David Ashkenaze, MD

I had a herniated spinal disc and Dr. Ashkaneze operated on me 2 ½ months ago.
I first went to another surgeon but was weary of his response to tell me I need surgery without even discussing any other possible treatments. Went to Dr. Ashkaneze for second opinion and liked him better. Very likable. Great explanations. He could answer difficult questions right away. I could just tell he knows what he is talking about.
He discussed the options, he told me that there is a good chance I will need surgery (at least ⁵⁰⁄₅₀), but had me go through physical therapy for a few weeks. And then when I was not getting a whole lot better, we discussed it in detail and I decided to get spine surgery (microdiscectomy).
Got surgery: rolled into ER, looked around the room and next thing I know I opened my eyes in recovery a few hours later. I was up and walking around 10 minutes later. Went home the same hour and 6 days later at my post up visit I was walking up to his floor on the stairs (forgoing the elevator).
Another reviewer used the words: «magic hands». Well, I have to agree.

Dr. Ashekenaze”s condescending response is evidence. There were no referrals to specialists … just unnecessary GP’s and INTERNS. He treated me like a dumb blonde. Refused to diagnose symptoms and tell me why I was getting progressively worse. He refused to tell me what was wrong with my body and discuss treatment options. He repeatedly refused prescriptions for physical therapy and MRI, And refused referrals to alternative care specialists I needed (Chiropractic and non-​surgical). There was no referral to any specialist except an abusive PAIN NED doctor who tried to force pain meds I could not take. I have a compressed/​herniated disc and pinched nerve and my hips and pelvis are out of place. I can’t walk normally. Dr. Ashkenaze is a BOLD FACED LIAR. He needed to evaluate my injures and tell me what is wrong. LIAR LIAR BAD DOCTOR!
Dr. Ashkenaze is one of three doctors in the Laguna Beach based practice, Advanced Orthopedic Specialists … he is an illogical lackadaisical uncaring and ABUSIVE doctor who does not listen to his patient AT ALL. Dr. Ashkenaze refused to explain my symptoms and injuries or the MRI CT’s and X-​rays … or express interest in how I was injured. He refused to do any kind of physical exam OR assessments; order proper MRIs; physical therapy and appropriate pain management. I was so angry I fired him and he pretended I was abusive and said he DISCHARGED ME FROM HIS CARE! I have a SERIOUS LOWER SPINAL INJURY. ALMOST a month after a serious accident, I had no MRI orders for body areas I need; no pain management and no physical therapy orders. I needed IMMEDIATE and special care due to a disability. I cannot be operated on (so no BIG money for the doctor– as another review suggested). Doctor Ashkenaze refused to order tests or refer to a neurologist, AND ignored my disabilities! A month after the accident, I had to make a FULL ON SCREAMING SCENE to get an MRI and as it turned out he was COVERING for a negligent hospital ER … I have EVEN more injuries than previously thought … I have a LOWER SPINAL INJURY which is affecting my legs/​neuro muscular! Ashkenaze’s MRI orders were not complete … and his physcial evaluation was NOTHING. HE is PRETENDING to be a doctor. My mother says her elderly friends have been operated successfully on by him, but I was not a candidate for surgery SO I don’t think he wanted to treat me. Dr. A of Advanced Orthopedic Specialists is a total liar and should lose his medical license. He is also a FRAUD. AVOID THIS DOCTOR AT ALL COST. BAD!

I severely shattered my knee last year and was taken to Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach. How lucky was I that Dr. Ashkenazi was on call! With the mess my knee was in it was remarkable what Dr. Ashkenazi was able to accomplish. Every time I saw him, he took the time to explain my healing process and what to expect in his usual calming demeanor. Thank you so much Dr. Ashkenazi for all your hard work and help!

Dr. Ashenaze performed a discectomy on both sides of my l4/​l5. The disc had burst and was a mess on the mri. He took the time to discuss the dangers, trade offs, and what to expect. He didn’t try to oversell me, as others did on getting highly invasive surgery. Day of was great. When I had a concern the following day, he made time for and saw me, and helped. It is now 4 days later and I am pretty much pain free. I was having trouble walking before. I am, compared to reading others experiences, amazed at the recovery, suggesting he had the magic touch during surgery. On a personal level, I found his mannerisms and communication skill far above the other two surgeons I visited.

Dr. Ashkenaze performed surgery on both my husband and me many years ago, a few years apart. (spine) One thing we appreciated was that he didn’t rush to surgery but made sure it was the right choice for our individual conditions. His precision as a surgeon and warm compassion as a human being made for an excellent experience for both of us. Years later, we are both healthy and active and grateful. We have given his name to friends who have been equally pleased with their results. We felt like the luckiest people in the world to have found him.