their words.
Your questions.

Dr. Ramkumar was referred by a friend. After an xray and no examine he referred me for a hip injection in the hospital. It was completely unsuccessful. The injection was a very involved and complex procedure. (Unlike the one successful I had with another orthopedic dr done in office with an xray guided needle) Dr. Ramkumar said this one was "better." Unfortunately, it was not. I went back to my previous dr for a 2nd opinion. I needed to get the CD from Dr. Ramkumar's office. I was told it would cost $15. When I got to my orthopedic dr, the CD was blank. Several of Dr. Ramkumar's office staff were rude and lacked empathy. I would not recommend this doctor or office.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

While I am sure Dr Bae is a talented surgeon, he comes across as apathetic and unwilling to educate or communicate with his patients. He hardly addressed my questions, and when I asked him to explain the potential benefits and risks of his proposed surgery, he picked up his phone and started to record a voice memo (about me) rather than respond. He told me I ought to consider myself lucky to have him as an in-network doctor with my health insurance policy, and to come back when I was "ready for surgery." I left feeling a bit insulted, and very frustrated that I had waited over a month for this appointment only to leave with little understanding of my options. If you already have a full understanding of your diagnosis and are 100% sure that surgery is right for you, Dr Bae might be able to help. But if not, I would highly recommend finding a different doctor who is willing to explain your options.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I fell on a treadmill that stopped while going around 6.8 mph on an 14.5 incline and slammed hard and fast onto a wood floor. I broke my shoulder, dislocated it, and caused a rotator tear. I waited several weeks for the appointment and drove from the Valley. This was a trek that seemed worth it. Now in retrospect was likely a fair amount of one reviews (questionable ratings). Dr Millstein is nice enough but that does not make a great doctor. He spent less than three minutes with me. There was almost no exam except for 'hold your arm out.' Then he announced the diagnosis of frozen shoulder and proceeded to offer me steroids. I had a tumor history so he then said I could not have this until I got clearance from my doctor. I appreciated that taking that caution, but I would also like to think an MD would know that Glios and brain tumors in this category are the only tumors that are exacerbated by steroids/Cortisones). You would think a doctor would know that. My neurotologist said as much. Additionally, I asked about a Cortisone shot vs steroids. First, he said no to the shot then he flip flopped. I want a doctor to tell me with absolution what I need. This should not be a pick and choose like a pair of shoes with a patient. This is why I drove out of my way. Additionally, he told me to call the doctor myself. I never heard of a doctor telling the patient to call and ask their doctor. Normal protocol is a staff member gets the doctors' info and then communicates with the doctor or gets them on the line with the doctor needing the information (I have a fair number of doctors in my family). I could have not bothered and said it's fine and just had the shot or meds, but I didn't. I was assured that I could be fit in the following week if I had to come back. Thanksgiving weekend was two days later so I had to wait until the following week. I proceeded to call five days after that visit only to be told it would be another two weeks. They offered me a slot that day but there was no way I could get there otherwise it was another two weeks. No accommodations were made and then it's another trip, visit, and more unnecessary nonsense in addition to weeks more pain, but I think it was a lesson learned because he is not the right doctor for me. I sent my info to a surgeon that treats top sports teams, and he offered a non-surgical procedure. Was this even mentioned in that 2.5-minute visit...nope! In conclusion: this doctor does not respect other peoples' time and seems a bit too speedy with the very limited offered care in the visit.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

In November 2023, I underwent surgery to have a torn labrum repaired. At the time, I saw the doctor for months before and she was covered under my insurance in-network. When we got ready to do the surgery, they checked my insurance and I was required to pay prior to the surgery what I owed. Six months later I get a bill for almost $3500 for a separate charge for the surgery center, which apparently was considered out of network according to my insurance. I would have never proceeded with this elective surgery if this charge would have been disclosed to me. To even give me a ballpark amount of what to expect. There was no indication. When I called to inquire about why I received this charge and why it is so late after the procedure, I got the most asinine answers followed by a commitment to call me back, which they of course did not. They told me they dont know what my insurance will cover. Okay fine... I'll follow that line of logic. Well then, why didn't you disclose the cost of the surgery? How is it possible for people to make decisions about their Healthcare and financial health when you have medical professionals and offices that function like this?! It's abusive. It's unethical. Now, I plan to dispute this through the official process, and possibly legal action and I'm going to send this new invoice they send me to the media along with the paperwork, that didn't disclose these costs I would be charged nine months after the process, but I wanted to let everyone know not to do business with this office!!! The bad reviews are very much justified. Go somewhere else. I plan to put this review on every single platform to prevent others from going through this. This is an example of how our Healthcare system fails us everyday. PS. I did not give it one star because the surgery went well. But like I said, if they would have been transparent about the cost, I would have never had this surgery.

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Allyson Estess, MD

This review is for Commons Clinic platform and not my ortho doc. At no point was I told this was concierge care. The website doesn't state that either. It's only when I looked at the COO's Linkedin (Paulo da Costa) that he states this. I had herniated a disc, was in excruciating pain and had been to 3 docs. My PT recommended the ortho doc here, who is great. But, the way the platform, especially billing, is presented is that they are out of network, pt. pays one fee, and they bill insurance. However, it is nearly impossible to contact billing, email only, and emails are not returned. First surgery was 4/19/23, and I've yet to see any billing info. So, this is the reason I researched Commons Clinic. I think if they would just say it's concierge care, the patient would be better informed. The patient portal is a joke too. This type of care is a choice. The primary reason for this review is to provide clarification for this business model. The website for Commons is misleading. I have really good insurance and was just under the impression the doc was not network, that i would get a standard EOB, and be able to see an itemized billing. I'm glad he was my surgeon, but people need to understand that Commons is nothing more than concierge service. One last thing - the website advertises transparent billing - it is not. That is false. Patient gets a quote - mine was $85k - then patient portion - mine was $10,500 - and i have yet to see how this was calculated, an invoice or insurance billing (which they say they do). I can say my insurance is now paying at 100% for in network for the rest of this year, so that's a plus.

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Staff was nice. Unfortunately Ms. Estess just made me feel like nothing I said mattered. Even though my MRI showed a Labral tear she told me in no way is that causing my pain. I had surgery 16 years ago to repair the same injury by another surgeon and he was the only one that believed me. Even my spine surgeon believed me and she does backs. I was told by Ms Estess that steroid medications and cortisone injections along with physical therapy would be enough. I already am getting physical therapy and its not fixing it. How many pills and injections will i be put through before they finally decide to fix it because its not going to fix itself. I didn't feel like I was listened to..just told this is how it is. I don't like surgery but pills and shots only do so much. I already take enough pills. Feeling very discouraged.

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Allyson Estess, MD

He ordered an MRI without contrast knowing I had a previous back surgery. He then told me I had a cyst on my spine I needed to be surgically removed. Ended up just being scar tissue. I'm so happy that I didn't go down the road of surgery with him especially when he was so quick to jump to conclusions... Wrong conclusions.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I really had high expectations because someone else had recommended him. Poor follow up. It's been over a month and I am still waiting for a call back after leaving 4+ messages. I am very disappointed.

Leonel Hunt, MD

Didn't show any interest in my concern. Hunt is the typical doctor that attends you just because he has to pay his bills. Also, beware upon entering this place. You have to pay the doctor, AND the hospital. I've receive two bills already, and I have Anthem platinum. The bills are unclear and sporadic.

Leonel Hunt, MD

Have been waiting for an hour - poorly run office; other people waiting longer no communication - now after I asked they said it will be 40 minutes more!!! And they say there are 4 patients ahead of us - why couldn't they have told us before hand - we are missing work -

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

I'm amending my review because of the long waits I've experienced in the office. This last time I was kept waiting an hour--an inexcusable length of time. Looking back, I realize I've always been kept waiting at least 20 minutes, and often as much as 45. Although Dr. Millstein apologized, these delays say a lot about his attitude--and that of his staff, who were whooping it up in the outer office--towards patients. In short, we are unimportant and our time doesn't matter. Because of their arrogance, I won't be back.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

As a surgeon, I think he is a bit better than OK, however there is a possibility that he did the wrong procedure, but the one that he did do which was coracoid impingement surgery, he managed to do so when I woke up I felt no pain or even my arm as he had filled it with novacain and then gave me pain medicine. His theory is that if you never feel the pain then you shouldn't have as bad of a time. However, it seems as if maybe my AC joint should have been removed and we did argue about that. His office staff is abysmal and tried to charge me 10,000 dollars but I had saved the message where they said I wouldn't pay anything, so after some phone calls that went away. If I were assured that he would cut the right place and I had someone else schedule it, I would use him again. But the over all experience and the fact that 6 years later I am still in pain is an issue.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Unclear if Dr. Millstein's exam rooms are large enough for his ego. I thought he was different than the archetypal egotistical orthopedic surgeon, but I was wrong. I saw Millstein in mid-2012 for a diagnostic knee arthroscopy. My initial impressions of him were very favorable. He performed the surgery and I recovered fairly quickly. Unfortunately Dr. Millstein wasn't able to resolve my problem in the procedure and I trusted his conclusion that an arthroscopy wasn't sufficient to solve my knee problem. However, when I had my first follow-up appointment it became very clear to me that I had misjudged the doctor. He was incredibly short with me and basically told me that he couldn't help me. He showed no interest in further discussing my problem and instead referred to two other doctors, both of whom were unable to help me. It would have been nice if Dr. Millstein showed a scintilla of interest in my case after my surgery -- very opposite his demeanor prior to my surgery. Despite my better judgment, I decided to schedule a second follow-up appointment approximately one year after my procedure to see if Dr. Millstein had any additional suggestions for me. Within 60 seconds of our visit, he said verbatim, "why are you here, I told you I can't help you." No questions about what the other two doctors he referred me to discovered. No questions. Just derision. I asked him why he accepted my appointment if he couldn't help me -- his response: "that is a question you should think about!!!!" Dr. Millstein may be a capable surgeon (or maybe he's not, I don't really know) but his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired. My take on Millstein is that he has reached an inflection point in his career where he's letting his busy schedule start to get in the way of his patient interactions. ***SECTION BELOW ADDED JULY 2014*** Given that Dr. Millstein responded to my review I feel compelled to further respond. The fact of the matter is: 1) Millstein was incredibly rude in his manner when he realized he couldn't help me. It's easy to sound polite when you're defending yourself to the world on Yelp. 2) Millstein did refer me to two other doctors (who couldn't help me either, but at least were friendly), but never made any efforts to speak to the doctors he referred me to - as evidenced by the fact that I had to go through my whole history again because they didn't know my case. He never followed up with me in any way after he passed the torch, even though the doctors he referred me to couldn't help. 3) And when I decided to follow up with him after the failed referrals, Dr. Millstein literally wasted my time. He had no interest in examining me further - no interest in even exploring the faintest possibility that my condition had changed. It turns out that much of my knee problem resulted from tight hips -- you would think he would have at any point examined by hips to see if they were an issue (he didn't). I saw him for all of 5 minutes (4 minutes of which was arguing with him) for which he happily billed my insurance company even though he literally did nothing.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Mine was a very mixed experience with this orthopedist and staff. I found Dr. Millstien on the internet. I’ve been treated several times in his offices for a very typical joint issue, no surgery. His offices are very conveniently located. Each was very clean with absolutely no wait times. It is really comfortable in the beautiful waiting areas; both waiting areas were nearly always empty on all of my visits. My first impression of Dr. Millstien was that he was a nice guy. But although my first visit was fine, I get a strong sense something is “off” with this organization. My second visit was OK, but I’ve noticed that this doctor’s bedside manner seems caring at first, but later surfaces as quite arrogant, condescending and “superior to you.” Honestly, he comes off making it clear that he is doing you a favor by treating you. Although he called me with test results, he recommended a very cookie-cutter approach -- cortizone “for the pain” -- which I resisted as I knew it to be a short-term, band-aid fix. My pain had gone. I succeeded in leading him (via many phone calls with one helpful nurse) to a more sophisticated treatment used by the top guys. I would have expected him to have led this discussion and options with me right off the bat since it is known that cortizone can have negative side effects. Still...no big deal. But what followed were excruciating, unnecessary problems with his poorly trained staff -- they are incompetent, unhelpful and really don’t seem to care that a patient is calling because that patient needs assistance. In my case, I only needed a procedure code typically required by insurance -- just a number! Ironically, they answer the phone with “How may I help you?” yet cannot or will not fulfill that promise. One staffer refused to provide the code, yelled at me and made me feel as if my insurance company’s need was a real bother to her and her co-workers. What the very rude and condescending staff member finally provided....... was still wrong simply because she refused to listen to my request. Her behavior was unacceptable. I ended up getting the needed code from the doctor in person on my final visit -- it took him less than 10 seconds to provide it. I really gave this place a chance because it is so convenient and their internet website marketing really pulled me in. But I will NOT return here and certainly would NOT consider surgery with this organization should I need it. Lesson learned -- 1) don’t pic a doc off the internet just because he is close. 2) the way the staff treat patients starts at the top of the organization, trickling down from the attitude of the guy whose name is on the door. There are hundreds of great orthopedic guys with professional, caring, service-oriented staffs in Los Angeles. Now I am reminded why the best orthopedists have the busiest waiting rooms!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Mine was a very mixed experience with this orthopedist and staff. I found Dr. Millstien on the internet. I've been treated several times in his offices for a very typical joint issue, no surgery. His offices are very conveniently located. Each was very clean with absolutely no wait times. It is really comfortable in the beautiful waiting areas; both waiting areas were nearly always empty on all of my visits. My first impression of Dr. Millstien was that he was a nice guy. But although my first visit was fine, I get a strong sense something is "off" with this organization. My second visit was OK, but I've noticed that this doctor's bedside manner seems caring at first, but later surfaces as quite arrogant, condescending and "superior to you." Honestly, he comes off making it clear that he is doing you a favor by treating you. Although he called me with test results, he recommended a very cookie-cutter approach -- cortizone "for the pain" -- which I resisted as I knew it to be a short-term, band-aid fix. My pain had gone. I succeeded in leading him (via many phone calls with one helpful nurse) to a more sophisticated treatment used by the top guys. I would have expected him to have led this discussion and options with me right off the bat since it is known that cortizone can have negative side effects. Still...no big deal. But what followed were excruciating, unnecessary problems with his poorly trained staff -- they are incompetent, unhelpful and really don't seem to care that a patient is calling because that patient needs assistance. In my case, I only needed a procedure code typically required by insurance -- just a number! Ironically, they answer the phone with "How may I help you?" yet cannot or will not fulfill that promise. One staffer refused to provide the code, yelled at me and made me feel as if my insurance company's need was a real bother to her and her co-workers. What the very rude and condescending staff member finally provided....... was still wrong simply because she refused to listen to my request. Her behavior was unacceptable. I ended up getting the needed code from the doctor in person on my final visit -- it took him less than 10 seconds to provide it. I really gave this place a chance because it is so convenient and their internet website marketing really pulled me in. But I will NOT return here and certainly would NOT consider surgery with this organization should I need it. Lesson learned -- 1) don't pic a doc off the internet just because he is close. 2) the way the staff treat patients starts at the top of the organization, trickling down from the attitude of the guy whose name is on the door. There are hundreds of great orthopedic guys with professional, caring, service-oriented staffs in Los Angeles. Now I am reminded why the best orthopedists have the busiest waiting rooms!

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Good doctor but his front office is a mess. He has two locations, Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey, and one doesn't know what the other is doing. Also, don't expect him to know anything about any treatment but surgery.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein was very eager to perform joint replacements (knee and shoulder) without adequately reviewing imaging reports with me. It seems that his scheduler (not a physician) provides him with information that he relies on without verification. In one case, his assistant (Marianne) told me that my MRI only showed arthritis when, in fact, it showed significant injuries from a recent fall. When I attempted to discuss it further her comment was, "I'm not going to argue with you." Both physicians that I saw for second opinions did not think that replacements were indicated at this time. I'm so glad that I did not move forward with this practice.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Randomly found out my appointment was cancelled after sending me an email 3 days ago as a reminder with intake forms...cancelled work for this and now they tell me costing me money. Very irresponsible system management

Allyson Estess, MD

Hi Dr. Hunt, You were a great doctor when I visited you 8 years ago in 2019. Very kind and knowledgeable. I'm not sure what happened but I got notified that I've been discharged from your practice. Is there someone I can reach out to about this because I'm not sure how our why that would happen. Thanks for your help.

Leonel Hunt, MD

**⭐⭐** UPDATE: Dr. Ramkumar reached out personally to make amends, and I was able to get a first-morning appointment the following week. The appointment went smoothly and on time — he took his time to answer all my questions. I have a complex case with two prior failed surgeries on the same knee. Whether or not I go with this doctor, I appreciated that the office reached out and that I was able to consult with him directly. His knowledge and expertise in this field was never in question, and I’m glad I had the chance to see him. 2:45 pm appointment, arrived at 2:30- didn't see the doctor until I gave up and walked out at 4:15pm! Almost two hours of my life I'll never get back, and honestly the whole time it felt like they'd simply forgotten I was there. I had to ask three separate times as they didn’t check in with me, only to be told "you're next" each time. Spoiler: I was never next. I have a lot of respect for the years of training doctors go through to earn their accolades and I get that delays happen. But that respect needs to go both ways — patients' time matters too. Stringing a new patient along for two hours with repeated "you're next" is not acceptable. This experience really tainted my view of both the doctor and the practice — and unfortunately, I'll never get to find out how good the doctor actually is.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

**⭐⭐** 2:45 appointment, arrived at 2:30, checked in... I didn't see the doctor, I gave up and walked out at 4:15!!! Almost two hours of my life I'll never get back, and it felt like they'd simply forgotten I was there. I had to ask three separate times as they didn’t take initiative, only to be told "you're next" each time. Spoiler: I was never next. I have a lot of respect for the years of training doctors go through, and I get that delays happen. But that respect needs to go both ways — patient’s time is also important especially a patient dealing with acute injury. Stringing a new patient along for two hours with repeated "you're next" is not okay. This experience really tainted my view of both the doctor and the practice. I'll never get to find out how good the doctor actually is. I hope they set up better protocol for patients.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

No one should ever go to a physician who has so many bad reviews. Most truly good physicians have a few if any bad reviews. My husband had to have another lumbar surgery (by a great orthopedist) to fix what he did not. Bae is arrogant and only showed up once during the several days of hospital recovery. There is no need to use him when there are so many truly excellent surgeons. Run, do not walk, away from him!

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Hyun Bae, MD

Very friendly and professional

Evish Kamrava, MD

The 1980s called, they want their God complex back. Please note that most of these 5 star reviews that I was also sucked into are all approximately ""one year ago"". So one year ago he had a rash of almost 25 people that couldn't say more fabulous things about him. Certainly not my experience. To start- the electronic data check in process is predatorily intrusive... It feels like they're feeding all the data into a central WBAN system. Upon arrival, after they were finally pleased with all my signatures and disclosures, 10 minutes passes while he's standing outside door loudly socializing with his assistants about his internet purchases. When he finally walks in and I ask him if he's going to buy the shoes, he gives me a snotty "I don't know, maybe". Contemptuous glare, zero apology. He then went on to behave like a slovenly teenager, angry that I had to nerve to point out I was running late. He made it exceedingly clear that he could care less about helping my painful medical situation and even interrupted the consultation to argue with me about how he had a right to be late & that I should go elsewhere. Arrogant, rude, disrespectful & made us miss the deadline for funding our Spacex ipo.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD