Last Thursday, one week ago today, I had my third neck surgery. My primary treating orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Capen, instructed me to check in to 6000 San Vicente Blvd., in Los Angeles. Dr. Capen has been treating me for thirty years. He enabled me to stay on the job, help me with pain management, and represented my medical condition to Worker's Comp. Insurance (Worker's Comp. Insurance arbitrarily denies any/all medical recommendations). Dr. Capen never denied service, regardless of lack of authorization. I'm pretty sure he lost money in my case. Dr. Daniel Capen, is an honorable and compassionate individual. I had injured myself on the job many years ago. Being young and in good physical health prior to my injury, I always believed I would make a full recovery. My occupation at the time of injury required hard physical labor on a daily basis. Dr. Capen tried to encourage me to take it easier, but some days this wasn't possible. Although I was in physical pain, I rarely missed work. In fact over the years I advanced myself to upper management. This eliminated the need to work hard physically, but unfortunately the years of strenuous labor had taken it's toll on my body. Having had two previous surgeries on my neck seemed to offer a somewhat measured amount of relief, but having to return to my type of work was the real problem. Thanks to Dr. Capen, I was able to retire last September with forty-three years of service. Anyway, on to Dr. Gil Tepper. So on the morning of my scheduled surgery, this guy pops into my room. The guy dressed very casually, I'm thinking, he just got out of the ocean from an early morning surf. I had already spoken with Dr. Capen, so I ask Dr. Tepper, "are you the anesthesiologist ?". Dr. Tepper, not being offended in the least, responds, "no I'm a spinal surgeon". He then proceeds to very enthusiastically explain, that he is looking forward to fixing my neck. His confidence filled the room. This guys stays and talks to my wife and I for at least twenty minutes. He actually gives me a little background information on himself. Mostly talk about stuff completely unrelated to my surgery. Very impressive credentials , I might add, (I know this because my wife went home and Goggled him). I can see why Dr, Capen teamed up with Dr. Gil Tepper. So, I'm told that the surgery took approximately two and one half hours. My wife said I was in recovery, for about the same amount of time. When I came to, I could immediately feel a difference in my neck. After living in constant pain, to becoming virtually pain free. I would like to express my gratitude and I could go on and on about these two men. I do have a tendency to ramble sometimes. I did read some of the other reviews; that complained about long waits to see Dr. Tepper. From a personal perspective, I know that doctors tend to over schedule sometimes. I have spent many hours waiting for medical appointments or related procedures. I think part of the problem, is that we, the patients grossly outnumber, the doctors. I think that most doctors are honestly trying to treat as many people as they can in a day. Just like anyone else's day, there is never enough time in a day. All I can say, is, Dr. Gil Tepper and Dr. Daniel Capen are worth the wait. Did I mention, that I don't think either one of them made a bunch of money treating me? Also would like to mention Dr. Tepper's staff & surgical crew; Ginneh, Melissa, Yuli, Veronica, Dr. Young, Mary, Jeanette, David, Cynthia, Juan, Freddy, Alex, Tisha, Daniel, and Daniel(cafeteria). Thank You and God bless You All. Respectfully. Patrick Porteus. I must apologize for not acknowledging my night shift nurse, Mr. Luke Lucus. Just like his co-workers, he is a gem of a person. He was so attentive, and competent that he would check my vital signs in the middle of the night with very little disturbance. Don't know how I forgot Luke while writing previously. read more

Steven K I was a patient of Dr. Tepper and if it wasn't for Dr. Tepper-my life would of change for the worse. Let me explain-I had a terrible car accident back in 2004 and since it was a workers comp claim-I was sent to DR's who basically gave me the worst diagnosis one can hear-you need immediate surgery and the results may cause brain damage or walking maybe a challenge for you in the future-you will need either a walker or wheelchair. One after another said the same but when it came to the surgery I decided to handle my own future and researched who was the best to repair my broken body-one name kept on coming up-Dr. Gil Tepper and the word on the street he was a miracle worker. So I went scheduled an appoint ment to meet this Miracle worker and he is what they said-he eased my mind immediately-said what you heard from the other Dr's won't happen here. I had my surgery (4-5 hrs)-had to replace disc's and put a plate in my neck to support it. The Results? I was walking without any walkers or wheelchairs and slowly but surely (which Dr. Tepper mapped out) i recovered and dancing the jig today. Is he a miracle worker-YES. Did he save my life?-YES Did he give me my life back-YES YES!!!!! He is what they say-A TRUE MIRACLE WORKER!!! If you ever need a spine surgery CALL Dr. Tepper-if you don't -you are a fool Now in 2015 my son Bret needed surgery on his back (a major disc issue)-my son's insurance co wanted him to go to another DR but I told him NO-you are going to Dr. Tepper if you want to be whole again and back to your normal self-which he did and now he is in recovery with the prognosis is full recovery (like I would think any other way with this Miracle worker). Dr Gil Tepper may not be cheap but when it come to your future and how you will go thru the rest of your life or your love ones-HE IS WORTH EVERY $$$!!!!! (if not more) When I see a sports athlete get $100 Million to hit a ball-I say Dr. Tepper should make billions for giving the life back to us unfortunate individuals with major spine injuries. He has given me the life I want and the ability to do what i want without any disabilities. Do I recommend Dr. Tepper? 1000% The surgery was at the Miracle Mile Hospital. The care was so personal and they were there whenever I needed anything. The nurses are the best in the business and the hospital is the best hospital in the country. It is run by people who actualy care and show it every single day. They are always positive, very attentive and mostly-they are true professionals at the highest level. If i had to have surgery in the future-I would want it there-I have been other hospitals and this one stands so far above any other in all areas of care!!! The nurses, the staff and even the guy who parks the cars for the patients-so nice, always smiling, positve and making me feel so at ease being there-Do I recommend The Miracle Mile Hosptial-ABSOULUTELY!!!! I thank you Dr. Tepper with all my heart and life for putting me and my son back to normal by being the Dr you are (THE BEST!!!) and the hospital. I am in your debt!! read more

I had the best possible experience under the care of Dr. Tepper at Miracle Mile Medical Center. Since I have never had surgery before, I was nervous, but Dr. Tepper and his staff made me feel well-prepared on what to expect. Anna Martin, Dr. Tepper's medical assistant is really wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable and made herself available to answer any questions before and after the surgery, which was important to me. Another person who was a pleasure to deal with was Ivania in the front office who was good at explaining the ins-and-outs of complicated paperwork. All of the intake people and the anesthesiologist made me feel at ease and not nervous, and answered all of my questions. (I tend to have a lot of questions, but no one seemed annoyed by this.) After surgery, I felt very well-cared-for by the entire staff, especially my nurse, Alice. This was one great perk of having surgery at Miracle Mile Medical Center - your own private room, and own private nurse. It makes recovery much more pleasant and comfortable. The staff was very attentive there and made sure that I didn't suffer with any pain and had everything I needed at all times. I also have to add a note about the chef there, who came to my room to personally discuss some of my allergies with me and make sure that he could prepare something I could eat. He seemed very kind and caring like the rest of the staff, but this was unexpected from the chef. (What he did prepare was yummy, by the way.) The most important part is that after the surgery, the pain I was experiencing in my neck and shoulder was gone, and I can thank Dr. Tepper for that. Truly wonderful to no longer live with pain every day! Also, I had some other complicated problems related to my spine and all of the other doctors I have seen--and there have been a lot--say that my conditions are rare and they cannot offer much advice. Dr. Tepper was the first doctor to not only understand my medical conditions and how they related to one another, but to also have had other patients like me in the past. I greatly appreciate his knowledge and approach to treatment. He also has a great bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable by answering any questions you may have in easy-to-understand layman's terms. Overall, a great experience under the circumstances. I'm very glad I found Dr. Tepper and would highly recommend Miracle Mile Medical Center to anyone who needs to have spinal surgery. read more

Fantastic diagnosis, medical surgery and post surgery care from Dr. Gil Tepper and the staff. I had been receiving epidural injections since 2006 for a lower back problem in area of L5/S1. While the shots provided temporary relief it really was not addressing the root cause of my back pain but afforded me time to determine when best to conduct the inevitable surgery. I can tell you that life was pretty miserable leading up to my decision in taking those next steps of surgery. I big shout -out to Dr. Sabbaghi who is an outstanding pain specialist and I appreciate the value that he brings to the staff of Miracle Mile Medical Center. I finally made the decision to have surgery on April, 2010 after some very informative analysis, discussions and options presented to me through my appointments with Dr. Tepper. My surgery sounds technical as it was an anterior and posterior fusion at L5/S1. The fix entailed 5 hours of surgery with front and back incisions that inserted 2 rods, 5 screws resulting in disk removal with a bone inserted to fill the disc space. Also, Dr. Tepper introduced in the area a bone generating material (pretty advanced stuff) to fully strengthen the area. I have been pain free with full mobility since the operation and would say that I am almost 100% return to normal. I am back into my bike riding and post physical therapy starting shortly should have me running again, yeah! I have to tell you that this is best decision I made and under no pressure by Dr. Tepper along the way, which helped me and my family make a valued decision with risks understood. Our going in position was that surgery should be last resort but my degenerative condition was not going to improve without medical assistance. I was refereed to Dr. Tepper due to his being a top diagnostician and orthopedic surgeon. Once we met, I was drawn to him because his clinics success to testing new procedures and products related to particularly spinal injuries. Clearly, his vast experience and fantastic staff would provide me the best long term solution and outcome. If your thinking about making a serious life changing and critical decision then I would not consider anybody else then Dr. Tepper' and his staff in assisting you with your journey. read more

I had been in serious pain since 12/2011 and on pain meds, had tried several Chiropractors referred by friends; physical therapy, and had been seeing another spine surgeon who had poor bed-side manners and I just could not trust. I really was afraid , crying spells and could only sit for short periods of time. I knew I needed sugary and I wanted the best. I prayed for the best spine surgeon to perform surgery on my neck C3,4,5, and my lower back L4,5 & SI. And I was truly BLESSED being guided to Dr. Gil Tepper. My first visit, I was in so much pain and crying so hard, I could barely explain my medication condition to Dr. Tepper. Dr. Tepper, at that point...has proven 5 stars in bedside manners....because he was calm, patient, and concerned about me as a person as he calmly said, ..."we will take care of you". This is what I will always remember that Dr. Tepper and his entire team provided the best patient care one could imagine and should expect. I knew that I needed a "human-factor" physician who is driven because he is genuine in exceeding your expectations in a well-thought-out process in all aspects of patient care in the clinic, hospital and customer service. I had the neck surgery on 10/2013 (went back to work in 6 months and back surgery 1/2015 in his very clean hospital located on the premises at the Miracle Miles Spine Institute. One week after my back surgery, I began to experience relief and 2 months since the surgery I know the surgery is a success. Even when I had a nervous melt-down moment, Dr. Tepper continues to exhibited great bedside manner which is soooo important when you are stressing about your health. Yes I'm a crying patient, but; that didn't phase him nor any of his staff who assist with appointments and paper-work for my job and insurance company. (Thank you Mary, Terry and Rosa!) I must point out, Dr. Tepper will never leave you hanging because via his so diligent assistant, Ana...he is only a text or phone call away--who always promptly respond. Since I have had several surgeries, his team is like family who took care of me; and, very well I must add and I have found much pleasure in writing this review. Thank you Dr. Tepper read more

I cant say enough about the years I spent under Dr, Tepper's care. I found everything about him quite striking from his layed back personality to the manner in which he humbly displayed confidence in his ability to restore the health of his patients. Dr. Tepper is straight forward in his approach to vocalizing treatment options and always took the time truthfully and clearly address any concerns I had related to my sergey. Dr. Tepper unselfishly recomend several surgical options available for me based on my desired surgical outcome. The option I chose was a state of the art disc replacement only preformed at th time by one of Dr.Tepper's peers. While maintaining his status as my primary care Ortho Dr Tepper referred me to his colleague for post Sergey consultation. Arriving at his colleagues office I was immediately taken by surprise by the many autographed photographs of my soon to be sergeon with countless high profile professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL in which they composed short statements of gratitude for the surgeon's ability to save their career's and get them back on the field. Moving forward In the days following my Sergey the sergeon visited me daily to monitor my recovery in order to make shure I was comfortable always treating me as if I were a superstar lifting my spirit daily while encouraging my recovery. Im only sharing this portion of my review to demonstrate Dr.Tepper's willingness to go as far as referring me to a colleague outside his own practice to assure the best desired outcome for his patient. Now for the down side. Because of the fact that Dr. Tepper is an outstanding physician he is highly sought and wait times in his clinic can be unbearable on occasion. Other than that it was a Blessing to have him work as a team with the sergeon in relation to my post surgical rehabilitation and care so I highly recommend him to those intrested in receiving the highest level of orthopedic care in California. God Bless and good luck. read more

I am a professional Rodeo Cowboy and a Ranch owner. Dr. Tepper did my 1st. surgery in 2002. I went to him with tremendous pain in my lower back running down my left leg. Couldn't sleep, stand up, lay down, sit down. I was a mess. He did surgery , finding a growth putting pressure on my nerves. He also did a Laminectomy on L4 L5 to give the nerves some room. It turned out great. I was able to go back to my Rodeo carer and win again. In 2011 I was having trouble with my back again so I went to Dr Tepper, the only Doctor I would ever let operate on my back and he determined it was time. I'll say one thing about Dr. Tepper, he won't operate unless he thinks he is 90 % sure he can help you. He did surgery in February of 2011 and found a bone budge on L 3-4 putting pressure on nerves. He took it off and did a Laminectomy again giving the nerves more room there was some scar tissue he had to clean up too. 3 months later I was in the saddle again and pain free. I have found the aging process isn't very kind to us, you gotta be tough. 1 week ago Dr. Tepper & Dr. Rabbani ( who I like very much too) did shoulder surgery. I had a tare in the rotator cuff on my right shoulder, my roping arm. As normal it turned out great. It wont be long and I will be back competing again. De Tepper, Dr Rabbani, the nurses, the office staff and the Miracle Mile Hospital I can't say enough good things about them. It's not my favorite place to be but it's a great place for help. Ron Warne read more

I had my second spinal surgery yesterday by Dr. Gil Tepper. He was remarkable. I had been loosing feeling in my legs and the nerves at the L4 - L5 were very compressed. He was going to perform a Laminectomy. He was able to perform the surgery with such precision, that no bone was removed, and he was able to clear enough room for the nerves to be freed. The results were immediate. Real Genius!!!!!!!!! The Miracle Mile Hospital, where the surgery took place, was so amazing and the staff so helpful and extremely courteous. My wife and I got home and wanted share our perfect experience with everyone. Dr. Tepper's assistant even gave us her personal cell phone # so my wife could call her anytime, day/night and over the weekend, in case we had any questions or concerns. Now that, is going above and beyond, for patient care and is nearly unheard of nowadays!!!!! We honestly were treated so wonderfully, that we would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone that needs, or is looking into, having a back/spinal surgery done. And, just to note, Dr. Tepper sat down with me for almost an entire hour, reviewing my MRI, my films and detailing exactly what was needed and why. What other doctor would do that with their patients? Other surgeons we went to, spent maybe 10 minutes with us and seemed to be "too busy" and distracted. What a rare treat it is to find a caring and passionate surgeon in this day and age!!!!!!!!!!!!Great job Dr. Tepper and ALL of your staff!! Lee & Kim D. read more

I am a professional rodeo stunt man, roping, riding and still doing stunts at the ripe age of 81 and counting. This is all possible due to the excellent care of Dr. Gil Tepper. I was fortunate enough to meet him about 20 years ago when I was diagnosed with a tumor on my spine. Dr. Tepper removed the tumor and had me back in the rodeo within 2 mos. About 6 years ago we discovered nerve damage of the spine giving me pain from the mid back down my right leg that prevented me from participating in my life career I love so much. Again I went to see Dr. Gil Tepper who performed a 4 level spine fusion. It took less than 4 months of recovery and I was back in the rodeo. In 2009, at the age of 79 I started having problems again. Dr. Tepper performed a fusion. I was up and walking right away and under the direction and care of Dr. Tepper I was back on a horse in a year. I have never taken a pain pill since the day I walked out of the hospital and today my career is still intact. If someone mentions "back" to me the first person I think of is Dr. Gil Tepper. I have sent 4 cowboys who are also personal friends to Dr. Tepper and all of them have had successful procedures and are now back workng in the rodeo. I can't say enough about Dr. Tepper and I would never let anyone else operate on my back. I have been trick roping for 78 yrs starting at the age of 3 and thanks to Dr. Gil Tepper I am still able to ride, rope and perform stunts. read more

Dr. Gil Tepper changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true. In November of 2016 I found myself unable to walk and in the worst sciatic pain of my life. I had dealt with sciatica 15 years prior due to a disc herniation at the L5 level and the pain then was nothing compared to what I was experiencing. I was referred to Dr. Tepper and we were able to get me scheduled for an L5-S1 spinal fusion procedure in December. My old injury had returned and was beyond any other sort of repair. Dr. Tepper as clear and concise with me when explaining the procedure as well as what to expect post-op and any potential complication. He spoke to me with confidence that set my worries at ease. He successfully completed the procedure that December with the aid of his skilled team. I returned to see him for numerous follow ups, each one showing more progress. Now that I am fully healed and I have been given a great bill of health and recovery, I wanted to share with the world this man's work. A spinal injury is frightening. The pain can be some of the worst a person can experience. You might feel helpless and uncertain of getting through it. I'll admit these were all things I felt. But Dr. Tepper took me through the process and saw me back to health. For that, I will be eternally thankful. I hope that if you too are suffering you can find your way to him. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Tepper for approximately three years. Dr. Tepper and his staff are awesome! I had a torn meniscus in my right knee that was repaired by Dr. Tepper at Miracle Mile Medical Center. The treatment I received was like no other treatment I have ever had. I have had four surgeries prior to my knee procedure performed by Dr. Teper and the others can't hold a candle to the Miracle Mile staff. I mean all the staff from the parking attendant, to the staff at check in, the ladies upstairs in the clinic, the gentlemen that do the work up before seeing Dr. Tepper and the staff in surgery were the best!!!! Melissa is one of a kind. She is a beautiful person and definitely in the right field. I felt like the anesthesiologist and I were childhood friends. The little I remember of the staff in the operating would be very accommodating and comforting. You know you stay awake very long in there but I did get a few minutes before I was out. The treatment I received in the recovery room made me want to spend the night. Dr. Tepper, Dr. Braga, Anna, Melissa and the rest of the staff YOU ROCK!!!! I will be having cervical surgery in the future and I am very confident that I will be in good hands. I almost can' t wait. read more

DR. TEPPER BUILDS BETTER RUGBY PLAYERS!!! Dr. Tepper is an irresistible force of nature. I used to think I was a pretty irresistible force, but from the moment he walked in the patient room, I realized I had met a dauntless man. I had pieces of spine floating around my spinal column, and C5-6 and C6-7, were hanging on with bubble gum. (Just a quick back up, I played in the front row for a local division one rugby team for about 10 years.) Dr. Tepper told me the only thing worse I could do for my neck was box. I told him I wanted to play rugby again. And he made it happen. I woke up from my spine surgery in less pain than I went in, and Dr. Tepper put me on to a new physical therapy that built my neck up to super hero strength. Along with his wonderful staff, in house Physical Therapists and Chiropractors, I went on to play the best 10 years of rugby in my life. I was able to push myself to places I never dreamt of going physically, and on the National, All-Star and International stages. And while my rugby days may, I said MAY, be behind me due to a pesky little thing like stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, Dr. Tepper taught me how to believe and achieve. He taught ME to be DAUNTLESS!!! read more

Want to declare... Dr. Tepper is AWESOME!!!! I was recently involved in a rear-end collision, and as a result - needed to have a spinal fusion procedure. Dr. Tepper came highly recommended from my Doctor, and my "second opinion" Doctor recommended Dr. Tepper as well. Made me feel good:-) As you may know - having a spinal procedure can be very scary, and possibility of pain is great too. You have so many thoughts going through your mind... I have to tell you Dr. Tepper is great Doctor, and below are the reasons why: * Right away; he makes you feel comfortable with his great personality, and bedside manner. * His approach is very methodical, and explains "the why" very well in easy to understand terms. * He Listens! It's very refreshing, and gives you the peace of mind that he has your best interest and safety at the forefront. * Experience is huge - over 30 years doing spinal procedures; again piece of mind. If you think you have a back issue, or have been in pain because of your back. Please...please see Dr. Tepper, he will fix you! read more

I first met Dr. Tepper in early 2018 after having two previous Doctors treat me for a lower back injury (bulging disk L5 /S1) i suffered on the job. My first Doctor retired one year into my treatment and my second Doctor suddenly passed away about 9 months into my treatment. After a W/C referral i was sent to Dr. Tepper's office. I think things happen for a reason because after my first visit with Dr. Tepper i knew he would be the one to operate on my back and get me back to work. He was very professional, explaining and answering any questions i had. He and his staff are the best that i have come across during my journey. Dr. Tepper made me feel very comfortable with my decision to have surgery (fusion 360). He performed surgery on my back in late May 2018. Everything went as planned i could not be happier with my results. From the operation itself, hospital staff and stay, office staff everyone did a great job and worked as a team. If anybody is having back problems i highly recommend Dr. Tepper. Simply put he is one of the best! read more

There is something wrong wiht this doctor. He is very evil. I work for him and did many good things for him many years and he abuse me. He makes me feel like he care about me and I learn he did this to many woman. He act like a nice marry guy and then he told me he loves me more than anyone and I am so sexy and made me do many bad things at work to me. And took photos and tell me he will show people if I don't do what he wants. And pay me to keep quiet about a lot of thins and always lie to pateints and insurance companies. I would like to get a lawyer on him but he put his lawyer on me to protect him. And he gave me money and I need money and he know that. And his lawyer told me I can go to jail if I tell anyone. I find out he is in big trouble. He commit fraud. I thought he was a good doctor to his patience and then I find out he is a liar a really bad guy. read more

Wow, what can I say about Dr. Tepper. Dr. Tepper is awesome. I had surgery for my lower back by him four years ago and he relieved the excruciating pain that i had. This guy is so down to earth and personable. He truly does care about your situation and gives the time to listen to you. I have been to other doctors and they just do not give you the time of day but Dr. Tepper does. He truly knows how you feel and he wants to help you get better. When i had my surgery, the staff was so helpful and professional and of course Dr. Tepper is a top notch surgeon that fixed me up. I injured my back again recently and was sent to several different Doctors but I fought back to go to Dr Tepper. I cant tell you how relieved I am to be back with him. I am in good hands with him. Thank God for Dr. Tepper. read more

Dr.Tepper is the best most wonderful doctor in the world! He saved me from excruciating pain in my lower back and showlder as a result of a fall. After 5 years of getting treated by different doctors to no avail, I found Dr. Tepper on the internet, he looked at my MRI and said : "you were neglected"! Right away operated my lower back, that very evening I could walk again without pain! Recovery was pretty fast, everyone was amazed! Then he operated my right shoulder, that was also very successful. Both operations were minimally invasive, only very small incision on my back, and 3 tiny ones on my shoulder, can't even see them now. I highly recommend Dr. Tepper, he's very knowledgeable, decisive and excellent surgeon! read more

I was sent to Dr. Tepper and that he would really help me. The very first I went to his office I was greeted by his staff that was beyond friendly. Back is March of this year I had to have back surgery I was nervous but when. Dr Tepper looked at me and told me your going to ok. Sure enough I'm 5 months post surgery and I can honestly say that my pain level went from 9 to a 0-4 now. I can't tell you how much Dr Tepper had helped me and given me my quality of life back. As far as the staff they are unbelievable, kind,caring,and compassionate I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Tepper. Thank you lord and thank you Dr Tepper &staff. read more

The BEST Dr in the spin in surgery. Last year of march I have a 360 fusion with hardware put in my back . . To this day I feel 100 percent better due to doctor tepper and is amazing staff and team I've . I was scared when he said I was going to have to have surgery but thank God I did because he fixed my back and I'm only 10 months since my surgery. I see other people that I've had surgery years ago or couple months ago from other doctors and they feel bad because I'm doing so good and they're not so a shout out to DR Gil Tepper...thank for fixing me. read more