I had lower back pain for three years , even with strong pain pills the always present pain would not go away!! I had an appointment with Doctor Sang Kim at Ceders , that was the start of my total relief and back to a productive active life (80)!years young!! Doctor Kim spent time going over all my test and he mapped out a surgical plan to get me relief and get back my posture and range of motion and put the pain in my rear view mirror. Surgery was done as a out patient, three hours later I was driving home , I had scheduled (12) therapy sessions , those have been completed and I am back exercising at the gym 12 each week In closing , Doctor Sang Kim did exactly what he said he would do , get my posture back and get rid of any pain , 100% completed Doctor Sang Kim is the B E S T!! read more

My husband needed major spinal surgery. Dr Kim's name came to us with the highest of praise. His surgery was almost 3 years ago. Directly following surgery, after he came home he remained in horrible pain. He called Dr Kim, they repeated Xrays, Dr Kim basically said there was nothing else that could be done. My husband continues to be in horrific pain. If anything, it is worse because the pain has made him more and more immobile. He does not want to take pain medications and will only give over to taking one pill after days and days of unbearable pain. His quality of life has dramatically declined. Think twice, if not several times, before threading your spine with titanium, it has left my husband virtually crippled. Our lives have been forever changed. read more

Dr. Sang D. Kim is a highly skilled spinal surgeon whose expertise and dedication to patient care are exceptional. Dr. Kim combines advanced surgical knowledge with a compassionate approach ensuring patients feel supported and informed throughout their treatment. Attentive follow up care makes him a great trusted spinal surgeon. I have full confidence in him. P.S. He also has a good sense of humor. read more

My wife suffered a broken back and Dr. Kim got her back on her feet and back to normal daily activities pain free. I like to call him..."The Magic Man" read more

I am preparing for scoliosis surgery. Dr. Sang Do Kim, MD, is caring, explains everything clearly, and I feel confident about the upcoming procedure. read more

I would give zero if I could, even negative for wasting my time and money going down there. He appears to be deaf as he repeats things back inaccurately. Wanted me to repeat experimental procedures I already did. Nerve burning, just a couple years ago. Yet he said, "a very long time ago". Then upon telling him I was done being put to sleep over and over again to try to find the nerve in which to burn, he replies "That wouldn't be the case here at Cedars upstairs, oh but they won't take you upstairs, they are too full", LOL So your point? smh Then he has the nerve to say "Well you have lived with it all this time so it must not be that bad". Are you freakin kidding me?!! I had 4 colon surgeries and 2 complete knee replacements. Yet he says that to me as if I had a choice!! And the first 3 colon surgeries were required by the medical insurance before actually doing the surgery that actually fixed it!! ShXtting myself was pretty bad too Dr. Sang Kim!! It was a little tuff to choose!! Just thought spine surgery recovery might be easier without the addition of shxtting every 10 minutes. Same deal here, they want me to repeat experimental procedures, AGAIN!! I have had a spinal stimulator implanted and removed for being useless, injections that were useless, and been used as a pin cushion to look for where to burn a nerve. And I have gone home crying in full blown tears from physical therapy. Why have I lived with it all this time? Because you doctors made me Dr. Sang Kim!!!! Because you made me do useless experimental procedures, oh and I don't know but I guess none of the previous surgeons were willing to call you in to let you do spine surgery while I was in the hospital for their knee and colon surgeries! Hm go figure. They also had me fill out an electronic questionaire that forces you to lie. If you don't answer it says YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE to continue. Though none of the answers were accurate, I had to just randomly choose one. Totally set up for somebody's desired outcome. What a sham. And guess what? On the Cedars site you cannot leave a review! Cherry picking reviews. And regarding reviews, Dr. Sang Kim says people only leave reviews according to how well they answer calls and get back to you. Not on how well the surgeon does, so by his own words..... who knows?? Well duh, you don't allow honest reviews. There's your honest review Dr.Kim. It appears they are rated number one because they are good at forcing patients into experimental procedures, over and over again making a mint for the whole field at the patient's expense. To be clear to onlookers, I am bone on bone in my lumbar, a compressed nerve and scoliosis. That's in my lumbar. After a surgery on my neck for fusion I lost range of motion and pain has been worse down that side that pulls when I turn my neck causing even worse pain in my neck and all the way down both arms as well. But Sang Kim wants me to do PT again???? Already did physical therapy, no improvement and many tears. Again, I have had a lot of things to fix and been through years of their experimental crud. Now I need a surgeon who will fix it, not make money off my body and use me as an experiment. Been there and done that. read more

I had been struggling with a neck issue for the past four years. Finally, I was referred to Dr. Kim; I had my initial consultation with him, and he carefully explained the procedure and what I could expect. Surgery day came (I had 2 discs replaced), and I was super nervous, but he made me feel very comfortable. Post-surgery, I had a lot of discomfort and trouble sleeping. Dr Kim reached out to me before I had a chance to call him, and he immediately adjusted my meds. I have very limited experience with surgeries, so this was a big deal for me. I saw some negative reviews on here, and I saw some comments about his responses, but I really appreciate that he responded; reading his responses to his critics actually made me like him more. Everyone has their own unique experience but mine was 100% From day one I had full confidence in Dr. Kim, I am beyond grateful for his expertise and care. read more

I had been suffering with a miserable case of sciatica which made it impossible to walk for quite a few months. I had a laminectomy and foraminotomy at Hoag in Newport Beach in early August 2024 which unfortunately accomplished nothing and left me with an infection that required a second hospital stay as well as 4 weeks of IV and 2 weeks of oral antibiotics. I did a lot of research and finally found Dr. Kim at Cedars. His education, experience and patient reviews were really impressive so I made an appointment to travel from Orange County up to LA which is no picnic. I am so glad I did! Dr Kim recommended a fusion of my L4-5 level which to be honest, was the last thing I was looking to do. Dr Kim performed the surgery on January 17. I may be the exception but I never really experienced any particularly bad pain, just stiff and achy like a bad backache. By January 27 I was off all the pain meds except for a couple of Tylenols in the morning. Today February 13, I'm back to working in my shop and walking a mile per day with absolutely no sciatica pain at all. I'm following all of Dr Kim's orders to not bend or twist excessively or lift more than 10 lbs and I feel great. I can't say enough as to how responsive and helpful everyone on Dr Kim's staff has been as well as everyone I've encountered at Cedars. The entire organization is definitely a cut above. If spine surgery is something that might be in your future I would strongly suggest a visit with Dr Kim. He will give it to you straight and point you in the proper direction whether it be surgery or some other less invasive solution. This is one guy you can trust! read more

Dr Kim and his staff/assistances are just absolutely the best. They are very friendly and patient in answering all your concerns. They take the time to help you when needed in getting your next exams and other doctors that you may have to see. They help with making the connections with all yours questions and recommendations. Just the best. read more

I had a one level severe spinal stenosis that had me in intolerable pain. Dr. Kim did an open laminotomy - outpatient 45 minute surgery. The recovery was not too bad and I am now totally pain free and fully functional. He was great at explaining what the options were and the pros and cons of each. I would go back to him in a NY minute for any other spine issues that may arise. The office was efficient and professional. read more

I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, Grade 2 back in 2017 and was referred to Dr. Sang Kim from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic. Dr. Kim said that an L5-S1 anterior/posterior lumbar fusion was the best treatment for my case. From the beginning, Dr. Kim was so kind, patient, and thorough with my questions and concerns -- regardless of how dubious they were (e.g., my fear about waking up mid-surgery!). That, combined with his exemplary educational/professional background, and I knew I wanted Dr. Kim as my surgeon. Fast forward to April 10, 2019 -- the date of my spinal fusion at Cedars Sinai hospital. I was surprisingly anxiety-free, given the complexity of my 5-hour surgery. (It helps to do your research; I spent hours reading articles, blogs, and studies on the type of surgery I was getting and what to expect afterwards during convalescence.) After the anesthesia wore off, I remember Dr. Kim greeting me with his pleasant bedside manner, telling me that the surgery was a success. I slightly crunched my stomach muscles (something that prior to surgery would activate my back pain), and was thrilled to be pain-free. Dr. Kim excels as a surgeon not just for his skill, but for his genuine care and concern for his patients. He always got back to me in a timely fashion with any issues I had and did a fabulous job of explaining things in layman terms to me. I never felt rushed through my appointments with Dr. Kim or like he was cranking me through a surgical conveyor belt. Before my surgery, I joked with Dr. Kim that I'd give him a 5-star Yelp review. Here it is, Dr. Kim, as promised -- I'd give you 10 stars, if I could!!! read more

Sang Do Kim, MD - Had Spondylolisthesis, Grade 2 -- this is post-surgery (L5-S1 anterior/posterior lumbar fusion) -- a smashing success, thanks to Dr. Kim! 😃 - Orthopedists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dr. Kim is the best! A1 a great Dr. and great human being! I'm the worst critic ever so if I'm giving Dr. Kim a 5 stars rating you can bet on it! I had a fusion of L4-S1. I had 3 consultations with Drs from Boston to DC to LA. My neurosurgeon in DC reviewed Dr. Kim's assessment and was very impressed with him too. I've been fortunate in the medical care i have receive. I've been seen by some of the best Drs in America... listed as Top Docs servera times! Yale, Harvard, Mass General that's the triple crown medical education and experience. Dr. Kim thank you! read more

Dr. Kim has given my daughter's life back. She was diagnosed with Bertolotti's Syndrome which prevented her from sleeping at night and functioning in class. I felt helpless as I watched her in pain and not knowing what to do and who to consult. Since the surgery, I was able to see her heal and didn't hear any more complaints. God blessed us to find a good doctor like Dr. Kim. He is very talented, knowledgeable and caring. He took his time to listen and answer all our concerns. On the day of the surgery, Dr. Kim met with us before and after the surgery. He also dropped in a few times during the post-op. He made sure my husband and I understood all the instructions to care for our daughter at home. He even called us the next day to see how our daughter was doing. Here is my daughter's note: Thank you Dr Kim for a successful surgery. I no longer have bad back pain. I used to not be able to walk or sit at school without having pain. Since the surgery it has been a lot better. read more

Dr. Kim is the best. I went to a top orthopedic surgeon for my severe scoliosis and pain and was told there were only two in California who should operate on me--Dr. Kim at Cedars Sinai or someone in San Francisco. Dr. Kim said he thought he could improve my pain about 70%. I found he under-promised and took away almost all of my pain, even dealing with my Parkinson's and advanced age (77). It was a long surgery, and pain was present during healing, but I now walk without pain, my posture is straight, and I am three inches taller than pre-surgery. I will progress even more with PT. My surgery was three months ago. I highly recommend Dr. Kim and have encouraged family and friends to seek his expertise. His staff is helpful, and X-rays are done during the appointment. read more

In September of 2017 I took a bad fall. I fractured my nose, scraped up my knees, shoulder and forehead... Little did I know, I'd also ruptured a disc in my lower-back and herniated another at L5 & S1. Shortly after my fall I quickly realized - my injuries were a bit more extensive than a broken nose, bruises and scrapes. The back and leg pain I suffered was relentlessly. I had excruciating back spasms and cramping up & down my leg. I spent 8 weeks in pain and jumping through hoops for doctors at Cedars who had no time for me, and little, if any empathy for my condition (I was absolutely beside myself with horrible pain). I saw Dr. Kim at about 4 weeks post fall; after seeing a different doctors at Ceders who's staff lost my MRI film. Dr. Kim may be an incredible surgeon. I'll never know. All I can judge is how he engaged with me. How he treated me and spoke to me. So that's what I'll post. Dr Kim looked at my MRI, did a routine exam and said, you might need surgery, it would most likely help... but first you can try an epidural. He was very cavalier. He was also condescending. The Epidural couldn't be scheduled for several weeks so I asked about pain medication. He told me to take Motrin, that he doesn't prescribe narcotics and that I'd just have to deal with the pain until the Epidural and/or my surgery. Dr. Kim was not remotely concerned or sympathetic about my pain or the crushing depression I was beginning to experience. After weeks of waiting for an injection, getting no releif from Advil, and getting virtually no sleep, I requested Dr. Kim help me complete my short-term disability paperwork. It was clear, I wasn't going to be able to do my 50+ mile-commute to Orange County for work, while in my condition. Guess what? Dr. Kim refused to complete my forms. He said simply: "I don't do that..." I then explained that I was not a person who took advantage of the system, that I'd been with my employer for 22 years, but that I'd gone through all my paid time off:vacation and the HR director at my office suggested I go on temporary disability. Dr. Kim flat out refused to help me. I've never seen him again. Fortunately, a woman friend- concerned for my wellbeing, referred me to a wonderful doctor in Pasadena. My situation improved immediately. My pain was addressed and a plan was put into place. My new surgeon spent time with me. He listened to me. He reassured me. Her treated me. He made me well again. My microdiscectomy was a complete success. My pain is completely gone. I'm back to work and I'm participating in light exercise. I'm so very thankful I found a doctor who really cares. Unfortunately, or fortunately- Dr. Kim was not that guy. read more

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I saw Dr. Kim several months ago and have been posting my reviews here under a pseudonym because I had a feeling that he might respond in a defensive manner. Unfortunately, I was correct, and the immaturity in his response was worse than I expected (see his childish response to my previous review, wow). He is a reputable surgeon at a reputable hospital and he turns around and insults those who are in pain and don't sing his praises (instead of learning from the experience like a mature human would). I was told that he was a spine specialist, and I did not expect him to have a magic pill. I had hope that maybe he would dig deeper to ascertain the root cause of my symptoms, but he did not do that. If you don't need surgery, he isn't helpful, and I'm not the only one who has said this (see attached image of another review on the Cedars site). Nor did he ever give me his email or respond to my messages. Patients like me would not have to turn to Dr. Google if doctors like him did their job and showed more empathy and curiosity. But I guess Dr. Kim values his ego and reputation more than the Hippocratic Oath. read more

Sang Do Kim, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I met Dr. Kim after seeing several other potential surgeons. What set him apart from the beginning was the time he spent going through my MRI's and examining me. He explained my symptoms from their root cause in the MRI and the various ways to solve them. He suggested a conservative path which ironically was a more complex surgery. But it did not require a fusion hardware in my neck. He was the first surgeon who suggested a conservative approach and also the first one who put all the time into the consult that I needed. I will make the comment that anyone looking at surgery become very educated in the various options. Ask lots of questions. The surgery was very successful and went as he said it would. Cedars is a great facility and the level of care is terrific. In short, I strongly recommend Dr. Kim. read more

I haven't had surgery with Dr. Kim due to insurance issues but did have a consultation. He took time to answer all my questions and I felt confident in his expertise. He answered my questions clearly, honestly and patiently (which is what I think we all need when facing spinal surgery). He answered my many questions about the technical aspects of the surgery. He has been involved in research relating to innovation in the field of disc replacement surgery. Dr. Kim gave an outline of what the next steps would be and gave me realistic expectations. read more

So far I only had an initial consultation. It was long enough (30 minutes with doctor, no associates, him personally answering questons). He was on time and ready. Provided as many details as I asked for. I would feel comfortable for him to be my surgeon. When I do that I will definitely write update. Education, facility is all there. It feels like he truly cares as a doctor . read more

Its july 28th 2018 one year ago today i was truly blessed to have found the best surgeon ever! As i sit here tonight im so thankful for Dr Kim and his awsome staff. I was treated so great. My neck feels like new. Words could never express how thankful i truly i'm i will always be grateful. God blessed me by finding dr Kim and hope god blesses you by having Dr kim if ever needed. Thank you again Dr Kim. Your the very best surgeon and a thoughtful and caring doctor. Robert gonzales read more

Sang Do Kim, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Saw Dr Kim today (was supposed to see a neurosurgeon, was referred to Cedars by my PCP, but was given an orthopedic surgeon instead for some reason). Pros: He is very intelligent and his paperwork boasts that he gives very patient-centric care. Your spine surgery (should you need one, I don't) will be the only one he has that day and he will focus entirely on you. From other reviews I get the impression he's an excellent surgeon (so please note that this review is not a review of his surgical skill). Cons: During the Neuro exam part of my visit, Dr Kim touched both of my legs at the same time and asked if they felt the same (common Neuro exam stuff). However, he didn't wait to get any answer from me at all before moving on immediately. This made me realize that I wasn't going to be taken seriously or heard. There are certain things doctors say or do that let you know they do not care for you as a patient... Not waiting for an answer is a big one. He stated that he was going to go over the MRI with me. He did not, however, ask if anyone had explained the MRI or if I had already gone over it. So, he started by explaining how the images work (which I attempted to state I already understood). When I asked a direct question about something on one of the images, he wouldn't stop scrolling through the images and stop to answer my actual question. Instead he focused on something else and cut me off and moved on. Overall... It really was a waste of time for both of us. He made a few backhanded comments (including recommending a plastic surgeon for "abdominoplasty"... which was the most bizarre thing ever Because I was there for a large swollen painful lump on my back that has been bothering me since my last spine surgery... But... Okay... Tummy tuck? Really dude?!). Note: this guy is not a "fat friendly" surgeon. When I eventually got upset, was in a ton of pain, started actually crying and was explaining everything I'd been through up until this point... He got defensive as though I was mad at him and got a little nasty. My husband had to explain to him that I needed to just vent about it all because I've been through so much... and then just recapped the appointment highlights. I'm certain he's amazing for many patients! I just wanted to give my honest feedback about my personal experience today. Nothing like the experiences of other reviewers. Not the "doctor really listens and cares" treatment he given the other five star reviewers here. That said... I appreciate that he didn't attempt to force a spine fusion on me (because that wasn't what I was there about in the first place, but was the only thing he seemed to want to suggest at first! But, hey, he also recommended steroid injections but also told me that steroid side effects are bad... and he had asked me if I had already had steroid injections before, earlier in the visit. ... And it would be amazing if he had listened to me about physical therapy and such... But it's not like we were going to see each other ever again, right? Why put a lot of mental effort into it?! Total. Waste. Of. Time. Money. Effort. Pain.). read more

I met with Dr. Kim for a consultation for back surgery. He wasn't very helpful in answering my questions at the appointment. An appointment that I waited for over an hour until he entered the room. After the appointment I had some follow up questions and wanted some clarification on what we did discuss. I was deciding between using him as a surgeon and someone at UCLA. I left 5 messages with his office, last time even stating that this was my 5th message and that I had not heard back from Dr. Kim or from his office. My appointment was over 2 weeks ago and I still have not heard back from anyone. Such a disappointing doctor and office. Wish I had known ahead of time not to waste my time with him. read more

Dr Kim is a brilliant and amazing surgeon. He has given me my life back! In meeting with him for the first time I found him to be a kind and thorough spine specialist. He spends a lot of time with you, discusses your xrays, listens and notates carefully, and is diligent in his follow through and treatment plans. I had a very long and complicated revision fusion surgery which, if not handled by such a brilliant and extremely skilled surgeon, would definitely have gone very wrong. I'm now 4 months post surgery, continuing physical therapy and walking with ease without the constant pain I had lived with for a decade. I'm getting back to my normal active life of which I never thought I'd ever have again. God bless you, Dr Kim. I can't thank you enough! read more

He is professional and very friendly and is always willing to answer any question I have for him. He performed a spinal fusion on me after I had an accident, the surgery was quick and precise. If anyone I know needs surgery I'd look for him. Thank you Dr. Kim! read more

Sang Do Kim, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're looking for someone that knows what they are doing...this is the Dr you need. It took me a while to find someone I can trust and give me options. Dr Sang D Kim and his staff are amazing. I went to a previous doctor and did not like how they treated my situation. I want to feel comfortable if someone is going to be my spine surgeon... Update: 9 Week post op and I have my life back! I am pain free and returning to my old life. read more

I had surgery recently with Dr. Kim. Beforehand, I had been in agony. After the surgery I was totally pain free. I based my decision to go with him on his superior education mostly. Best decision I've ever made! He's a great doctor. Now all my friends want his number. read more

I was able to make a new patient appointment the same week that I called. Very impressive. I brought my MRI and X-Rays to my appointment. The very efficient front office made a quick copy of my discs and I sat down for a 5 minute wait to be called into my appointment. Top rate. Dr. Kim came in and was very pleasant. He reviewed my MRI and X-Rays. He did an examination and then we talked about my neck. He reviewed my films and MRI and explained what was shown. He discussed what the surgical option was and the on-surgical option. I appreciated that he did not push surgery. My condition is not life threatening and can be managed by conservative options. He explained what could become a problem in the future and what to look out for. I chose Dr. Kim based on his outstanding educational background and great reviews on yelp. I am so glad I did. "Dr. Kim graduated with cum laude honors from Yale University with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. He then graduated with cum laude honors from both Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Science and Technology program. During this time, he was awarded the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellows Scholarship as well as the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Continued Education Scholarship, which funded his medical school training. He completed his surgical internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and orthopaedics residency at the Harvard Combined Orthopaedics Program. While in residency, he was a visiting fellow at Peking Third Hospital in Beijing, one of the largest spine centers in China. He went on to train at one of the most coveted spine fellowships in Washington University in St. Louis with world experts in spinal deformity and cervical spine surgery with Drs. Lawrence Lenke, Keith Bridwell and Dan Riew." read more

Dr. Sang Do Kim is an excellent doctor. I am so thankful I discovered him. He is highly skilled and knowledgeable, and has a good bedside manner. His staff is also first rate, especially Miria. Whenever I had a question or concern, she would follow up with me right away. read more

My wife had lower back pain that started in Aug 2021, NSAIDs and physiotherapy did not help. She got epidural shots in April 2022 but the pain got progressively worse specially radiating pain in her right leg which incapacitated her, she could not walk or sleep. We consulted Dr Kim, Sang in May, Dr Kim spent 45 minutes going over the MRI and options. He recommended surgery given the large L5-L4 extrusion, and reassured my wife that the leg pain will immediately go away after the surgery. Got the microdiscectomy done on June 8, 2022 and her leg pain has been gone ever since. She is recovering currently. Dr Kim Sang is professionalism and attention to detail is exemplary and representative of his credentials. He also answers patient questions via email the same day or next day. We live in Bakersfield the drive to LA (2.5 hrs)was worth it. No words can express the gratitude we feel for taking my wife's excruciating pain away. Thank you, Sir. read more

I got cervical surgery on 1/10/18 by MD Kim. I'm so happy and satisfied for the surgery result. He is very nice and skillful doctor. My wife and I appreciate to doctor Kim for having my second life with normal condition. read more

Dr. Kim is amazing! I had to have emergency back surgery with him last year and not only was he very compassionate and patient with me, as I was scared out of my mind, but he took time to explain my options and expectations every step of the way. Called to check up on me and evens answers questions via email. Since the surgery I've run to him every time I thought I had a problem(which turned out each time to be nothing) and he has been just as kind, making sure I understood what was going on and what to expect in the future. UPDATE: I recently referred a family member who already had a surgery scheduled to get a 2nd opinion from Dr. Kim. Of course he decided to go with Dr. Kim and he is was just as satisfied with his experience as I was. He said Dr. Kim made him feel comfortable and eased his mind with his confidence and skill. read more

If I could make it 15 stars, I would! Dr. Kim is an amazing surgeon and a true healer. He is a kind a compassionate doctor who obviously cares so much about his patients. Here is my story: On September 22, 2017, Dr. Kim performed an 11 hour surgery on my neck and low back for severe spinal stenosis. I also had 3 cadaver discs put in my neck. Before surgery, I was completely debilitated and could no longer use my arms and had to walk leaning so far over I saw my knees. I knew I had severe low back problems but til I went to Dr. Kim I had no idea I also had severe neck problems. At the time I had surgery, I was very close to being incontinent and in a wheelchair. Two years prior to my surgery, I was a trained athlete competing in strongman competitions. This spine condition completely took away my life. Today, a little over two months after surgery, all my symptoms have been addressed. I can stand up straight, no more numbness or sciatica, my feet don't feel like they are ten times bigger than their actual size or on rockers, my arms are strong, no more nerve zapping, and no more headaches. My biggest challenge right now is building up my stamina because I was so weak prior to surgery, but I am getting better and stronger every day. Thank you, Dr. Kim, for giving me my life back! There are no words to express my gratitude. read more

I truly believe the universe, god (whatever your belief may be) brought us to Dr. Kim. He is truly an amazing doctor. I watched the love of my life suffer through most of 2016 in excruciating, debilitating back pain from a herniated disc. He previously had a laminectomy and then his back went bad again...bad backs run in his family. We had originally gone to another doctor, who shall remain unnamed, for treatment and had already scheduled a spinal fusion surgery with that OTHER doctor. However, I was never comfortable with the doctor from the get go for a plethora of reasons....including them never answering the phones, calling the wrong insurance, the doctor being very loosey goosey, not confident and telling him you'll end up with a walker, and not answering our questions or explaining the surgery, receiving a letter in the mail from a vascular surgeon we never even met or heard of or was even mentioned as having needing to be a part of the surgery and introducing himself by letter saying he'll be in the OR for the surgery so please sign these consent forms (WTF?), them telling us we were responsible for finding doctors to do all of our own pre op appointments, and then we get yet ANOTHER letter from another doctor introducing himself via a letter saying he too will be in the surgery... AGAIN, WTF! That was the last straw!! Finally, I said this is NOT the doctor for us and to get a second opinion. Then we THANKFULLY FOUND Dr. Kim. From the minute we called his office, you could tell his practice is top notch. Appointments scheduled with ease with immediate follow up, no waiting around, and Dr. Kim explained everything thoroughly. He was available via email for follow up questions, and you can just tell he cares about his patients. With that, we immediately changed doctors and scheduled surgery with Doctor Kim and it was the best decision EVER!! First off, this man is beyond smart...just look at his curriculum vitae. The surgery was not only successful, but he was personally there to check on him post surgery, answer questions, called us to follow up. I mean this man is a surgeon for crying out loud - can you imagine how busy he is and we are just one of how many people he sees but he still took time for us. And the surgery was during the holidays and he still made time. I think I even contacted him on New Years Eve with a question and he still responded to me without delay. And the other doctor told us how horrible recovery was going to be, that he would have to use a walker, misery misery misery, all kinds of complications, etc. etc. So much fear. But guess what, it hasn't been like that AT ALL. Not even close. Goes to show you that the surgeon makes the world of difference. Recovery is great. No walker at all. He had 360 fusion, which is front and back. Major surgery. And no walker. Walking perfect, can't even tell he had surgery. It's only been just about three weeks now. Yes, still taking meds but seriously, we have Dr. Kim to thank. I don't even want to think how things would've been had we gone to the other doctor. I thank god we didn't. For something as serious as your spine, you have to go to the BEST. Go see Dr. Kim. Don't even think about not going. If I could give him a thousand stars I would. And his staff, Luis, and everyone else was outstanding as well!! Thank you!! read more

Dr. Kim is one of the finest doctors I have ever dealt with. I went to see him after a past lumbar discectomy failed. Dr. Kim was recommended to me by my pain management doctor, who said Dr. Kim was the only spine surgeon he would consider letting work on him. Dr. Kim is about as good as it gets on paper. He went for Yale undergrad, and then graduated cum laude Harvard Medical School and MIT's Health, Science and Technology program. Surgical training at Mass General and Harvard's Orthopaedic Training program. (link to his resume/CV: http://www.laspine.com/physicians/sang-d-kim-md/) Honestly, despite being maybe the most qualified doctor I've ever heard of, the main reason I recommend Dr. Kim is his bedside manner. He genuinely cares about his patients and it shows. Thanks to Dr. Kim I am finally pain free for the first time in years. I can't thank him enough! read more

I want to thank Dr. Kim and his team of amazing specialists and schedulers. They have been so wonderful, and the whole process was simple and effective. My grandmother had a microdiscectomy and laminectomy done by Dr. Kim and his colleague. Their bedside manner, professionalism, and charisma was all beneficial in making the surgery a wonderful experience, rather than a fearful one. Dr. Kim's colleague was understanding of my grandmother's age, and was patient the whole way through. In addition to this, Dr. Kim moved the surgery to an earlier date, knowing that my grandmother desperately needed help. From the pre-op to the surgery date, it only took a week. I can't thank this team enough. The pain from the sciatic nerve caused my grandmother to lose hope for the availability of treatment. It has been a couple days after the surgery, and my grandmother is doing great. She can sit, walk, and do day-to-day tasks. I can't recommend this team enough. Thank you so much. I want to edit this review after I find the name of his colleague. He is someone I am also very thankful for. read more

Incredible experience with Dr. Kim. Microdiscectomy procedure that was perfect in every way. Feeling great. Thank you!

I saw Dr. Kim for bilateral spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis and severe foraminal stenosis of the L3-L5 vertebra. He performed a L3 - L5 fusion on me in November of 2015. He is great at communication and explained everything clearly and completely so I knew what to expect. Post op I am doing great and am back to my normal activity. All my back pain is gone and all my leg nerve pain has been completely eliminated. He is a fantastic surgeon! Thank you Dr. Kim and his team for taking such good care of me!! It is really appreciated. read more

I went to see Dr. Kim (along with two other highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons in Los Angeles). I chose Dr. Kim as he was the most professional, knowledgeable, precise, caring and kind, and made more sense to me than both the other doctors. I had a 3-level cervical discectomy and fusion (by Dr. Kim) and he did an amazing job. He is very responsive to all my questions and made me feel very comfortable with whatever questions I had. My recovery went as well as could be expected and I would gladly refer him to anyone I know who needs spine surgery. Thank you Dr. Kim! read more

Dr. Kim was an absolute pleasure to work with. I required one cervical ADR at C6-7. However, I never had surgery before (except wisdom teeth removal 20+ years ago) and was more than a little nervous about the procedure. At no time did I feel pressured. He showed me exactly what happened to me and walked me through the entire process during our consultations while his staff quickly handled the hospitality and insurance details. This inspired the confidence to undergo what needed to be done. I had the operation in about a month and was pain-free immediately afterward. It couldn't have gone any smoother. I highly recommend Dr. Kim for your surgery . read more

This doctor barley looked at me. I had a serious injury 7 years ago where I fell on my neck. Have since had extreme neck pain. He took no X-RAY and chalked my pain down to stiff neck. He said "everyone wakes up with a stiff neck every once in a while." Meanwhile I went to a chiropractor down the street who did take an X-RAY before even touching my neck and they found that the curvature of my upper spine is extremely abnormal. I will proceed with physical therapy and also chiropractic sessions. But this doctor missed something that another clinic found. He completely ignored my concerns and even laughed at me for feeling like this was a bigger issue. 27 year old healthy female here who should not have such extreme neck pain. read more