Southern California Orthopedic Institute

I’m posting my recent experience with SCOI. My doctor was fantastic before moving to SCOI. Now I can’t get in touch with him so that means the PA is not relaying my requests or just ignoring my request. I don’t understand why it is so difficult to get a prescription for pain medication. I was told that my med was sent to my pharmacy. When I went to pick it up, it was for Narcan nasal spray, not pain medicine. Really? What if I had taken it without looking it up. That is for opioid addiction. I can’t even get an opioid. I’m going to have to go see a different doctor to handle my case as SCOI doesn’t seem to care.

Dr. Paul Simic is a great surgeon. He is professional, good natured and communicates well with me. He successfully did my right hand in April 2024. We did my left hand July 5th. The Carpal tunnel surgery on could not have gone better. I referred my wife to him. Highest recommendation.

Unbelievable how scary it was to think I had to have both shoulders replaced. You have no idea how your going to turn out, or what your going to be able to do after they are done. My doctor was Dr. Michael Bahk. The first time I met with him I asked if he was any good at this. He smiled and talked me through the procedure, and what he expected of me after the surgery. There was really no choice in the matter because I couldn't even scratch my head it was so pain full. Confidence level up I went in for the first round on my right shoulder. It was amazing to wake up in just a cloth sling and no real pain. Dr. Bahk said just give me 30 days of don't lift anything heavy and then we will go from there. I asked what was heavy....he said a cup of coffee. with in 2 weeks I was doing things that I couldn't have done for the last several years. There was stiffness and discomfort but nothing that you cant endure. Its kind of like working out and the stiff and sore muscles when you first working out. It gets better quickly. I did about 8 weeks of therapy to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and at 60 days went tuna fishing for the big boys. It had been an amazing and easy experience considering what they do to replace your joint with a new Titanium one. It was so good I asked to get the other one done ASAP. With that being said, I had the Left shoulder done with the same healing as the Right one. with in 2 months your back to doing things you haven't been able to do for years. I can lift both arms straight over my head again with no pain again. I even started swinging a Golf club again. I cant thank SCO.I. and Dr. Michael Bahk enough for what they have given me back. All I can say is if you have shoulder problems don't wait. Do yourself a favor. Go see the Doctor's at SCOI and get things fixed . The longer you wait, its just more suffering for you that you need not have to go through. Todays technology is beyond belief. Just get it done. Thank you Dr. Michael back for giving me my life back. Stan Vanderburg

Dr. Brian Grossman and his practice coordinator Laura have been outstanding. Dr. Grossman has been the utmost professional, made me comfortable with something as serious as spine surgery and has always been engaging. He answered every single question I had with concern and confidence. When my wife accompanied me to my second consult, he also engaged with her and made sure all her concerns and questions were addressed. When I had a hiccup with prescriptions after discharge, Dr. Grossman called me personally and took responsibility, and made sure it was corrected. Early on in the process I had an administrative issue that took quite a bit of effort to resolve, and Laura helped me every step of the way to get it resolved and maintain my original surgery date. I cannot sing the praises of Dr. Grossman and Laura loud enough, and they are deserving.

THEY DID A GREAT JOB GIVING ME THE POWER OF MAKING MY HAND MUCH BETTER AND BEING ABLE TO USE MY HAND WITH LESS PAIN

Every aspect of my experience was excellent. Decisive, professional, and totally responsive.

I have always gotten very good care when I have broken a bone, but this last time to have to wait for over a week to come in with a broken leg is unacceptable due to they have cut back on staffing. I asked if I could go to another office, but apparently they have cut back on staffing everywhere. I'm in a wheelchair so won't know until next week if I truly broke my leg, and boy I will not be happy if I did. If I walked I would go to another place.

I have had a terrible experience here. Dr. Grossman was nice, and while the staff was also nice, they were completely inept. I waited 3 weeks for an order to get some images done when all they need to do was print it out at the visit. I waited 7 weeks for a procedure because initially I couldn't get an appointment for 4 weeks. Then, the staff forgot to put through the referral authorization request and upon realizing it, couldn't get me in for a new appointment for 3 more weeks. Then, when I wanted to get my records because I am going elsewhere, they would not print them for me at the office even though I was standing right there to authorize it. Terrible, frustrating experience overall. I encourage everyone to seek medical care elsewhere.