Hello. I am an educator (special ed. field) for over 20+ years of experience who, unfortunately, had an accident in my classroom in 2023. When a person is experiencing excruciating pain, or any form of unbearable pain, the last thing they want to go through when they seek medical help is to be treated in a condescending way. We already get that from the people at our worksite. When I was sent to Dr. Barcohana, I was full of anxiety and uncertainty because I had an awful experience with the prior physician. I was under the impression that, when a person is receiving medical help under worker's compensation, every doctor will treat you like your pain means nothing and that you are just "milking the system." My case is nowhere near both. A couple of months after the accident, I really thought I got well. However, managing a class of over ten (10) primary students (ages 4-7) with moderate to severe disabilities; and running it with only 1 assistant for months, is no joke. The non negotiable physical demands of the job eventually took its toll on my body. My condition worsened from doing the physical job of more than 2 adults. I guess people have no idea that special ed teachers don't just teach. We also lift and maneuver students, provide care such as feeding, dressing, diaper changing, handling seizures; and part of our daily job is also running after a child who eloped. Anyway, moving on to my experience with Dr. Barcohana and his team, I felt like bricks were lifted off my shoulders on my first visit. He took time to hear me out. He did not discount my pain. He didn't smirk or roll his eyes. He ordered for an MRI (Finally! I've previously requested for this and was declined by former attending doctor). I remember feeling relief at the end of the visit because I know that this time, I am going to receive the care that I need. In every visit, Dr. Barcohana is very professional in his dealings with me and my husband. In addition, his team mates, Brianna Montgomery and Esther Kishimoto are also exceptional! We are fully aware that they go through many patients in a day but I have never experienced Brianna nor Esther to be impatient. They are very accommodating and they just treat you like a normal human being. Sometimes that little kindness and warmth that we exude to others go a long way. And this is true in my experience with these professionals. While there may be people out there who are "milking the system," there are also people who are in genuine physical pain. That's why there are tests like the MRI and nerve test. At the end of each day, It is important to be kind and compassionate, regardless of the profession we are in; because no matter how much training we have or expertise we have in our respective fields, unless we walk in another person's shoes, we will never know EXACTLY how they are feeling. To Dr. Babak Barcohana, Brianna Montgomery and Esther Kishimoto... I am beyond grateful for the care that you provide not only for me but for other patients as well. Maria Jasmin G. read more

Maybe a brilliant surgeon but I would never know because he spent less than 5 minutes with me and told me I needed surgery, but should seek second opinion. I drove through LA traffic, waited in the lobby and all I got was a terse conversation with a perhaps super smart surgeon but I'd never know. read more

He's an amazing doctor and he's got great bedside manners. Couldn't be happier with him.

I have nothing but great words for Dr. Barcohana. I was involved in a really bad auto accident and had several herniated discs in the cervical area. I was supposed to have surgery on 2 of the really bad ones. During surgery there was an issue with my thyroid and Dr. Barcohana decided to do the top disc and regroup after I've taken care of my thyroid issue. Two years after surgery, I had my thyroid removed and found out there were the beginning stages of cancer. God works in mysterious ways. Anywhoo.. Dr. Barcohana gave me the choice to do another surgical procedure to replace the 2nd disc. I opted out and told him I would see him if the pain became too severe. He suggested physical therapy and was able to strengthen my problem areas where surgery wasn't necessary. I have since referred a friend to him. He's in awe with his talent. Thanks Dr. Barcohana for everything read more

This review is overdue. I have been a patient of Dr Barcohana and Esther Kishimoto for almost 4 years and during that time I have had 2 surgeries performed by Dr Barcohana and team. It's unfortunate I've got a shitty spine and have needed multiple surgeries (lumbar decompression and artificial cervical disc replacement). However, I am lucky to have found Dr Barcohana and the team at SCOI. I have found their level of care excellent and my personal results have been overwhelmingly positive. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking care or a second opinion. I sincerely hope I never need another spinal surgery, but if i do I know exactly who to call. Tip: I've found surgeons in general have trouble keeping appointments running on time (makes sense since most patients have lots of questions), the best way to minimize this is schedule appts as early as possible. read more

Dr Barcohana is a excellent Dr!!!! I had surgery with him a few years ago and it was successful. I recently had to see him for a different problem & I noticed his staff, Nicole & Blanca are no longer with him and his office no longer runs smoothly. I had 3 different people calling me all with different answers regarding my appointment which is very frustrating to someone who is already in pain. I give Dr 5 stars & his new staff 0. read more

I was referred to Dr Barcohana by my primary care physician as he is in my network and I have seen other doctors at SCOI and been happy with them. I don't understand all these glowing reviews. My first appointment was brief, he spent most of the appointment with his back to me making verbal notes into his voice recorder. After reading the notes in my chart I noticed several observations he says he made which he did not even address at the actual appointment. I told my primary care doc and she explained that this often happens and that the system automatically fills in certain things...uh, ok. I had an MRI taken and upon my second visit it was confirmed that I was missing a disc and another was severely degenerated. He suggested spinal fusion, which has a 6-12 month recovery period and is only 70% effective and involves putting metal rods, plates, or screws into the spine and includes bone grafting. All of this I had to find out by looking it up online as he explained absolutely nothing to me about what the surgery would entail. Then, after telling me it would be a good idea to lose some weight, ( which I agree since I've been unable to walk I have put on 30 lbs ) he says to me and I quote " Physical therapy is just exercise, you don't want to exercise do you?" I was stunned. Never has an orthopedic doctor try to dissuade me from PT. I left and Immediately sought a second opinion. Upon seeing a second doctor ( out of network ) I was informed that I was a good candidate for disc replacement surgery, something Barcohana didn't even mention as an option, which has an 8 week recovery. The doctor was informative and explained that both disc replacement and spinal fusion were performed by going through the front instead of the back...who knew? After that it confirmed that I would not ever go back to Dr Barcohana and I wouldn't even let him operate on my dog. I'd rather pay out of pocket for surgery. His bedside manner is atrocious. His staff, however was very kind and sent my disability paperwork promptly so for them, they get a second star. read more

I wish I had had the experience as others. I waited 1 hour 45 mins. No explanation or apology. He asked a few questions came to some "decisions" in his mind. Very cold and dismissive. I was trying to explain that I also have hip pain so it may not be all my back. He interrupted and said if I wanted a second opinion with someone.....I said no, I am trying to explain. He filled out his medical records system with his back toward me most the time. Ordered an mri of my back and said come back in two weeks.....I was there for 2 hours 20mins. I had regular X-ray done. Don't know if he was having a bad day, but not sure I would want to take the chance that be a surgery day. Very odd. Huge waste of my time and money. read more

On March 17, 2020, just as the Covid-19 was starting to shut down the country, I was scheduled for spine surgery with Dr. Barcohana. The surgery included L2-3 and L4-5 and all went extremely well. I was in Valley Presbyterian Hospital for two days, had excellent care and then went home. I've had no problems of any kind. This was one of the easiest surgeries I've ever had and I attribute the major part of my recovery to the capable hands of Dr. Barcohana. read more

Dr. Barcohana, his PA - Esther along with their coordinator Nicole have been there and have always followed through with amazing results weather it would be obtaining insurance approval, accommodating me with an appointment and returning my calls. I highly recommend Dr. Barcohana as my results have met and exceeded my expectations. Greg read more

Nice staff, Dr. Barcohona was very personable and sincere. He was very knowledgeable and concerned.

Just had lower back surgery and Dr. Barchohana and his team are fabulous. They are so accommodating, organized and their skill set is off the charts. Special thanks to Dr. B, Esther and Veronica. They are so responsive and treat their patients with dignity's read more

Despite other reviews, I can only call them as I see them: The doctor told me to call when I have spasms and a prescription for medication would be quickly prescribed. When the spasms came, I called multiple times and left multiple messages with no return call. I had to borrow medication from a family member to alleviate the condition. Unprofessional and unacceptable. I hope others have better luck with this doctor than I did. read more

I went to see Dr. Barcohana after having a very positive experience with a hand/elbow doctor at the same location early last year. I went specifically to ask him to have a look at an upper back pain I've had for several years. Due to the lengthy and (in my experience) very generic evaluation, I was diagnosed with several things that have now prompted me to be denied individual heath insurance. I believe he was short with me, understaffed, and did not ask me questions. He ordered a back vest, 2 MRI's and PT for a pain that we do not know what is causing. The MRI's came back unremarkable, yet, I have 3 diagnosis and thousands of dollars have been spent! Additionally my insurance was billed for a hard back brace that I knew nothing a about. I would not recommend him based on my personal experience. read more

Dr. Barcohana may not be your bestfriend when you initially meet him BUT once he takes you in as his patient he gives you nothing but honest and straight forward knowledge. Dr. Barcohana will be doing my cervical disc replacement surgery tomorrow and during my pre op last week he made sure to answer all my questions in dept and to also put my mind and soul at ease. I truly find myself blessed to have found a doctor that I feel truly cares about the health and well being of his patients. Also it helps that he has a staff like Michelle and Leslie who go above an beyond the call of duty. Those women are truly remarkable and they truly love what they do. I hope they know that they've made a difference in my life. I've been seeing Dr. Barcohana and his amazing staff since Jan. and they have been my support system through all the craziness and confusion always putting my needs and well being first. read more

OMG I don't where to start ..I so admire and praise Dr. Barcohana, he is the most amazing, talented, skilled professional I have EVER met! We love coming to his office, he takes care of everything, he is always kind and eager to answer all questions. My friend Donna she was operated by this amazing doctor, the nurse called me throughout the entire surgery and after the surgery doctor himself called as well. I was so truly impressed! After that immediately she was scheduled for a therapy and check up appointments. The assistant Dr. Ester Kishimoto made sure that the recovery goes as planned. She is so detailed oriented, very professional, answered all questions. She is staying on the TOP of everything-- very impressive indeed! I so recommend this doctor to everyone I know who have issues with back and neck. My friend Donna she was truly LUCKY to be operated by someone so gifted. THANK YOU for everything you do Dr. Barcohana and Dr Kishimoto we LOVE YOU both! Also the help desk receptionist she is just so always helpful and kind--thank you ! read more

Dr. Barcohana is one of the best doctors I have ever been to! He is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I recently went in to visit him with an an injury and he took 100% care of me. His staff was also extremely friendly and pinnacle. Overall I had an amazing experience at Dr. Barcohana's office and would recommend it to all of my friends and family! read more

I selected Dr. Barcohana for my 2nd spine surgery after interviewing several surgeons at exams, including UCLA's "top" surgeons. I felt the safest in Dr. Barcohana's hands. He's obviously extremely intelligent, and he didn't rush through exams or explanations like the UCLA surgeons did. If you are having someone working on your spine, you really want someone that will take their time with you both during visits and the surgery. I felt very safe in his experienced hands. read more

I first met with Dr Babak Barcohana's PA Ester Kishimoto and had a very positive experience. She was extremely thorough and provided me with several treatment options for my herniated disc. I met with Dr Babak Barcohana on my follow up visit and had an equally positive experience. I highly recommend Ester Kishimoto and Dr Babak Barcohana. read more

I was suffering from extreme back and leg pain for quite sometime and I finally went to S.C.O.I. to see what was going on. After a year of seeing Dr. Bloze and trying to fix myself with physical therapy we had decided it would be in my best interest to go and see Dr. Barcohana since I was not getting better, I was just getting worse. I had Dr. Barcohana do my surgery and I can't tell you how much better I feel and I cannot believe I waited so long. Dr. Barcohana and staff were excellent from start to finish. If you are suffering from back pain, Dr. Barcohana is the right Dr. to see. It has been 1 month since I had my operation and I feel GREAT!!! Thank you Dr. Barcohana and keep up the outstanding work. read more

I injured by back in 2010. After seizing three other doctors that couldn't offer a full explanation of what was wrong and all the different types of treatment they tried the pain was still there and prohibiting me from working. My brother in-law had recommended me to Dr Barcohana because he had recently had back surgery from DrBBarcohana. So I decided to go to him because the other doctors refused to do the surgery. Every time I have gone to the office the staff have been friendly and helpful. They also have done a lot for me when I had trouble getting the surgery approve. I had surgery 6-04-2013 and it is 6-15-2013 and I already have come along way with the recovery. I am so pleased to have met Dr Barcohana. I highly recommend anybody needing a Dr to see him. He truly is one of the best. read more

Only 4 stars as the location of the SCOI facilities and the parking were not of 5 stars quality or convenience. No reflection at all upon Dr. Barcohanna. Background: I'm writing this review a full year after my surgery. I had suffered with lower back pain for over 20 years and had tried everything including exercise/stretching, chiropractic and epidurals to "managed" the pain. I was able to do this and maintain a very active lifestyle successfully up until the past several years. My reasoning in avoiding surgery was the current state of the art and the high incidence of less than good outcomes I had observed over the years for back surgery in general. In essence, I was hoping that medical technology would continue to advance and that I would not need to have "old school" surgery. When it became apparent that I had tipped over and was not going to be able to manage my condition any longer, I had researched both facilities and Doctors and SCOI and Dr. Barcohana kept coming up. Additionally, I also had a personal referral from a much younger friend of mine that had a recent similar lower back surgery with good results from SCOI and Dr. Barcohana. I interviewed several orthopedic doctors before making my decision to go with SCOI and Dr. Barohana. I have since recommend a longtime friend based on my results and he too had a very good outcome. The SCOI center in Van Nuys is both old and new as it is attached the legacy Valley Presbyterian Hospital with the old being the surgery centers and the new being the hospital rooms for the orthopedic recovery. The SCOI building is located on the hospital grounds and has its own MRI-Xray and Physical Therapy. Dr. Barcohana and the supporting staff are very efficient and not much time is wasted with unnecessary waiting and paperwork. After surgery care was outstanding and continues to be so even today in dealing with the insurance companies and post checkups. I choose not to use the SCOI provided physical therapy centers located throughout southern California as I had an excellent one close by where I live and work that was covered by my insurance, so I have no comment on that portion of their services. I found Dr. Barcohana's style of communication to be "on point" and focused without being abrupt or "cold" as is common with specialists. He is young and what I would call "New school" and very up to date on the latest medical procedures. In conclusion, I would highly recommend Dr. Barcohanna and the SCOI center. read more

I consulted several well known doctors and clinics in search of relief from severe back pain and a declining ability to walk due to displaced vertebrae. But I could not find a doctor who believed a spinal realignment operation would relieve my symptoms. I was finally referred to Dr. Barcohana where the care given to me by him and his staff was excellent. He and his assistant Esther carefully studied the neurological and orthopedic details of my condition and determined an operation could help me. I had the operation in June and two months later I am extremely happy with the results. I no longer have back pain and my walking is improving daily. read more

I saw Dr. Barcohana several years ago for fusion of L3, 4, and 5 that was a result of degenerative scoliosis. I recovered well from that surgery and am now experiencing some neck pain due to degenerative conditions and a childhood injury. We are taking a conservative approach this time with PT and an epidural injection in the hopes of avoiding surgery. I have found him personable, knowledgeable, and willing to discuss any and all aspects of my condition and treatment options. read more