Hooman Oktaei's Online Review Report Card

One of the best spine doctors in LA, maybe the world. Dr. Melamed takes the time to understand the patients needs and works through the treatment options. Notice said "options". After making sure the patient knows the risks and benefits, he leaves the decision up to them. Truly revolutionary!!!

For all of you that have come here to look for reviews to help understand if you should choose Dr. Melamed as your spine surgeon or not, your search stops here. I had the wonderful pleasure of working with a Dr. Melamed for almost 3 years. I started off as his medical assistant and eventually worked my way up to being his surgery scheduler. Now there's a few things I do have to say about him and his practice. Dr. Melamed does run a tight ship. He believes that bringing the highest standard of care to the patient is his number one priority and I commend him deeply for that. He stays in touch with many of his patients, works long hours every day including the weekends to make sure everyone is getting their own individualized care. I have never seen a doctor be so involved with his practice and be able to explain what each individual person is going through in so much detail. I came to Dr. Melamed knowing that the spine had three parts and I left him being able to accurately read MRIs CT's and x-rays. He deeply cares for and loves what he does and it is not often that you see a doctor go above and beyond fighting with the insurance companies to help his patients get the care that they deserve and need. I've seen several people come to Dr. Melamed in wheelchairs and after surgery, multiple sessions of physical therapy and months of treatment I've seen them be able to walk as well. He is unlike any other doctor in the BEST ways possible and I had the fortunate experience of being mentored by him. I cannot strongly suggest him and his practice enough. He hires people that genuinely care for patients so you can be assured that every single person that you deal with in his practice will go above and beyond for you. Leaving his practice was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I think about all the people that I helped every single day and all the great relationships I've made along the way and the only reason I left was for my own growth. But, even in my new career I talk about Dr. Melamed almost every single day to everyone I know. If someone mentions the words "back pain" to me I immediately link his website to them. I've recommended my own family for treatment with him. I've never seen a doctor go above and beyond and fight with insurance companies and call them out for the injustice that they're bringing to patients. If you want a doctor that will put you first, create a treatment plan that is specifically meant for you, and best of all NO NARCOTICS -- you've come to the best spot and you can go ahead and call the number to get an appointment because you will be taken care of here. No one ever asked me to write this review but I know Dr. Melamed, I know his practice and I can't tell you just how much this place holds a special spot in my heart. I am with him all the way and once you make that initial consult you will be as well.

I am thrilled! I just had surgery about a week or so ago and sooo happy. I've lived with back pain for over 7 years. It would wax and wane and recently, the pain was so intense at times, that I felt I couldn't even lift up my right arm. I'm a lasik surgeon and I've performed about 80,000 eye surgeries in the past 24 years, so when my back pain started 7 years ago, I of course immediately had MRI's done, saw a neurologist, who diagnosed me with cervical radiculopathy. I discussed my issue with two neurologists. I felt, being a physician too, they would give me a little extra time and pay a little more attention to my issues; but, they were very matter of fact, very impersonal, and basically told me to let it resolve on its own. It didn't. But, their attitude made me think that surgery wasn't even an option on the table. I had to erase my stories with all the other 6 physicians I saw because there apparently is a word limit and I had reached it in this review, not including PT, chiropractors, even an acupuncturist that left needles in my foot.I went in a month or so ago, to see my 7th physician, a neurosurgeon. Yes, I'm a talker. I brought in my fourth MRI, which was read as no changes from previous. The neurosurgeon looked at it, and told me I had to live with it. I said, it's not surgical? He looked at me and said, there is nothing here on the MRI to operate on. He barely checked my reflexes. He told me that if any fancy surgeon at USC or UCLA wants to operate on me, to RUN. He also told me not to interrupt him 5 times (in 5 minutes). Frustrated, I asked him for a differential diagnosis. "Back pain" he says. I was fuming. He told me, the patients who come to see me are ready to have surgery. Well, I'm a surgeon, I didn't go see a neurosurgeon cuz I'm NOT ready to have surgery. I was going to drill a hole in my own back, to stop the pain.I found Dr. Melamed from a youtube video (seen every youtube video and every most famous chiropractors who have that one magical stretch that'll fix my problem) where Dr. Melamed performed surgery on a celebrity doctor who seemed to have all my symptoms. Very hopeful, I went in for a clinic visit. He saw the MRI and immediately had an answer for me and when he told me what it was, I was like CRAP how did no one else find this. I freaking suffered for what 7 years. Dr. M. wanted a CT scan to confirm his findings. The CT confirmed his findings. I knew he was the guy. I watched videos on the surgery he recommended. I booked surgery immediately. It was probably less than a week after seeing him that I was on the operating table. First surgery in my life. First time going under in my life. Weird, being a surgeon. I woke up from anesthesia and I knew he had taken care of the source of the problem. My tingling reduced 90% and what tingling I had, never escalated since the surgery. My need to massage all sorts of areas in my back and neck went away. It wasn't unusual for me to spend at least an hour a day massaging myself. Of course, I have some pain at the surgery site (it's only been a week). But, even if it stays just like this, I am thrilled. I'm a surgeon with tons of experience and I know medicine really well. I relied on many surgeons and if I wasn't in medicine, I could have easily concluded that nothing could be done for me. Physicians have a very hard time referring their patients out to other surgeons. Even in my case. I feel so lucky to have found Dr. Melamed. But, I do feel sooo sorry for the average back pain patient, who may have just come to the conclusion that they have to live with their pain. I almost came to that conclusion.Even if my pain comes back (of course I'm hoping it doesn't), I know as a surgeon that I would have done exactly what Dr. Melamed recommended for me because that WAS exactly the source of the problem.

Dr.Melamed is the best, smartest, most thorough and thoughtful orthopedic surgeon in the LA area. He's not the kind of guy who gives you five minutes and rushes out of the room. He listens to his patients, and he is kind and compassionate. I suffered with severe back pain for four months. Other doctors diagnosed me with a problem in my lower back that requires complicated invasive surgery. Dr. Melamed examined my scans closely and discovered a problem the other doctors didn't see - a cyst higher in my back compressing the nerves around my spine. This was the source of the pain I was experiencing, treatable with minor outpatient surgery. I am most grateful to De. Melamed and cannot recommend him more highly.

I had C5 and C6 disc replacement I was extremely happy with the results and Dr. Hooman great doctor I couldn't ask for any better experienceMy pain level went from 10 to 0 the minute I opened my eyes after my surgery .....I couldn't believe it

I am here for my 8 month following a lumbar fusion. I feel great ! No pain anymore.I expect the ct scan will show a nice fusion Dr. Melamed is absolutely exceptional. It is hard to forget how limiting the pain was before the surgery I had a par defect, and anterior lumbar fusion with posterior screws was the only way.Other doctors I visited wanted just a posterior fusion which would not have maintained the curve of my spine. Glad I saw Dr. Melamed. Please visit a doctor or two, then come to Spine Pros and you will why everyone raves about this outstanding dr.

He listens to all of your concerns and takes the time to explain. Excellent surgeon and very knowledgeable about other doctors in his field as well.

Big promises and botched surgery ! Huge ego and very little substance. Stay away !!!!

Dr, melamed, is the best Dr. He is the most knowledgeable and professional. Thank you Dr. Melamed.

I highly recommend Dr. Melamed. He's an excellent Dr. and surgeon. After my fall he took care of me step by step. I had surgery 6 months ago and with his guidance am doing very well. I trust him 100%.