Best surgeon I have dealt with in the last 40 years and exceptional results for my son's complicated knee surgery and I wished I had him operate on my knee when I had torn my ligaments in my youth. 1000% recommend Doctor Mandelbaum if you need the best orthopedic DR. and great staff too. read more

I have nothing but great to say about Dr. Mandelbaum as a person and as a doctor. I saw him many years ago for a bum knee and have referred people to him a million times as THE knee guy. So when I more recently got knee pain in that knee, I called and made an appointment with Dr. M. I waited months to see him but knowing he's the best, I waited. I arrive and am seen by a NURSE. Not saying nurses can't be good but she was not Dr. M. Then I was told, oh he now only sees athletes and people under a certain age (50?). X-rays were taken and the nurse walks in the room and says she knows what's wrong already. X-ray diagnosis is a no no. She didn't ask enough history and barely touched me. She wanted to inject my knee and I almost let her but the whole thing felt wrong. Went for a 2nd opinion elsewhere and based on a thorough history and physical, she diagnosed a ligament (medial collateral) NEXT to my knee joint as the problem. An injection into the right structure relieved my months of pain overnight. So, if you are an athlete or young enough, I'd recommend Dr. M as the very best. But if you're older or not an athlete - ask lots of questions when you think you are making an appointment with him. read more

Dr. Mandlebaum is fantastic. He takes the time to learn about you as a person AND a patient and successfully guided me through 2 knee surgeries and a successful PRP regimen. He's worked on some of the world's greatest athletes... and me. Can not recommend him and his office more highly. read more

Dr. Mandelbaum performed arthroscopic knee surgery on me in 1997. Nearly thirty years later, my knee remains in excellent condition. I've completed three marathons and continue to run 20-25 miles each week. I'm living proof of the long-term success of his work. read more

He's great and you should 100% go see him. Takes really good care of all his patients

I rarely leave reviews but I had to share my love for Dr Mandelbaum. He is an excellent doctor who takes the time to properly care for his patients with tact, respect and a sense of both confidence and ease. He helped me with a torn meniscus. The surgery was made very easy by both him and his staff. They rushed to have it done very quickly so I was not waiting in pain. 5 days later and I was able to walk again. I would recommend Dr mqndelbaum to anyone who needs quality care from an awesome person. read more

I had an awful experience in Dr. Mandelbaum's office today. I just returned from Portugal, where I fractured my patella and saw two orthopedist who said I didn't need surgery. I came in with a full knee stabilizer and kept my leg straight for three weeks A friend referred me to Dr. Mandelbaum's office. After a half hour waiting in the waiting room, I went into the room where a clinician tried to open the file that had the x-rays from three weeks ago. I finally suggested that we get new x-rays and he thought that was a good idea. (Duh?)"Oh yes, that's what we should do." another 15 minutes, went by and someone came into the room and said do I have any pain in my knee and which knee? I looked at her like she was crazy. I said I fractured my patella and I I've been getting treatment for three weeks. She said oh OK. Half hour later, the x-ray person came in and walked me to the room where they were going to do the X-ray. On the way I asked him what his name was. (I like to be friendly). He said "we'll go over all that when we get in the room and I'll be asking you the questions "OK. We walk into the x-ray room and there was a guy behind the curtain and told us to come back five minutes later. (I have no idea what was he was doing )So we're standing in the hallway and the x-ray guy tells me to take off my leg brace so that we can easily go in the room and he can x-ray my leg bent. I looked at him and I said I can't take this off and walk. I've been in this brace for three weeks with my leg straight and I was told never to bend my leg. I then insisted that we talk to the doctor before he did anything. He was annoyed and took me back to my room. I explained it to the clinician what happened and he said "oh yeah yeah yeah you have a fractured patella. You shouldn't be bending your knee. Let me take care of this." I'll talk to the doctor. 20 minutes goes by. He takes me to another room with the same x-ray specialist who starts treating me badly again. I finally said "are you mad at me?" He starts complaining and then stormed out of the room and said my assistant will take care of you. The assistant was very nice. He took the x-rays. I saw the doctor. Then I saw the guy that fitted me for the brace and I was out the door. That took 2 1/2 hours. Dr. Mandelbaum seems like a good doctor, but his staff and the experience that I had was horrendous. If I had followed their directions, they could've injured me. I'm questioning my decision of whether I should just change doctors at this point. I've never had an experience like this in a doctors's office before. It just seems like nobody knows what's going on. So some people reading this might think well the doctor's good so why should I care whether the support staff is good? The support staff was terrible and could've injured me. Who wants to deal with arrogant, angry x-ray technicians. I really question this whole practice. read more

There is truly NO one better than Dr. MANDELBAUM! We were referred to him randomly and we were so lucky we did! My daughter's ACL went out and everything was a blur. He's not an alarmist and he's just amazing!! read more

Dr M is a super doc. His surgery on my knee some years ago was perfect. I've been completely pain free since. He's a gifted diagnostician and a caring person. A gifted doc is worth waiting for. read more

It's 3 days after my ACL reconstruction surgery and I am feeling well. I am putting weight on my knee. Getting around is getting easier. Taking less and less pain meds. Dr. Mandelbaum has the golden touch. I did allograft and within a few days feeling better. Looking forward to physical therapy and hoping to surf again in the near future. Highly recommend Dr. Mandlebaum. He delivers! read more

Great Dr and an expert on his filed. Awful staff / from his nurses to his Scheduler You just keep getting passed around . Communication is tough , you can't get a hold of anyone, takes multiple calls for a simple question or request ! Overall very mismanaged office . Super busy so often time it takes you weeks to make an appointment for follow ups , ... be ready to wait for hours once you are in his office. Super frustrating all over !!! read more

My daughter had knee reconstruction with Dr. M. He was awesome, easy to consult with, knowledgeable, and friendly. The surgery process was seamless from start to finish. read more

Best knee doc in town, I mean I didn't even bleed more than a small drop of blood, my knee felt 18 again REALLY!!!

I went to see Dr. Mandelbaum for knee pain and after a MRI, the doctor found i had a torn meniscus. I opted for surgery since this my second time seeing him for my other knee. He and the nurses are caring and listen to you. I am now pain free ! I woild highly recommend Dr. Mandelbaum. read more

Dr Bert and his team of nurses went above and beyond in handling of my surgery. Everything went well and I'm on the part of recovery and the therapy is going well too. I hereby recommend his services to whoever needs it because he's best in the business. read more

I am less than 8 weeks out from my ACL surgery by Dr. Mandelbaum. He was able to get me in right away for surgery. The surgery was awesome. I am doing power yoga. I even was able to SCUBA dive in Hawaii 6 weeks out. I am impressed with the level of activity I am able to sustain. I have a little bit of discomfort and I baby my knee at times. I don't have swelling. I am surprised at my range of motion so soon. Everyone is different and the first 3 weeks post surgery were awful. I severed my ACL skateboarding. Other than the wait to get in for an MRI and long office visit waits. Be prepared. Bring a book. A good book. The office staff is busy but they do follow through if you leave a message. Post Op pain management was an issue. I iced, I elevated, and I took the pain meds they prescribed. I honestly have to say they did not work. They simply did not touch the pain once the block wore off post-surgery. There were times when I felt absolutely anxious, depressed, and in the absolute worst pain I have ever experienced. Having a baby via c-section was nothing compared to this. I had good post-op​ pain management. Things have changed and most surgeons flat out refuse to prescribe opiates for pain. This is an issue for people who have never had substance abuse problems and are in need of short term pain relief. I think a lot of where I am now is due to a highly skilled knee surgeon and having a take no prisoners approach to get​ back to my former dexterity. Yoga is a life-saver. I am not a sedentary person. My job is very active and I have a young son that keeps me running. Long story short. You won't find a better surgeon for knees than Mandelbaum. If your insurance covers him do not think twice. That is his specialty and he does hundreds of knees a year. read more

Dr Bert R Mandelbaum is charming patient and informative. Sadly this is office is next to impossible to communicate with. I needed PRP injections in both knees to do that I would need MRIs for both. I was only cleared by my insurance for one MRI because hi office never gave them the info they requested. Getting the office to fill out one page questionnaire so that I could get my right knee MRI never happened. Looks like the request will time out now. Mandelbaum's office kept telling me they never received anything. So I got a copy of it from my insurance and forwarded it to them twice, they never did a thing about it. Even calling the office doesn't help. Racquel who runs the desk their annoyingly barely listens or just talks over you and then hangs up, so you have to keep calling back to get the simplest of answers. So far, the most disappointing experience. read more

An amazing experience all around. Great doctor and amazing team. Highly recommend him. Went into surgery by 2. Was on my way home by 3:30.....used a cane for support for a few days and was walking around my restaurant 2 days later........with no pain. Amazing! read more

Amazing care by Dr Mandelbaum back in 2016 for a torn meniscus. His techniques, physical therapy recommendations and surgical skills are exemplary. Even after six years, I am able to walk, exercise with greater ease and flexibility. Just follow his program to the letter, most notably the PT regimen immediately following surgery. Truly one of LA's top orthopedic surgeons. read more

First, I want to say Dr. Mendelbaum is a great surgeon. The problem is that the practice he works for is sleezy and dishonest. When I first went to them, they told me they were in-network for my insurance. The day of surgery they reiterated that and asked for a quarter of the estimated deductible of $2,800. We paid that and, eventually the balance. A whole year later, I get a bill for $5,400. I inquire with their billing office and they tell me it's the insurance company. I call the insurance company and they tell me its the doctor. The bottom line is, they billed a piece of it separately that the insurance said should been included (bundled) into the surgery cost. Dr. Mendelbaum's office said that the charge was for something outside the network and there was nothing I could do. I paid $500 in good faith and asked that the matter be investigated. They said they'd get back to me...and never did. I kept getting bills for it and re-initiated the conversation. I spoke to the financial counselor, John, who said he'd get back to me. Again, silence. Today I get a notice from a collection agency saying that I owe $6,800!!! I spoke to the office manager, Liza, who said "she'll get back to me". I am so stressed out over all of this. If it is not resolved, I am going to have to hire an attorney. If you have to use Dr. Mendelbaum, get the financials clearly laid out ahead of time in great detail. Or just go elsewhere! read more

Dr Mandelbaum fixed wifey's knee with PRP! We were both very suspicious at first - particularly wifey, who insisted on post-procedure MRI's. I watched as she screamed in pain every time - he injects the plasma together with Orthovisc, 3 times total, spread out over about 45 days - and her knee swelled like crazy at first. But guess what - it worked! Wifey went to Patagonia and did a 9-mile hike eight months later, stating she was literally "dancing" down the trail. Never doubt the Mandelbaum! Highly recommended, particularly if you're the athletic type who just can't stand "getting older." read more

I am a 47 year old women. I had a moderate meniscus tear in my right knee and was really debating whether I should do arthroscopic surgery or not. I had mild pain when walking and was not able to run or skip at all prior to surgery. I did my surgery in march. The first week was harder than I thought. Now after 5 months, I am extremely happy with the result of my surgery. I almost have absolutely no pain at most times with walking and biking and physical activity. I am even able to run now, but try to avoid it, since I started having a very low grade pain once I tried to run for a couple of days, 20 min each time. Dr Mandelbaum did a great job. His bedside manner for sure could be better, but what I care the most for is the surgery result. read more

The doctor (or I presume his PA) included treatment options in my "chart" and noted that he had discussed the options at length with me. However, the only thing we discussed was that I should rest my knee for 6 weeks and come back for another MRI. When I asked what the possibilities from there would be, he responded with "We'll discuss it when the time comes." About 4 weeks went by, so I called to schedule the MRI and follow up. The scheduler read my chart out loud, and I heard new diagnoses and treatment options that the doctor never discussed with me. Very unprofessional and lacking empathy. Requesting my records be sent to a new doctor. read more

Dr. Mandelbaum (3/5) Dr. Bert Mandelbaum came highly recommended, but I didn't have PPO insurance at the time - only Kaiser HMO. I went to Dr. Bert Mandelbaum for his opinion on arthritis, success rates, grafting options and opinions for ACL reconstruction. He spoke down to me at 1st and treated me as if I was a child - which is fine. He's probably used to "regular" patients who don't study up. He seemed hell bent on using a cadaver allograft, which I've heard good and bad about. He referred me to Dr. Tadashi Funahashi, the Chief Orthopedic Surgeon @ Kaiser Permente Orange County. I eventually had my surgery with Dr. Funahashi @ Kaiser and had top notch care and rehab. I'm 2 years out of surgery and my knee is awesome. No signs of any arthritis or misalignment. Knee is tight yet flexible - just about equal to the other knee. I used my own patella tendon graft. One thing you gotta know about Dr. Mandelbaum: He is hell bent on using Cadaver grafts and will sell you on the idea, but there are a LOT of doctors who have different opinions about the whole thing, and they made more sense to me. Being that these grafts are some of the last things to be taken out of a cadaver, the irradiation process weakens them, and there's actually no difference between a good surgeon using your own kneecap or a cadaver. Your kneecap defect actually grows back if they sew it back up right. Santa Monica Orthopedic Group (0/5): Going back to my problems with Santa Monica Orthopedic group is their billing department - these guys are SHADY! Maybe even crooks. I had called and told them that I just wanted a consultation with Dr. Mandelbaum to pick his brain about this proceedure. They told me the price was $150-300. Anything over $150 is already steep - just to talk to the doctor for 10 minutes. My bill comes to me a few months later: $450 dollars.....just to talk to the Doctor. I call up their billing department and ask why the charge is $450. No real answer. Just that it is. I ask for them to send me a price sheet. They should have something like this listed. A break down of prices for services/time. They don't have a charge sheet and refuse to send me any paper work other than the bill with only 1 number: $450. I scream and rant with the douchebag in billing over the phone. I get them down to $320 and I'm emotional/physically drained. If I didn't live in Orange County, I would have driven right over and made a huge scene at their office. I paid the amount, but I feel that it was overly steep for the service provided, is shady and had no basis, and this office's billing is a good example of why Healthcare costs are so high in this country. It's such a shady business. It has been a few years now, but I have found out that this clinic did violate codes by doing what they did to me: CA Health & Safety Code 1339.56. AB 1045- Requires that hospitals disclose prices for the top 25 most common outpatient services or procedures, and requires, upon request, a person to be provided with a written estimate of charges for the health care services that are reasonably expected to be provided and billed to the person if the person does not have health coverage. (Signed into law by governor on 10/5/05 as Chapter 532, Statutes of 2005.) CA Health & Safety Code 1339.585- Upon the request of a person without health coverage, a hospital shall provide the person with a written estimate of the amount the hospital will require the person to pay for the health care services, procedures, and supplies that are reasonably expected to be provided to the person by the hospital, based upon an average length of stay and services provided for the person's diagnosis. (Signed law 2004.) read more

Great doctor and happy with my surgery but I would not go back. Two to three hours waiting for the doctor everytime. My final check up I walked out after two hours of waiting and he never showed up. Stevan Hill read more

Dear Dr. Mandelbaum's office, Your patients keep calling my cell phone for physical therapy, but I'm not a physical therapist!!! Please update your records for the Westside Wellness & Rehab with the correct number! I've spoken to your office several times about this!!! You don't want me to start treating them, I promise you that... Thanks! read more

Dr. Mandelbaum is a wonderful doctor and kind human being. My experience with him and his office staff were brilliant. When he operated on my knee, everybody involved in the process from receptionist to PAs to Dr. Mandelbaum himself treated me with dignity and warmth. Having observed other orthopedic surgery offices in town, I realize that Dr. Mandelbaum is more than a specialist in orthopedic care; he also is a specialist in patient interaction, which is a vital part of healthcare today. I thank all of the people in that office for their professionalism and humanity. read more

Had knee surgery 6 months ago. The office felt like he was renting out a spot there. There were many doctors and they seemed to all use office interchangeably. He was very friendly but he seemed way to busy. i had to wait 1 1/2 after my appointment time just to see him. I would not recommend. When it came time to do the surgery, and I get it, Im the only sucker getting knee surgery that day, but to put 3 ppl in the same room divided by a curtain all lined up like chopped meat or better put a money mill, i didnt like the generic assembly line i felt there. His facility where the surgery is actually done is off Wilshire? or Santa Monica? My knee has been hurting me about 4-5 months since, My wife made me a follow up appointment again, but after reading all these reviews i think hes probably just going to end up wanting to do a "clean up" again. My appointment is today and i'm not going. I am going to see another doctor to get a real second opinion. People say this guy is good. He is a good talker but given i just had surgery and am having pain gain, not a good surgeon read more

The doc has drank too much of his own Kool-aid. He was arrogant, dismsisive, and his bedside manner could stand some big improvements. He has a good reputation, but recent reports about his surgical skills are mixed when it goes beyond knee replacements, so I opted to go elsewhere to get me leg fixed. And any MD who is more concerned about writing books about sports psychology than taking care of his core practice on orthopedics should take a good look in the mirror, and re-assess his career choices. We have enough C-list celebrities in LA; we sure don't need any more. read more

Dr. Mandelbaum deserves 5+ stars--and this is coming from another physician. I only went to see Dr. Mandelbaum because he came recommended by a famous knee replacement surgeon--who uses Dr. Mandelbaum himself!! True to the recommendation I have always been impressed by his knowledge, professional manner, and his expertise. He has always been 100% on target with his recommendations. He did a great job fixing my knee when I tore my meniscus. However, he is honest and conservative and recommended (correctly) against surgery 2 times since then, aware from his experience that my injuries & pain were just temporary--and my subsequent experiences proved that he was right on. ps I have just referred my husband to Dr. Mandelbaum, knowing he will be in the best hands. read more

It's a shame. My first visit with the doctor was great. He took his time, I waited a reasonable amount of time. He ordered and MRI. I had to come back in to discuss, which wasn't ideal, given the 20 mile drive. It was a 5-minute discussion after waiting over an hour. He basically said surgery or injections, my call. I had a few follow-up questions - that's where the main problem is. After multiple calls and email on my part, the PA (Jennifer) and the doctor have not returned messages. I opted to have Orthovisc injections to tide me over, and still have not heard back from the office on surgery-related questions. I've had to wait almost an hour for an injection, as well. Racquel in scheduling has been very accommodating, but unfortunately can't help with medical questions. Will have to look elsewhere for surgery and PRP injections. read more

Had articular cartilage reformation surgery and the repair of two tears in my meniscus with Dr. Mandelbaum. From start to finish, he and his staff have been outstanding. Within a two week period, I had my first appointment with Dr. Mandelbaum, an MRI which he read and shared with me immediately after the imaging, pre-op with his staff PA (Stephanie Pongracz), surgery to make the required repairs and my post-op appointment the day following surgery. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Mandelbaum was professional, knowledgeable, empathetic and friendly. He clearly explained the damage and discussed the operation and my options. Dr. Mandelbaum always had time for questions and made me feel completely comfortable. His support staff is also outstanding. If you need knee repairs, Dr. Mandelbaum is the "go to" orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles. read more

Mandelbaum repaired my daughters ACL and Meniscus tear in 90 minutes. Four days later and only a small amount of pain. He was informative and knowledgable. This is her second surgery but last time was with a different surgeon. This experience is a 1000 times better from time, staff, surgeon and pain. I highly recommend elite athletes see Mandelbaum. He operated on two of her teammates in the past and they came back to soccer stronger than they were before. The surgery center was like a hospital floor but everyone was kinder and the place was very clean. I was skeptical about not going to a hospital but I have no regrets and it was a very smooth and timely process. The wait time in his office is long but it's because he takes his time with patients and answers all questions. read more

Dr. Mandlebaum performed my knee surgery and I had an excellent experience. Highly recommended. read more

I started seeing Dr. Mandlebaum in the 90's for a very painful frozen shoulder ..He guided me through it and told me the bottom line ...Surgery or not it was going to be a painful recovery ...It took 9 mo without surgery ...He has always been honest, shown his expertise and undying commitment to his practice and patients ..I am shocked when I read anything negative about him...He operated on my left knee which never gave me problems again..I saw him yesterday and he's the same great man who will always cut to the chase ...He has now been my doctor for over 25 years off and on ...All my friends see him .....He's warm, compassionate and I would never see anyone else..Thx to the front desk, Jennifer, and certainly Dr. Mandlebaum ...I know that I can count on him to give me the truth and to help solve problems as I get older ..A former jazz dancer..Phyllis.. read more

Dr. Mandelbaum gave me back my active life after I hyperextended my knee and blew out my ACL on the basketball court. Amazing knee surgeon who performed ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. I was 23 when he performed surgery. I am 47 years old now and have been playing in tennis tournaments, basketball with my sons, weight lifting, hiking and the repaired knee is stronger than my other knee. You only have two knees so it is prudent to be ultra selective when picking a surgeon....I did and I am thankful for the gift I was given.... You Rock Doc!! read more

I had ACL/Meniscus surgery from him 5 years ago. (I have alway been active and worked in the fitness industry for 20+ years, so I was no couch potato.) In my consultation, he told me that I would be back to doing everything I wanted in 6 mo. When that didn't happen, he told me that if I had a twin bother, he would have recovered by now because men heal "so much" quicker than women. Don't know who would want to hear that- yikes! He is arrogant, and chauvinistic to boot! I can no longer run, my knee swells when I push it, its somewhat painful to do yoga again, amongst hiking etc. things that I enjoyed. I am sorry I selected this doctor. Post surgery appt wait times were always 2 hours plus, and he has awful bedside manner and excuses. read more

Everyone should be aware as I wasn't after going through all the yelp reviews that this office will really go for your wallet. After reading his reviews and knowing he was in network for my insurance I booked an appointment for my knee. Turns out his office is associated with St. Johns Medical Center which will charge you a $350 facilities fee, which my insurance wouldn't cover. He may be an amazing doctor but I pay for insurance for a reason. read more

I'm reporting Mandelbaum to the AMA Possibly the worst doctor in Orthopedics in LA. Doesn't even SEE the patients. Has them see intern/assistants who in my case gave a stunning mis-diagnosis, all the while I'm in massive pain and they don't see it. They think it's a simple rotator cuff injury.. They also screwed up the MRI request by not having the paperwork carry their request for an ink dye MRI, so I wasted $2,800 of my insurers money. Then, after screwing up the MRI, misdiagnosing a tendon rupture as a rotator cuff injury, he becomes relentless in collections. I'm reporting this guy to the AMA. If you're looking for a real surgeon, not just some business guy with a medical license running a sports clinic for rich athletes. See Fred Nicola at Disc in Marina del rey. he's great read more

As others have noted, the office experience isn't great, but I'm a nut for finding the right doctor who is relatively conservative, patient, and answers questions. Dr. Mandelbaum was all of those things, and he repaired my ACL in 2005. It took me about 6 months to get back to normal with physical therapy, and another full year after that to completely trust my knee again. At this point, my repaired knee feels stronger than the other. Dr. Mandelbaum had me using a bike for therapy from day 1, and I was off crutches after about 10 days. If I had any other knee issues, I would most definitely come to him first. read more