I didn't realize that my review was saved as a draft here. I thought it had been posted. My first and only encounter with Dr. Andrew Blecher around 6 years ago. He was with SCOI ... before it came under the UCLA umbrella. I learned that he was using a type of stem cell treatment and I'd bee suffering with joint and nerve pain for decades. The very least of my my pains are the result of bullet lodged between L1-L2 of my spine. I was bone-on bone in my knees and nearly all my joints were thrashed. I had tried everything to address my pain and I wanted to explore stem cell treatment. At the time, it was known that the "good" stem cell treatment was available in several countries, but not in the U.S.. An assistant to Dr. Blecher was "Zach" and he was super-kind and professional. I had had several phone conversations with Zach, and when I arrived at my appointment, Zach was as kind and professional in-person as he'd been on the phone. ABOUT MR. BLECHER: When he walked into the room to meet me, I said "Hello". He did NOT say hello in return. Rather, the first words that came out his mouth were: "You know this is a very expensive procedure.". He said that in a conspicuously condescending tone that perfectly matched his facial expression. I admit that I look kinda like the poster-person for a biker from hell, but Blecher looked at me as if I had parked my stolen super market shopping cart just outside his office. Of course, I had to ask "How much will treatments cost", to which he replied "It starts at $8.000.00 and might go up from there ... and NO insurance will cover it." I wasn't shocked by that reply ... however, Dr. Blecher added that it was possible that I might see no benefits from the treatment(s). At that time I knew that the country of Panama offered real (umbilical) stem cell treatments, and $8,000.00 might have covered my travel to Panama and treatment fees. Unfortunately, I had been in such pain that I felt I couldn't make the trip for the treatment. I was left to weigh the expense of treatment against the discouraging, terrible, unfriendly attitude of Blecher. I chose to pass. My pains have only increased. I can't have an MRI because of the bullet fragment, and I have become more disabled. However, I continue to hope for treatment options. Blecher is arrogant, patronizing and narcissistic. I'm a people person and a disabled veteran. I strongly suggest you do NOT seek care from Dr. Andrew Blecher. Rather, seek a doctor that possesses human qualities and treats patients (or potential patients) with dignity. Apologies for not confirming/knowing that this review went to "draft" and was not posted in a timely way. read more

Dr. Blecher impressed me and my young adult son. We came in with a serious knee injury that two other Doctors had zero clue what it was or what should be done and Dr. Blecher got straight to the issue with a short exam and a simple diagnostic maneuver. After reading some of the other reviews insinuating that the Dr. should have somehow been sweeter or something it made me angry. Good grief we didn't go in for a therapy appointment. He was absolutely professional to the point and I am greatly relieved that my son is in capable hands. The office staff was great too. read more

Dr. Blecher really helped me manage my arthritic hip. Saw him for about 2 years for Eflexxa injections. Always kind and efficient. Sent me for PT which really helped too. Great care and advice. I saw him at the Beverly Hills location. read more

I went in for an issue with my knee. After five visits and thousands of dollars spent, my knee is no different. The wait times were longer than the doctor visits. There was no follow-up. Only yelp seems to have real reviews about this doctor. A complete waste of time and money. read more

Dr. Bletcher took time to explain to me my current as well as future options. He was also able to quickly relieve pressure which has been bothering me for quite a while. read more

also, he did not order an MRI for diagnostic purposes. Very disappointing and incomplete. I asked for a follow up telephone consult hoping I'd get more input, more information and more diagnosis; instead just got more of the same = nothing. And his notes which I read on the UCLA portal said the same, that we just went over the same as mentioned while in his office. VERY INCOMPLETE AND caused me a longer time of suffering with a swollen painful knee. read more

As an avid tennis player I went to Dr. Blecher with back pain. After reviewing my MRI he told me "nothing" would help relieve my pain. He told me I should never play tennis the rest of my life. It was the most negative, depressing physician appointment I ever had in my life. I received a second opinion from another physician who believed some time and some physical therapy would likely relieve the problem. Four weeeks later I am back playing tennis 5 days a week without pain. Do yourself a favor and avoid seeing Dr. Blecher. read more

I spent considerable time searching for a non-surgical doctor for treatment. I looked at the doctor's credentials as well as his reviews. I am so satisfied that I made the right choice. The doctor is excellent. Even before meeting the doctor, his staff, the physician assistants, were courteous and informative. Dr. Blecher answered all my questions, gave me options and went over my x rays with me. He is knowledgeable as well as having excellent communication skills. His staff helped navigate my insurance approval. I was never kept waiting after my appointment time. Staff also knew the nature of my treatment plan and set up all necessary appointments at one time. His staff followed up to ensure I was okay post treatment. I really liked the Valencia office: clean, bright and it has FREE parking. Dr. Blecher and his staff deserve a 5 star review. I am obviously glad I found this doctor and recommend his medical expertise. read more

Nice enough guy but terrible communicator and maybe not a great doctor. After getting MRI results on my foot he diagnosed me with inter-metatarsal bursitis but offered no solutions or even a path to recovery. I left our final appointment highly frustrated as I kept pressing Dr. Blecher on a way forward. He did say I should get my running gait checked out by their physical therapy department. Once there, the therapist rattled off a bunch of other stuff seen in the MRI by the radiologist that was not conveyed to me by Dr. Blecher. What?! Oh, and the PT guy said I was supposed to come back for physical therapy. But, Dr. Blecher had never mentioned actually getting physical therapy or explaining how it could help. Seriously, a waste of time and money ($500 after insurance). read more

I was checking the reviews here because I'm sending a recommendation to a friend of mine. I'm shocked to see the ratings! I've gone to Andrew twice for two different issues and he was nothing short of fantastic. My recovery was stellar--I feel better than even before my injuries. The bedside manner--well that's a matter of opinion. I found his directness refreshing and kind of amusing. We got down to the bottom of things fast and the treatment was 100% effective. But I can see how his directness might be off putting to some. Granted my injuries were minor, and most of the work was done by the stellar physical therapists at the Valenica location--I can't recommend them enough. My experience with Andrew was fantastic, and I'm still recommending him to my friend. read more

I've seen Dr. Blecher for almost a year now in both Van Nuys and Santa Clarita. His treatment protocol is managing to keep me comfortable and mobile until I can schedule a knee replacement. What's most striking about Dr. Blecher is that I feel that he's invested in my outcome - I feel like he really cares that I'll do well until our next visit. He works WITH me not FOR me or AT me in designing a program that will be convenient and effective. He listens - he communicates, and he's personable. His surgeon buddies at SCOI should take lessons from him in personality and communication. The entire staff of SCOI in all the offices I've visited is pleasant, professional, and personable. Kudos. read more

I went to Dr. Blecher for an elbow issue that was misdiagnosed. Instantly Dr. Blecher knew what the issue was. When I had visited him I didn't feel like a number and he seemed to be very knowledgeable. I feel much better now and couldn't thank him enough! Had a great experience. Dr. Blecher will always be my go to orthopedic doctor. read more

I first met with Dr. Blecher about 15 yrs ago. He was rude dismissive and condescending. He had nothing helpful to say and did not listen at all. After meeting w him I called blue cross and told them they should not recommend this doctor. About 7 yrs ago I had to get an MRI on my hip w contrast dye. I had to wait on him, then he rushed in, cut my paper shorts, brushed the paper aside brushing my genitalia and exposing them in the process. He then stuck the needle in, which was pai full but I could handle it, but then he moved it and it shot excruciating pain down my leg. I told him it hurt and he ignored me, I repeated it getting more and more anxious as I did, he continued to ignore me. He then pulled the needle out and said "well I'm done now" and walked out. I was in so much pain I felt nauseous. The nurse said "I guess I will get you a new pair of shorts since the Doctor cut them". She said it in a way to let me know it was not normal. I could not get up and she let me lay there as long as she could before she needed to get me going so the next patient could be seen on time. With her help I hobbled into the mri room and even after the mri was still in pain but could walk. I was a gymnast and competed on massively sprained and fractured ankles. I can handle pain. After getting a diagnosis of necrosis of the femur head, faced with such a serious result for someone as young as I, I decided to get a 2nd opinion. Another radiologist said it wasn't necrosis and that there had just been a traumatic event to the femoral head that caused blood to rush there and darken the mri. Perhaps a needle stabbing it? I was humiliated by the experience but didnt know what to do. I didnt even know who this guy was, and only when I received the bill did I realize it was the same terrible doctor I had met w years before. I wrote a letter to SCOI, printed and mailed and never heard anything. I brought it up to someone there when I was back for my surgery a while later, they suggested I submit online because they don't really read the mail. I was disgusted by this. So not only is this doctor terrible but SCOI protects him. Look at all these negative reviews and yet he is still working there being suggested by medical insurance as well as getting referrals from coworkers. I honestly do not know why this man went into medicine, he does not care at all about healing people. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Blecher for ten years or so (arthritic knees & shoulder). What I like about him is his honesty: no false promises, and no up-selling for more expensive procedures. He'll answer your questions frankly, even if he knows you probably won't like the answer. He will also suggest less expensive options that may work better, even though you're prepared to pay for the latest and greatest procedures talked about in the magazines. I get annual injections of SynVisc, and my wife had a PRP procedure from him on her shoulder. These strategies work for us. I'm beginning to think that I may skate through life (at 72) without needing knee replacements. Some reviewers have suggested that Blecher lacks the "bedside manner" of a sympathetic doc. When I want a bedside manner, I get it from my wife (sometimes). From Dr. Blecher you'll get the truth, and remedies that actually do the job. Dr. Blecher is a great resource for our community. BTW, his staff is friendly and professional. Michael gets everything ready and helps facilitate your visit. Dan Santa Clarita read more

If you are interested in getting an accurate diagnosis, I wouldn't rely on this doctor. Save yourself time and money by looking elsewhere for treatment. It would have been nice for me to read these yelp reviews before going to visit him, but nevertheless I still heard nothing but astonishingly bad reviews on him in person prior to meeting him. After he held one of my good friends out of playing for 10 weeks for a concussion I knew that something was up seeing as I had had two concussions before that only lasted about three weeks. She eventually went to get a second opinion at UCLA and what do you know, she wasn't concussed for most of those weeks. A military situation happened with two other girls on my team and with all of this in mind, he was the only person who could take me on such short notice. I got hit in the head but then felt fine after twenty minutes and have had no symptoms since. I was evaluated by his assistant who was nice enough and didn't even preform the second half of the test because it was evident that I was alright. Then, Dr. Bletcher came in for about thirty seconds telling me not that I have a concussion but what to do from here on. No need for him to actually interact with me just make this grand statement that will keep me from playing in division 1 playoffs for the next few weeks. As I asked questions to try to figure out what made him come to this decision it became clear that it was due to the fact that I had two concussions the most recent of which was four years ago. I received responses that were passive aggressive and beated around the bush never giving me a real answer but implying that he was smarter than me. I am a minor but I am mature for my age and asked more questions than my both of my parents. That being said I am still a patient and there should be a threshold do respect that this doctor should adhere to but was unable to do. If you are interested in getting an accurate diagnosis, I wouldn't rely on this doctor. Save yourself time and money by looking elsewhere for treatment. read more

I have been seeing Dr Blecher for various injuries for over ten years now. His diagnoses are always accurate and his course of action always gets me back to doing the things I love to do. Over the years I have had stem cell, viscosupplimentation, and several diagnostic procedures with Dr Blecher and I could not be happier with the results. Highly recommend! read more

I have no doubt in my mind that this doctor is extremely knowledgeable. However as far as bedside manner goes. He is awful. When a patient goes in nervously anticipating the worst in terms of an injury, there should be some degree of banter which either reassures or makes the patient feel in some way reassured. He spends the minimum amount of time with you because he wants to make more money and get on to the next patient. Obviously, that is just my opinion. Again, he seems to be knowledgeable with diagnoses and treatment suggestions. Terrible in the sense that you feel like just a number. I would definitely not suggest going to see this orthopedist. read more

This doctor's residency was in FAMILY medicine people, NOT orthopedics or neurology! He PAYS annually to be certified in Impact testing for concussions which is NOT proven 100% reliable or for that matter even close to 100% reliable! Do the research! It is a money maker for Dr Blecher and increases his revenue each time a patient takes this exam! Any doctor who has offices in more than 3 locations is out to make money and NOT successful enough in only ONE location! C'mon, who likes to commute in LA County?!? The only way he worked with Pro teams in Cleveland was through a FELLOWSHIP, or training program. He was NOT hired or chosen by these teams! My son has had 4 impact tests with Dr Blecher in 4 weeks time. I FINALLY decided to get a 2nd opinion because something just did NOT seem right paying $200 per impact test and $175 per MD visit. We went to Dr Chris Giza at UCLA neurology who IS a neurologist AND specializes in TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND is a leading researcher in CONCUSSION research. Dr. Giza's clinic DOESN'T even use the impact testing due to it's "lack of reliability"! My son, needless to say, was physically examined thoroughly at Ucla's Concussion clinic and passed their tests with flying colors, being ABOVE average on physical exam. Dr Blecher has NVR physically or neurologically examined my son in our last 5 visits with him! I wonder if he even knows how! ;( When we returned to Dr Blecher's office with the 2nd opinion, he stooped far below professionalism and said we could "doctor shop" as much as we want! Wth?!? I told him I didn't have the time, money or energy to "doctor shop". I had already missed 5 days of work to accompany my son to the 5 visits with Blecher. The last visit, he made us wait 3.5hrs because we had a 2nd opinion NOT in agreement with his! He then asked why my 23yo son couldn't come in by himself, "why he couldn't drive my car while I was at work"?? Excuse me Dr Blecher!!! He then proceeded to say that he could clear my son to "play backyard/alley football" but not collegiate level ball SOLELY because he failed Dr Blecher's impact test!?! He then dishonestly claimed that we were the ones "insisting" on testing weekly and he would have spread the tests out?!? Those words NVR came out of his mouth during our 5 visits with him! I'm sorry but I trust Ucla Concussion Clinic and Dr Chris Giza far more than Blecher who AGAIN is FAMILY PRACTICE residency trained NOT Neuro! Yet my son is NOT able to play ball because... being Valley College's team doctor gives Dr Blecher the power to keep my son off the playing field, despite our 2nd VERY reputable opinion! Now I'm not some stupid parent who doesn't care about her kid's brain and prioritizes football but...I am against naive doctors making critical decisions based on less than reliable testing mechanisms! We're not done and will be going to the collegiate board AND the medical board! This is clearly malpractice and not following the proven methods for evaluating a player SEVEN years after a concussion! Peace out! read more

I couldn't agree more with the previous unfavorable reviews. Spare yourself from this doctor!!! He may as well just say "I really don't care at all about you or your problem. Just hurry up and get out so I can make money off the next idiot." Don't be that next sucker. I showed up for an 8am appointment. Staff tried to keep stringing me along waiting. They called me back to an exam room where I waited, and waited, AND WAITED, until 0930. I finally stepped out and asked staff where the doctor was. I was astonished at how incredibly rude a response I got from his assistant, who turns out to be the equivalent of a personal trainer (yep look at her certifications). She's qualified to work at 24 Hour Fitness. I think it's pretty clear though how she got this job. I canceled my followup appointment and will find another doctor. Fool me once. Be ware! read more

Horrible- I saw him at SCOI Valencia.... his is dispassionate in person, almost no affect, didn't listen to my actual issues... suggested a very expensive course of therapy that I now know would have done nothing, and disregarded an MRI finding that 2 other doctors found significant (and can be fixed- not a forever sentence of doom). Be warned and aware! read more

I went to see Dr. Blecher a few months ago with some hip problems. I brought to him my XRAYs with a radiologist's reading. The visit with him lasted about 2-3 minutes, and during that time he was pushing me towards the RegenexxC procedure. C stands for cultured or Cayman, whichever you like. The procedure is done on the Cayman Island, because it is not approved in the US. It is twice as expensive as in the US, it also involves traveling costs. Insurance does not pay for the procedure. Furtheremore there is no consumer protection once you leave the US, no way to check licences of the institutuion, essentially you are at the mercy of the doctors and their staff. Dr. Blecher requested an MRI for "better understanding" of what's going on with my hips. Here is where I started to question the whole process. He wrote on the requisition form "hip pain", even though he had the detailed reading and diagnosis of the radiologist about my hip issues. I was directed to their MRI facility. FORTUNATELY they did not have openings for the same day. Fortunately, because my insurance did not approve the test. Why would they pay for a very expensive test that was ordered for "pain"? I appealed with the important supporting documents, and the insurance company approved the MRI. In the meantime Dr. Blecher's MRI people kept calling me to scehule the test. I cannot help but think, that they were so insistent, because once the insurance does not pay for the imaging they can charge me anything they want. There is no fixed price for these tests. Finally I had the MRI done at a different facility about two weeks ago, but did not hear back from Dr. Blecher. I called him to discuss the results over the phone. Not only I am in the medical field and understand the terminology, but I also work out of town, and it's really hard to spend 3 hours travel time on a 3 minutes appointment, where no physical exam takes place. Dr. Blecher was pretty condescending, and wanted to have the actual MRI images. The next day, yesterday his assitant called me to schedule an appointmet in their office. HELLO, WHICH PART OF THE NO YOU DON't understand. I completely lost trust in DR. Blecher, and never go back to him again. It is sad to see peole lose they integrity when they smell MONEY. read more