Santa Monica Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group

Such rude office staff. Delmy from Dr. Lavian was rude, condescending and not at all helpful. She was so awful that I ended up not even bothering to make an appointment with them. If this is how they make a first impression, I would hate to see how the treat you as a patient.

Dr. Kevin Ehrhart should loose his license. He operated on me and after it was done he told me I needed knee replacement surgery and thanks to him I do. He left pieces of the meniscus and bone fragments in my knee also. He is also the rudest man I have ever encountered. I wouldn’t let him touch a stray dog. He was horrible and rude to me. Never go to him.

DO NOT GO HERE FOR IMMEDIATE CARE. IT IS NEITHER IMMEDIATE NOR CARING, If I could give zero stars I would. I called for an appointment and was told to walk in. I arrived and the front desk receptionist was incredibly rude. The staff then had difficulty with my Blue Shield insurance and could not accept it. (I called Blue shield and was told it was active.) I asked if I could pay out of pocket and they said ok. Then they didn’t know how much to charge me and wanted me to do new x-​rays even though I had them done 3 hours previously at Tower St. John’s. Despite this I conceded as I was in quite a bit of pain. I then asked when I would see the Doctor. They shrugged and said they didn’t know. I finally just walked out. The ineptitude was overwhelming.
The doctors may have good reputations but get an appointment with them beforehand and there are plenty of places in Santa Monica with an entire staff that cares. I’m personally going to avoid this place altogether,

Went to go see a PA for a nagging leg injury. I Spoke with the PA for a few mins before he had me lie down and touched my leg for less than a minute and he diagnosed me with a hamstring strain and prescribed me physical therapy.
I went for an assessment before physical therapy and the therapist who actually took time to look at me and knew what she was talking about told me there’s no way I had a strained hamstring and that it was coming from my back.
Wasted my time at Santa Monica orthopedic and will not be back. They didn’t care about me.

Stay away from this awful crooked money mill and insurance scam place. If there was less than a one star rating that is what I would give them. I regret that I have Medicare and that Medicare will be scammed for my visit. I went to SMOG for a knee injury. I asked to see a specific doctor, Dr. Mandelbaum. I was told that first I had to see a P.A. and then I would be seen by Dr. Mandelbaum. I went for my appointment and I was «seen» by a P.A. His name is Ricardo Campbell. Before seeing the P.A. a series of knee e-​rays were ordered, plus an MRI. It was a surprise to me that all these tests were ordered before I had seen a doctor. How could they judge the medical necessity for a-​rays and an MRI before even looking at my knee? I was told that x-​rays and MRI’s are standard procedure in this office even before a patient is seen. Can we say $$$ motive. lining their pockets. Scaming insurance companies? This was the worst «orthopedic exam», I have ever had in my entire 75 years of life. I sat on the examining table with my legs dangling. I was asked to lift up my right leg of my tights. I did so, but because the leg of the tight was constraining, I could only lift it to expose part of the knee, the upper part remained covered. I was then asked to raise my leg. I was unable to do that. He then asked me to do that again, and I told him that obviously I couldn’t do that so why was he asking me. I then was instructed to lie down on the examining table. At which point he pressed on my knee cap. I told me that I also had pain behind my knee but he didn’t bother to palpate that area. I explained that the fall re-​injured an old knee injury. He asked me what treatment I had received for my old injury. I told him shots and physical therapy. He asked what kind of shots, I told him lidocaine and cortisone. He said he never heard of shots to the knee. I was dumbfounded, as I received excellent orthopedic care in New York and in London for that injury. After this cursory look at my right knee, and the upper part being covered, the door opened and in walked a man with a brace for me. Campbell said that I had to wear a brace and that would be my «treatment». When I protested and said my prior orthopedists had warmed against the use of a brace as a brace would weaken the supporting muscles, he said this is what I advise and this is the «treatment». So I let them put on the brace, cost $ 139.
Walking with the brace pressed on my injured knee and caused me more pain. I asked him if there were any «instructions» for me. He said «No», except for a follow up visit. My entire «exam» lasted less than five minutes. He didn’t bother to look at my left knee for a comparison. He didn’t examine either leg or even ask me to walk or test my reflexes. I might as well have been asked to hand over my money and leave. The «medical exam» was a total sham and highly unprofessional.
I reported this to the receptionist and asked to see the supervisor of the office. She said there was no supervisor in their office as each «physician works independently». She kept calling Campbell a «physician» which he isn’t and I corrected her a number of times. I informed her that by law all P.A.‘s must work under the supervision of a licensed doctor. I asked who that doctor was and she gave me two different names. I asked to see the doctors or their secretaries. I was told that that was impossible. I did leave my name and phone number numerous times with their secretaries, as the operator would not give me the doctor’s voicemail so I could personally leave a message.
The receptionist was a liar and rude and when I told her about my disgraceful and unprofessional exam, she said that «Rick is a genius». I then asked for a follow up with Mandelbaum and she said, you are not allowed to see him. I asked why. She stated that he only sees sports injuries and you didn’t injure yourself while doing a sport but you fell. I said that the reason I went through their process was to see Mandelbaum as per your instructions.
Well you can’t see him and that is that. So, I was lied to before I ever went to this office.
Three days later I went to pick up my x-​ray and MRI reports. Shockingly the x-​rays were «read» by the P.A. Campbell. Not being from California, I was rather shocked that a P.A. is qualified after only a 2 year schooling to «read» and interpret an x-​ray. I know that in NY and in the UK that this is illegal. Further Campbell’s report was replete with falsehoods about my exam and it also stated that I drank alcohol, which I rarely do. Two glasses of wine a year would be alot for me.
If you want bad unprofessional care and your pockets looted then this is the place to go.

I saw Dr. Case about a knee injury who was Mandelbaums fill in. They recommended I go to Westwood Mri. After his evaluation of my knee and the Mri it was said I had a bone fracture. So I rehabbed this for 5 months without resolution. I went and followed up at kerlin Jobe and I was told that the diagnosis was mcl grade 2. So basically their Mri facility was poor and their actual diagnosis to misdiagnose a mcl tear as a bone bruise is flabbergasting. This doctor should lose his license.
How these guys are in business I have no idea. I had a bad experience with are Gerhard being a jerk and also diagnosing a shoulder incorrectly years ago but was referred from my therapist.
Huge mistake and I’ll be going to Kerlan Jobe for all my further injuries.

They are some of the best doctors I have ever seen. Only downside is because they are so good, it is often difficult to make an appointment with less than a month notice and the wait time in the office can sometimes be a little long. But if you are looking for quality, it is definitely worth the wait. I have had nothing but positive experiences with the whole staff. I saw Dr. Gerhardt and he is very friendly and although he is busy, addressed all my questions and concerns, even given what amounted to a relatively minor injury.

Not impressed. I am sure that the doctor’s are competent, but the office staff isn’t very helpful (they sometimes do not return calls when setting up appointments). Trust me an look elsewhere; Manhattan Beach has a bunch of 5-​star ortho practices that are much better.

Now these folks treat patients with dignity and excellence! At least a person can fly out at Santa Monica airport and forget the rest. No SMOG at SMOG!

Wow glad I hadn’t read all these reviews before I went to SMOG. I have nothing but perfect scores to report on my experience. If fell outside my front door end of January. Dr. Rachel Triche was the ortho on call at the ER. They had to reset my tibia and then I saw her the next day for my complete ankle break and baby finger break. I did a good job on myself. Swelling was so bad had to wait a week for my surgery. Surgery was done as an out patient. Recover has been slow and frustrating. Every appt with Dr,. Triche has been easy and on time. Never have to wait. Had one minor emergency on a Sunday, quick response from her fellow, The office was closed they gave me a code for the elevator, he came in speciality to see me. 10 minutes I was fixed and out the door,.Every therpaist who sees my scar comments on what a great job Dr. Triche did. The office has been delightful to visit. EXCEPT the x ray tech on my first visit after surgury. They wanted me to get up on a stool for the xray I almost had a heart attack. I think it would be good if they had something to support you better when you stand up. My son is a sport med MD out of town. Dr. Triche was always willing to chat with him. He always agreed with her course of treatement.
Physical therapy.Dr. Triche gave me a long list of suggested. I went to my own as they were close by. Nice group but I didn’t think the best treatment for my issue. Next appt Dr. Triche was not impressed with my progress and wanted me to change PT’s. Quite upsetting as I thought I was doing so well. i still didn’t change but asked them to start working harder with me I need to progress faster. I finally changed to Performance Therpy which is connected to SCOG. OMG the PT is like day and night. In the last few weeks I have prgressed at lighting speed. They work me hard which is what makes you heal fast. I would have been better to have changed earlier in my course of healing. Saw Dr. Triche yesterday, all good, she was fine with my progress at this pint.
So color me a five start review. A bad situation worked on as well as I could have asked for.

HORRIBLE, RUDE, OBNOXIOUS
Too busy, and unorganized office!
Wait is too long (over 2 hrs) !
Dr’s are too busy to listen to their pts (Specially Dr Ehrhart)
HE SHOULD’VE BEEN A BUTCHER INSTEAD! Specially his hands & manners!
Even My Butcher has a better manners!
I’m experienced an RN!
Push their Own xRays (illegal) to get more out of the visit!!!
Parking was $ 18 for 3hrs!
New billing system and NO ONE knows how to manage the «NEW» billing system!
Be careful with your credit card!
They’re also part of Cedars Sinai group!
Another HORRIBLE Group! Messed up my knee Big Time!
They’re All in it for the $$$$$$ not for the CARE!

From the time I got there to the time I left it was just an unpleasant experience. At 9:00 am I was kept waiting for an hour. The doctor came in and she had to check something… Another ½ hour. I am sure she is an excellent surgeon but she needs to learn how to talk to patients. She is cold, aloof and unfriendly. She may be a good at what she does but to be a good doctor you have to have those qualities as well.

Office Manager @ Dr. Modabber stepped up & helped me get St. John removed. Took lots of my time, but they stepped up & kept word on removing.
I understand the St. John billng thing is no longer… hope its true. Doctors are great & would give 4 or 5 stars if it wasnt for billing issues.

Bills keep coming — over five hundred dollars worth, and I have good insurance. I have no idea what they’re for anymore.
They ordered an MRI for a torn calf muscle. When I met with a doctor to review the results I had to wait 2 hours on a weekday because a surgery went over. When I finally met with him, I had doubts he actually looked at the results. He never reviewed the images with me in person, and I got the impression he was relying on his assistant who only gave them a cursory look before walking in to meet with me. Seemed like they were more focused on chatting than taking care of patients.

We had a horrible experience with the front desk, and very quickly decided that we did not trust SMOG with our health.
My girlfriend fractured her wrist during an accident at a football game (Monday Night Football — a drunk Philadelphia Eagles fan fell into her and knocked her onto some concrete steps). I took her to an urgent care the next day, and after taking an X-​ray, they found her wrist was fractured in at least one spot. It was about 3 p.m., and the doctor at the urgent care said, «Try going by SMOG — given how bad your hand is, they have to see you if you show up.»
Unfortunately, he was wrong — when we showed up at SMOG, they refused to see my girlfriend, even though the front desk staff seemed to be killing time and the reception area was completely empty. Maybe 3 p.m. is too late for them to work?
When I said, «Her wrist is fractured — we have X-​rays, and we don’t want it to get worse,» the receptionist said, «Well, this happens all the time. Just be careful with it.» It seemed like remarkably irresponsible advice to give to someone without even seeing their hand, and from a non-​clinician no less.
At that point, I was upset (as was my girlfriend), and we left without making an appointment — there was no way I trusted this group with something as important as a hand.
We went back to the urgent care, who put the wrist in a splint, then went to see another orthopedist. It turns out that my girlfriend’s wrist was fractured in 6 places. That orthopedist was shocked that SMOG wouldn’t even splint the wrist or put it in an aircast, or just provide a base level of care to ensure the wrist wouldn’t get worse. My girlfriend is going to have be in a cast for 16 weeks, and this new orthopedist is going to treat her right — new cast potentially every week, X-​rays to make sure everything is setting properly.
I doubt we would have gotten this level of care at SMOG. Avoid at all costs!

Update on the «facility fee.» As of October 1, 2014, St. Johns and Santa Monica Orthopedic are no longer affiliated. There is NO longer a facility fee charged by St. John’s when a patient receives services at SMOG. In fact, The doctors with whom I spoke were just as outraged about this facility fee as the patients. They know that this fee created so much ill will.
The doctors at SMOG are outstanding. I have seen Dr. Ehrhart, Dr. Knapp, Dr. Mandelbaum and the extremely kind Dr. Lavian. Each Dr. is at the top of his game.
Granted, some times the waits can be infuriatingly long and there is generally nothing of interest to read while reading. My suggestion is to bring your own reading material.
This is a great orthopedic group. Unfortunately, they were blindsided by St. Johns’ greed. Fortunately, that association has now ended, although the doctors still perform inpatient surgery at St. Johns.

Had appt to see Dr John Adams for neck and arm pain on September 29^th 2014. I called to see what was going on with my authorizations for some type of treatment. Well, I called and spoke with John assistant and I mean to tell you, this old Woman act like I was getting on her last nerve with my questions. from first appt till I made a call, nothing had been done as far as requesting authorizations so I could be seem. So, I made a be FUSS about it and finally got the ball rolling. So, had my MRI & Mammogram and other xrays done. Well, had to call back for appt and dread speaking to John assistant. so she made me appt to come in on October 20, @ 930. I was there at 915 checked in, sat down and waited, waited, waited and they called me finally. found out my results were not were they was suppose to be and more waiting, waiting and more waiting until I once again made a big FUSS because no one was trying to help me.
I ask to speak with the Director and told her what was going on and let her know how uncaring John assistant was. I let her know, I had been here since 915 and still had not seen the Doctor, because he didnt have my reports to review. He (JOHN) finally got my reports and they came in my room reviewed my report and basically told me to keep doing physical therapy and that it was really nothing he could do for me. he was going to refer me to someone that can see me and consider cortisone injection.
you pay all this money every month for your Insurance and it hurts me that customer service sucks, The hired help sucks and now what am I suppose to do. Hopefully, I can get a 2^nd opinion and the Doctor and his staff would be alittle more caring of there patients.
I did speak with the Director and she help me and she did offer me assistance regarding parking. lets see if they call me for my next appt like irene or racquel said she would.

My daughter is a gymnast and my son does all kinds of sports (football, baseball, etc.), and we’ve always had great experiences with Dr. Zaslow. My daughter had a neck injury that was undiagnosable by every orthopedist in the area, and Dr. Zaslow recommended a hybrid treatment of acupuncture and PT and she was back into action within 3 weeks. I feel the care here is excellent and they are amazing with children who are serious athletes. Dr. Zaslow’s assistant is amazing — she is always so great with my kids.
That being said — I totally agree with the comments from other patients — the billing is ridiculous. I actually went into collections because I didn’t realize I was being double billed. Honestly, I’m not a fan of St. John’s and if the care wasn’t so good, I probably wouldn’t go. It is not cheap, even with insurance.
Also, sometimes the wait can be intense. We’ve waited for an hour and a half before… the staff was really apologetic, but it’s hard when you are trying to juggle taking time off for your kid’s appointments.

Dr. Michael Gerhardt is a great doctor. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, he is committed to the well-​being of his patients. He explained the MRI results of my injury, which was a full thickness tear of my hamstring, and the surgical procedure to fix it. He answered all my questions. I was already impressed by his resume, publications, and surgeries posted online, definitely making him one of the leaders of 21^st century orthopaedic medicine, but I was even more impressed by his genuine desire to help. After a month of dragging my leg around and rocketing out of my seat, I was relieved to find out it could be fixed.
Few weeks later, Dr. Gerhardt repaired my hamstring. It feels amazing to be reattached and pain-​free. Five weeks on, and I am walking. I am grateful and thrilled to have received such excellent care from a talented surgeon, his kind and attentive assistant Edith, and the compassionate nurses at the Surgery Center of the Pacific.

I’ve been a patient of Santa Monica Orthopedic Group since the mid 80s. (Yes i get hurt a lot). But, I hadn’t been there for about a decade.
During the excellent old days, I had ankle and knee surgery from the last Dr. Grant (what a great guy and a terrible loss), back surgery by Dr. Erhardt and knee surgery from Dr. Knapp. I’d give five stars to Drs Erhardt or Knapp. Good bedside manner. Caring. And, talented surgeons. And, their assistants in the old days were first rate.
I went back in Feb ’14 for a new issue with my screwed up back. I can’t believe how far downhill this place has fallen. None of the staff returns calls. You can’t get anyone of the phone when you call. And, they just don’t give a damn. The staff seems to think that a patient in level 9 back pain should wait three weeks for a procedure because they can’t bother getting a pre-​approval, Three days for a surgeon’s report to get transcribed! Then 5 to 7 days for an pre-​approval for an epidural. I guess the staff (not the MD) thinks me sucking down pain pills is OK. Maybe they have a sister clinic that will treat me for my substance abuse i developed waiting for treatment.
Go anywhere to any doctor. But, not here.