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In early 2017 I slipped on some ice and suffered a stable fracture of the L1 vert. Once the trauma of the fall settled and I thought I could return to normal, I soon discovered I'd never see normal again. The fall changed EVERYTHING, as most traumatic injuries do. I was also suffering from a bad knee I believe was exacerbated by the fall. About a year and a half after the fall, I went to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of my Dr. He took a look at my MRI and noted I had a bone spur hitting the nerve someplace below the L1 where the break was, something others had missed (bulging discs, not much to do about it). He assured me this was easy to fix and I'd be good as new. BACK SURGERY!!! AHHHHH!!!! I was terrified. He noted that while I had some disc degeneration, he felt my spine overall looked no worse than someone else's my age, or his even, which made me feel good--he's young. Anyway, in November 2018 I had surgery to fix the bone spur. I've had several surgeries in my life and I woke up sick and out of it every time. This time I woke up like I just had the best nap of my life. I was up and going to the bathroom shortly after I woke up and I was home a few hours later. The office follow-up was great, and I thank Lisa Cano for her kindness and thoroughness during a small rough patch about three weeks post surgery. I'd been feeling a little blah and I could tell I was retaining water throughout my body. I just felt...swollen. I got a massage, and while the masseuse was very careful around the incision, she moved things around, as massage will do. A few hours passed and as I got up from the couch to go to bed, my back was wet. Long story short, the incision opened up and was leaking fluid. I immediately called the office (around 9pm, so it was the exchange I got), and Lisa called back immediately, asked me to take a picture, then told me how to cover it, etc. and had me come in the following morning. Dr. Bae was extremely concerned, said he'd never seen this so far out post surgery. He was NOT dismissive or cavalier, which I appreciated. His concern actually made me calmer about it (we can address the psychology of that another time) He swabbed for infection, then dressed it and sent me home with dressings and orders to take pictures after every dressing change. Within a day or two he called and said he wanted to go back in and surgically put a drain in. I finished a round of antibiotics he normally gives post surgery, and he put me on a second round. I was very against going under again, and within a few days the incision began tunneling. It was clear I had an infection but it wasn't bad enough to make me ill-no fever, no pain to speak of, just a little uncomfortable and a lot unnerving. He finally prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic and within a couple of days the tunneling stopped and the incision closed. These things happen. Drs work diligently to prevent infection, but it happens. The competency and care I experienced with Dr. Bae and his PA Lisa cannot be overstated. I was not worried for a second, and when I objected to going under again for the drain, Dr. Bae was firm that we shouldn't wait too long, but he didn't push. I sent Lisa gross pictures of the wound and the bandages every day, and it was enough to ruin the strongest of stomachs. Her communication was right on, and frequent. Saving the best for last, my back is good as new. The only negative was that with a repaired back my knee situation came to the forefront and proceeded to cause me suffering the back couldn't hold a candle to. I got that taken care of in September of 2019 (see my review of Dr Andrew Yun). I cannot say enough about Dr. Bae and his staff. He is just wonderful and he'll be my go-to if any future issues arise.

Yelp^®

Hyun Bae, MD

He gave me all the information I needed to make the decision to get surgery. He was always available to talk to if I had any questions and his assistant was extremely accommodating. I ended up going with Dr. Millstein for many reasons for my shoulder surgery, but he was also recommended to me by my physical therapist and my other primary doctor. He is great.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Great

Andrew Wassef, MD

Excelente doctor. Atendió a mi mami y quedó excelente.

Christopher Combs, MD

Consummate professional!!! Answered every question I had whether in person, Zoom call or on the telephone. Thoroughly discussed every x-ray with detail I could understand. I would unquestionably recommend Dr. Bhalla to family and friends. Don’t put your health in just any surgeon’s hands. If you need spinal surgery, you want Dr. Bhalla on the end of the knife.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Bae fixed my back pain! Thank you Dr. Bae. I had severe low back pain. Dr Bae installed the Pro Disc in my L4-L5. The surgery was very successful as I’m still living pain free after 19 years. If you’re a candidate for disc replacement I highly recommend Dr Bae and the Spine Institute.

Hyun Bae, MD

I have required two foot surgeries in the last 13 months on the same foot and I’ve been so fortunate to have had Dr. Lee do both. He patiently talked me through the pros & cons of each procedure, answered all my many questions which helped me feel comfortable about the decisions I had to make, and has been incredibly responsive after each surgery and during the entire, lengthy recovery periods. Although Dr. Lee’s specialty practice is one I hope to not require too much in the future, I will be back to see him without any hesitation if need be, and will confidently refer friends and family to him as well.

David Lee, MD

Dr. Millstein has been my go-to doctor for my aches and pains. While he specializes in knee and shoulder issues, I know he’ll find the right option for me. I like him and trust him.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Bhalla is both a caring and fantastic doctor. My back issues have been resolved and I continue physical therapy. I keep referring Dr. Bhalla to my friends as he is the greatest!!!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Millstein is compassionate and considerate. He is stays up to speed on my medical history. He is on-time for our appointments which are complete and never rushed.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Millstein's staff worked me in same day, thanx Beth ;-) The doctor & staff treated my symptoms in a very timely and professional manner. This patient is quite a Happy Camper !

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Bhalla did a great job on my recent back surgery. I am doing much better now and best of all, No Pain! Thank You Dr. Bhalla

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Bae saved my life. I had three degenerated discs in my neck. That was 16 years ago and I’m now 72 and work full time at my own business. I’m so grateful to him!

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is an awesome surgeon. This was my second surgery in ten years. The first was at St. Marys in Long Beach. It did not go well for me there. I was never the same. I was very reluctant and scared knowing that I would have to relive that nightmare from ten years ago. Well, here I am two days post-op and I'm walking slowly but without any balance issues or complications. I am very grateful to Dr. Khurana. Before, I could not walk a half city block without falling to the ground in pain. I felt helpless and scared. I feel some discomfort after the surgery but that is to be expected. This is nothing like I encountered in my first surgery ten years ago. I put off the surgery as long as I could because I was genuinely frightened. All is great now! I feel twenty years younger. If I have must require further procedeures Dr. Sanjay Kharana will be the doctor I choose. In closing, it was a wonderful experience. I had the procedure performed at the Diagnostic & Interventional Surgical Center. The staff is wonderful. They are extremely accomodating and genuinely concerned. Again, a big thank you to Dr. Khurana and all of his wonderful staff who made this happen.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Lee is the most Talented professional, yet caring doctor I have ever met. He has been so patient with me. I would never have had another foot surgery, but, I had to correct the mistakes of another inept doctor. A difficult task that Dr. Lee did with grace and humility. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Lee.

David Lee, MD

Hoping she can help me. My problem is probably one that will take time to fix. But she was upfront and honest. Thought she was great.

Allyson Estess, MD

Had my first visit with Dr. Garabekyan last week. I have never had a doctor spend so much time explaining in detail what was going on. Like a lot of doctors, they recommend bringing any prior images, etc. but rarely spend time reviewing . Dr Garabekyan took the time to review everything in absolute detail and explain based on the images what is likely going on. They were able to get me in quickly (less than a week) and clearly know how to run an office, as everything ran on time, and I seemed to be scheduled with enough time for him to spend with me. Really impressed with my first visit. Nice to see Doctors that are both at the top of their field and know how to connect with patients.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Thoughtful, Kind, Knowledgable and Gracious.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Great doctor who I will recommend to anyone with neck issues. His staff is top of the line and help you easily coordinate appointments, MRI’s etc…  Dr. Khurana was very professional, took his time to explain things and went above and beyond to help me with my neck problem . knowledgeable about their work. I was very worry because my age 59 and  It has been 9 weeks since my surgery and have had zero pain .I will never be able to thank him and his staff enough.I feel great. . I had my surgery done in Marina Del Rey at Diagnostic And Interventional Surgical Center which I will say was probably the best experience ever after having surgery.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Everyone I met during the visit was polite and professional throughout the process

Allyson Estess, MD

He's a doctor you can trust. He sure helped my sad back.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla and staff are very caring and compassionate. They are also being extremely safe during this crazy Covid life we are living in. Dr. Bhalla took is time listening to me and I never felt rushed. He explained everything to me and answered all of my questions.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I had a 10 in lower back pain and tried so many different things without any relief. My physician recommended Dr. Sanjay K. Khurana as the best there is and assured me he would be the one to get me out of my misery. I’m so glad that I finally decided to have Microdisectomy surgery for right L4-5 L. The entire experience was made seamless by his team, especially in the time of Covid. I went in for surgery early morning and walked out the same day with zero back pain. Thank you Sanjay for taking such good care of me. I’m eternally grateful. Walter

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Leonel corrected a very painful neck surgery that almost left me paralyzed. He was also able to discern that I was traumatized and needed help with this and made my primary aware of it. He is a very talented and highly professional and qualified surgeon. Especially using technology to explain MRIs, scans, and x-rays in consultation with a patient. He's very understanding with authorizing time off of work and helping with disability benefits. He's very cautious and warns you sternly about postoperative care. I really like the way he dresses and his style because after all he is a Beverly Hills doctor. His staff and office environment is very calming and organized. I highly recommend this doctor and Cedars Sinai Hospital.

Leonel Hunt, MD