Their words.
Your questions.

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

Great great, surgeon; who is very professional, comforting, and knows how to get things done!!! Bed side manners are superb and that's what I like in doctors. Highly highly recommended and you will be pleased!

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Extremely knowledgable and thorough as well as friendly and listened to my concerns. Would absolutely recommend her to anyone!!!

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr. Millstein is a fantastic MD, who's not only very smart and experienced, but also has common sense and brings a practical multidisciplinary approach to medical care. He's the best.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I was looking for the best hip doctor in the Los Angeles area and I think I found the best one in the world. Doctor Garabekyan is one of the most sympathetic and compassionate doctors I have ever. Being in the medical profession for over 40 years I think I am a good judge of other doctors and I honestly don’t think you can find a better hip specialist in the country

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

Honesty is what I was looking for I have enough friends I'm not looking for a new one I wanted a surgeon that knows his work and that is professional that calls it like it is. My left shoulder is excellent.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

"Dr. Garabekyan is the BEST. He’s caring, takes time to listen to you, and is truly a gifted surgeon. I’m now 6 months post-op from a labral repair and back to 100%. Thank you so much Dr. G!"

Tigran Garabekyan, 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

I have suffered with back issues for over 20 years. My condition during the past year was getting progressively worse. Walking for even a block was a big issue and I was experiencing numbness in my legs. Finding Dr. Bea was a lifesaver for me. I had talked to 3 different surgeons before I knew of Dr. Bea. One surgeon said that he wouldn't operate because of the advanced degree of damage. Another said that an operation probably would not alleviate my pain. I made an appointment with Dr. Bea and was thrilled to hear that after he looked at my MRI and heard of my symptoms, he was confident he could operate and repair my back. My whole experience with Dr. Bae and his office was comforting. He was so approachable and his assistant Dr. Lisa Ceno was responsive and very helpful. I had nine different procedures done on my back and the operation and recovery has gone smoothly. I have experienced an amazing improvement since my surgery. Now I can stand as long as I want. I can actually stand straight now as opposed to leaning over and to the right. I'm able to walk for much longer distances now, up to 3 miles, and I am looking forward to getting back to hiking longer distances in the mountains and renewing my love of cycling and yoga. I am confident that I will continue to improve and I am excited about the future. I am 69 years old and the thought of what my life was becoming was both scary and frustrating. Dr Bae has given me my life back. Thank you Dr. Bae for your amazing skills. My surgery was June 26, 2018

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Hyun Bae, 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 Estess takes great care of her clients. Thanks for trying to get me close to 100% as possible. Thanks again.

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Allyson Estess, MD

Dr. Millstein and his team were very helpful, courteous and informative.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Excellent surgeon. Knowledgeable, smart and caring. His assistant, Lisa, is kind and listens to every word. The whole staff is A-Plus!

Hyun Bae, MD

This dr is the best i had surjery for my shoulder every thing was good his office worker are kind nice and helpful I am so thanks from this dr and his office last year my knee was so bad and i had alot of pain dr Millstein helped me without surjery now I am 90%beter and again dr Millstein thank you so much.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Great bedside manner and super sharp doctor

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr Millstein and his entire staff are all fantastic. The organization is a model of how a doctors office should run. Dr Millstein is very pleasant and the way he explained my shoulder injury was so easy to understand. He explained what the next weeks of healing would be like, and calmed down all of my fears about whether my shoulder would return to full function. I have so much confidence in Dr Millstein and I’m very happy I chose to see him.

Eric S. Millstein, 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

I have known Dr Millstein for almost 8 years, and have recommended him to several of my family members. He is compassionate, professional and very knowledgeable. He always puts his patient's needs and safety first and that is very important. You don't feel rushed, he answers all of your questions and he makes sure you understand his recommendations. I feel very comfortable with his skills and I appreciate his kind and helpful office staff.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Completely solved my husband's back issue that another surgeon could not. Smart and friendly manner

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I've been a patient of Dr. Bhalla for a little under a year and am absolutely astounded by the level of care and professionalism demonstrated by Dr. Bhalla and his executive assistant Tyra Joseph. I've had the misfortune of dealing with dozens of medical professionals and facilities and generally speaking, my experience has been frustrating to say the least. The reasons for this are usually related to unprofessional communication, lack of follow-through, lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, and an overall sense of being treated like a problem to be solved as quickly as possible. Dr. Bhalla and Tyra have given me the opposite experience. I feel cared for and listened to. Just recently my disc herniation symptoms worsened and instead of hurrying to finish with me, Dr. Bhalla sat down and listened to my lifestyle concerns, hearing me out before suggesting that he write a recommendation to my employer that will (hopefully) help me achieve a more sustainable recovery plan and short-term remedial lifestyle. Tyra carried this out with quick responses and a genuine sense of accommodation and understanding, empathizing with the fact that my quality of life is suffering and offering to help to the fullest extent that she can by working with my employer's HR representative. I feel genuinely cared for by this team and given how rare that is, I want to write in with a sincere expression of gratitude and acknowledgement as this level of service is far beyond what the norm has become.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Fantastic surgeon and did a wonderful job on my hip. Highly skilled and highly trained. Go for the best.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD