My name is Ji Chae. Dr. Dinome operated breast cancer for me on March 6th. I think that she is best oncologist surgeon. My cancer surgery result is very good. And , she responded right away when I sent Emails about questions. She is very nice . So , I recommend Dr. Dinome to breast cancer patients. read more

Dr. Maggie Lee Dinome is a splendid doctor and surgeon. She most probably saved my life. What is more, she is the most compassionate human being. Thank you ever so much, for ever, Dr. Dinome. read more

Amazing doctor!!! Caring and takes her time, and very easy to talk too. Most doctors will try to get to the root cause as soon as they can where Dr. Maggie will really dig into to see what the issue is. I could not recommend a doctor more! read more

Unfortunately Dr. Dinome misdiagnosed my breast cancer as a fibroadenoma based on ultrasound imaging alone. Her recommendation was to take a "wait and see" approach (in case the "fibroadenoma" grew and needed to be removed). I eventually came back within the year for re-evaluation as I felt the mass was increasing in size; I also had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. It wasn't until I requested removing the mass, that we discovered it was malignant. I later learned from other surgical breast oncologists at UCLA, USC, and UCI that core needle biopsy is the gold standard in breast cancer diagnosis, and that given my positive family history and clinical presentation, a core needle biopsy should have unequivocally been done to rule out breast cancer (or in my case diagnosis it in a timely manner). In reading her reviews (since my diagnosis) it seems she has learned from the mistake she made and has (hopefully) become more proactive/aggressive when evaluating/diagnosing patients with potential breast cancers. read more

In short, if you have an organ that really wants to leave your body, go to her to get it removed. She's awesome. Dr. DiNome took out my gall bladder last week. This may just be the pain killers talking, but I can say without question, that this was the best gall bladder removal i've ever had. Seriously though. I wasn't looking forward to getting surgery, but after meeting Dr DiNome, I felt much MUCH better about it and knew i was in good hands. She's got a great vibe and bedside manner. Most importantly, when I had questions before the surgery, I called and left a message with the nurse and Dr. DiNome got back to me right away. You don't get that with most doctors in LA. It's practically unheard of. read more

With matters of cancer quick action needs to be taken. That did NOT happen with this doctor or her staff. It took a very long time, about a MONTH, as you can see to even get a response from the primary doctor. Find a more reputable doctor and office for your cancer concerns. In my opinion it is definitely not worth the risk of being treated so casually as I have been. read more

I saw Dr. DiNome last month for a very scary procedure, which turned out to be fine. The moment I met her and her staff I knew I was in GREAT hands. I had my surgery at St. John's hospital where the nurses and staff were nothing but wonderful. I would recommend Dr. DiNome to anyone needing surgery guidance concerning cancer and/or oncology. read more

I feel so grateful for having found Dr. DiNome. After being disgnosed with Stage 0 (DCIS) breast cancer, another prominent facility in LA was recommending a simple lumpectomy without any further testing - I was told I was a straight forward case and my early stage BC was an easy fix. I came to UCLA for a 2nd opinion and am so thankful I did. Dr. DiNome recommended an MRI, which resulted in finding a previously undetected invasive mass, as well as more DCIS throughout my entire breast than had been originally found. It scares me to think of what the future could have been if I hadnt found Dr. DiNome. The whole team at UCLA is amazing - Im in the process of reconstruction with Dr Tseng, a colleague of Dr. DiNome, and have full confidence in nothing but a great outcome. Dr. DiNome has an incredible bedside manner. She has the best credentials, takes her time in walking you through your options, and gives you full confidence in her abilities and your treatment plan. She doesnt leave anything to chance, and ensures that before you jump into treatment, you have all the facts. She is kind, reassuring and above all, very, very smart. Thank you, Dr. DiNome - you need to know what a difference you are making in so many women's lives. My husband and young children are grateful too!! read more

They don't get any smarter, competent and fabulous in the surgical oncology world than Dr. Dinome. If you are behind the eight ball, you want this woman on your team. I can't say enough good things about her and Dr. Tseng and I have been known to be a tough customer. Skill, spirit and vision make this team the shining stars in a sea of hacks. read more

I told myself I would never write a review regarding my medical experiences, considering one can get sued due to the whole patient confidentiality thing, but I just have to give Dr. Dinome 5 stars. (This is a review based on my personal preference, experience and is not something that should be taken as anything more then a positive opinion. It is not a guarantee that things will follow the same course for you). I discovered a small lump on the left side of my mid-back near my spine area. At first I was alarmed, but that quickly subsided when I remembered I had a similar occurrence on my upper right arm when I was about 13. It was removed safely, and turned out to be a lipoma, the most common of benign tumors. Lipoma's tend to come in groups over time, rarely do you ever just get one. So as you can see I knew a thing or two about what was on my back. I had just gotten health insurance too by the way, after being insurance-less for one year prior. First I went to see a regular physician for a general diagnostic exam, that experience was atrocious, but he referred me to a surgeon in his building. I went to see him the next day, he said he wanted to put me in twilight sleep to remove the lump. I thought that was a little unnecessary considering I didn't need anything but local anesthetic for the lump I had on my arm. Also when his office staff didn't return my phone calls after 3 weeks, I was pissed needless to say, so I decided to strike out on my own and that's when I came across Dr. Dinome. I made an appointment with her. And then did some research, discovering that Dr. Dinome is the Cheif of General Surgery at St. Johns. From this website: http://www.maggiedinomemd.com/ I liked that I was able to find information about her online, typical yelper. Although the medical building that her office is located in, is one of the worst in all of LA (the elevators are slow & are often broke, and the parking is outrageously expensive) the consultation went exactly the way I wanted it. No fussy baby talking, and she exuded confidence and seemed right at ease, like she really was at the top of her profession. I felt comfortable in Dr. Dinome's presence something I haven't been able to say about medical personnel in a long time. She also didn't try to convince me that I needed be in twilight sleep, she assured me that a local anesthetic would be fine. I really appreciated her straight forwardness and friendly attitude. I made my surgery appointment for around 6 weeks later, since I learned that I was going to have to front the money for the whole surgery because insurance companies are mo-fos, I needed some time to save up the cash. In that 6 weeks, I received a bill from the first surgeon I had seen, who wanted $500 for the consultation, while Dr. Dinome only charged me about $240. I got on the phone with this other surgeon's billing people and screamed until they dropped it to $130. So the head of surgery at St. John's charges less then half of what a random surgeon from Marina Del Rey charges? Just proof that you should really do your research when it comes to cost for medical services. Ask up front what your doctor will charge for anything, and I mean anything. Having said that, this charge of $240 could have been specific to just my situation, I am not responsible and neither is Dr. Dinome, if your charges are more or less. I don't want my $240 to be taken as the average, it's probably case specific. Dr. Dinome is part owner of the Santa Monica Surgery Center on Wilshire in Santa Monica, and that is where I went yesterday for my procedure. Now this is a review of Dr. Dinome, and not the center, so I'll just stick to everything involving her. She was great, so were the staff she had working with her. Again I felt right at ease in her confident, easy going yet systematic approach. Everything was explained to me while it was happening, and everyone was in a cheerful mood. They even played the radio while they worked on my back. The entire thing took less then 30 minutes (like was planned). Afterward, while the nursing team cleaned up my back, Dr. Dinome sat and filled out paper work by my head. I then noticed she was pregnant! Women are amazing! She told me all the things I needed to know about my dissolving sutures, the dressings and the tape that is covering up the small incision on my back. I was happy she was the one explaining all the instructions. I'm looking forward to seeing her in the next couple of weeks for a simple check on the healing progress. So in Conclusion: Although I'm super sore today (normal), I feel really relieved and happy I found Dr. Dinome. For my case, and personal taste, she was exactly the doctor to do this procedure. If I can give you any advice, always know your billing situation before you agree to anything medical related, and always go with the doctor that fits your preference. read more

How many stars can I possibly give this one-of-a-kind breast surgeon who saved my life. While three doctors before her said that the lump in my breast was nothing to worry about, Dr. Maggie Dinome delved further than the rest--and discovered invasive, stage 2, breast cancer that had spread to the sentinel node. Dr. Dinome is a dynamo. Her diagnostic skills are extraordinary, possibly the result of her stellar academic training and accomplishments. Her eye for the aesthetic resulted in successful surgery and reconstruction. And, she is as kind and compassionate as she is brilliant. I have never felt dismissed or ignored and she is always responsive to all of my questions and concerns. A complete person and doctor, there is no better a breast surgeon in all of Los Angeles. read more

Dr. Dinome and her staff gave me faith in the medical profession again. From the moment I walked into the office, I felt truly cared about - each person I encountered took the time to make sure I had what I needed. Dr. Dinome answered all of my questions about the DCIS without making me feel I was using too much time - she was professional, competent and extremely knowledgable. Her "breast navigator" nurse assistant Amanda was extremely accessible and truly advocated for me with the health insurance company to make sure I got the best testing and procedures I needed. Because of her appeals, the HMO health insurance referred me out of network (and covered it) to a genetic counselor specialist and repeat testing at a superior lab. While the whole experience was frightening, it felt possible because I truly felt I had the support of competent and caring professionals who treated me like an individual. Dr. Dinome's lumpectomy surgery was great - I can hardly see where the procedure was done! The whole experience gave me a glimpse of what the world could be like if women were in charge --- the woman's touch (from the chocolate on my first visit) , to the emphasis on communication and support and the competence and professionalsim - made it all possible. I am truly grateful to Dr. Dinome, Amanda and the whole staff at the St. John's Breast Center for their care. Thank you! read more

Dr. Dinome did my double mastectomy just last August, and she did an excellent job! I hardly had any pain post-op, I just took regular Tylenol, and the incisions were very clean and symmetrical. I believe she's an excellent surgeon! I only had to stay at UCLA-Santa Monica hospital overnight. I just didn't appreciate the nursing care there and felt that they weren't caring enough. They even attempted to take my bp's on my left arm where I had the lymph nodes removed! And they didn't bother to show me some arm exercises to prevent lymphadema. But Dr. Dinome is the best! She's very caring and professional! Thank you Dr. Dinome! read more

Well, Doctor Dinome is definitely one of my favorite doctors. We are anyways big fans of Saint John's hospital and she boosts the hospital's reputation even more. I had to have a hernia repair 3 months ago and she was there for me and my husband at any time. Always being patient, always answering all questions; going beyond and above where she and her support staff can. They made me feel comfortable going through this unexpected experience and the painful healing. I can only highly recommend Doctor Dinome and would always go back to her in a heartbeat. read more

Dr DiNome is wonderful. There was a mixup with my insurance, but as soon as Dr DiNome found out about it, she swiftly took care of it. I recommend Dr DiNome to anyone looking for a true medical professional who is passionate about her patients' welfare. read more

Dr. Dinome and her staff were wonderful. My care was stellar. I Highly recommend Dr. Dinome and Staff. Cue read more

Dr. Dinome, is absolutely the best surgeon, plus being a very nice and very caring person. I had stage one breast cancer/ found very early, and very small, she did a very non-invasive lumpectomy , out patient with no pain, and just a tiny practically invisible incision. I'm still being monitored for the next few years, including at the Breast Center at St. John's and Dr. Dinome is part of that monitoring etc., but she's pronounced me cancer free. I can't say enough good things about Dr. D, St. john's or the excellent staff in the Breast Center, 2 nurses from there called after my minor outpatient surgery ( from the breast center, and from the surgery outpatient center. Dr. Dinome is a wonderful surgeon. read more

I recently had a minor surgical procedure with Dr. DiNome. I could not have asked for better treatment from Dr. DiNome and her staff. She was easy to talk to, responded very quickly to all my questions, and did a great job. The procedure was painless and the staff did their upmost to make me feel comfortable. She has incredible credentials and is very knowledgeable about everything. I plan to continue my relationship with her and feel that I am in the best hands. read more

Dr DiNome is easy to talk to, gentle, kind and smart. Very, very smart. This young lady has a lot on the ball. She doesn't pull any punches but tells the truth with patience, understanding and kindness. She went over my cancer diagnosis and procedure step by step until I had no questions or doubts. She was encouraging and always treated me with dignity. She and her staff were available to me for any reason. I could not have been in better hands than hers. And my family and i are glad she is my oncologist. read more

Dr. Maggie DiNome now heads the breast center at Santa Monica Hospital (UCLA - Santa Monica hospital), but still has privileges at St Johns. In the past she has operated on me twice for two mastectomies. She is fabulous! Great surgeon and a very caring person. read more

Dr. Maggie DiNome is a fabulous surgeon! She is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and really "there" for her patients. She performed my surgery 2 years ago and it is hard to find the scar! She is amazing. Her team at he Margie Petersen Breast Center at Saint John's Health Center are wonderful as well. Very compassionate and caring. This is an excellent group. read more

Dr. DiNome is absolutely amazing. She is very genuine and really takes the time to listen. She makes you feel so comfortable and you know you are in good hands. The staff is also wonderful. They get you in right away. No waiting and Dr. DiNome also runs very on time! i am very very pleased with this office. read more

Doctor DiNome performed breast cancer surgery for me in May 2012 ... given the shock of the diagnosis, I couldn't have had a more professional, compassionate doctor to patiently run through all my options. She was very thorough and explained everything in a way that I could understand and relate to. She fitted me in for a biopsy the same day as a suspicious lump was discovered, and scheduled my surgery within 2 weeks. I credit her completely for giving me a new life! After surgery I have been several times for follow-ups ... she is ever ready with a dazzling smile and a warm hug ... I have never felt like her patient ... she is like a friend I always look forward to seeing! Would recommend her without reservation for her professional credentials, bedside manner, and expert skill. Also her team at the Margie Peterson Breast Center at St. John's Health Center is top-notch. read more

I was referred to Dr. Dinome for a gall bladder removal. I could not be happier with her care. She promptly confirmed the diagnosis. She and her staff got me scheduled for surgery much quicker than I could have anticipated. The best part is that I had absolutely no pain after the surgery. I was simply astounded. The follow up with Dr. Dinome was equally as professional and thorough, and that includes the staff. And, she's a very nice person. Simply a wonderful experience for something I had hoped to never have to do. read more

Dr. Dinome is deserving of a 5 star rating, she is an excellent physician and surgeon. However, her billing office is so horrible that I can not stand the thought of ever going to see her again, because of the stress from dealing with the billing office.. Due to numerous clerical errors, I ended up paying twice for one visit - that was back in October 2013. They have yet to refund me my money - neither Dr. Dinome or her billing office - even though I sent copies of the cashed checks. So, I would say the business practice is a little shady at best. My recommendation is to carefully review every dollar you send to that office. Too bad, the good doctor needs a better biller. read more