Dr. Christopher J. Combs, MD Orthopedic surgeon PLACE DETAILS Photo of Eric Mercadel Eric Mercadel just now I had surgery on Jan. 8, 2025. I also had staples in my knee and they were taken out 2 days when leaving the hospital. I did bleed a little bit and butterfly bandages were put on. I had in home therapy for a few weeks with a outside therapy company who came to my house with no complications! Starting on 2-10-2025, I went to Dr. Combs therapist and on the 2nd appointment, one of the therapist dropped my leg on the table and telling the head therapist my leg slipped out of his hands! Ever since then, my leg has been declining! I tell Dr Combs about the incident each time I see him once a month and it seems not to faze him one bit! I even had a second opinion with his colleague Dr Andrew J Wassef, who immediately saw that I had water in my knee! Dr Combs didn't even see that after all the months I have seen him!!!!! I asked Dr Wassef the injury I had at the therapist office could have caused the water in my knee, he said yes! Dr Combs ran all kinds of tests on me with negative results. They cannot tell me why my knee is still swollen(possible water in knee again), giving out on me, painful, stiff and still clicking. The Dr's pulled 1oz of water out of my knee which showed negative infection. These doctors rather have me to do the footwork to find out my own problem! In my eyes, this is very UNPROFESSIONAL and I cannot deal with this! The medical Review Board will hear about this!!!! read more

Horrible front office receptionist!!! Refuse to be a patient just based on how she feels she can treat people over the phone! Manager or owner get a new receptionist. You are losing patients. read more

I had been an outpatient of Dr Combs but this time I am an inpatient. The incident happened the week of June 2024 when I called his office for help from him or Dr Hsu who is the name on my inpatient ID bracelet at Southland Rehab. The people who were supposed to assist me here did all they could to NOT help me n the most RUDE fashion I am not a complaining type of patient but this time I have too There a couple of incidents I expected so much more @ very disappointing read more

Thank you for completing my surgery and making me feel at ease through it!! It was easy to check in etc. everyone was very kind, and everything ran smoothly ! read more

There is only one phone number listed on their website and that was under the Lakewood address. When I went to my appointment, I was told I was supposed to go to the Long Beach Office. Why wasn't I told that on the phone. The very rude, condescending girl at the window said I needed to drive there instead. Let me mention that I had taken a work day off for this appointment. I had other scheduled appointments already carved out for that day so I ask to reschedule. I was given an appointment for the following Monday at 1:15. I made sure that it would be at the Lakewood Office this time. When I took yet another work day Off for this appointment, and I arrived on time for my 1:15 appointment, the girl at the front window told me that I did not have an appointment today. I told her that not only did I have an appointment but she had made it for me. She told me to go sit down and she would work me in. While there I watched a woman who was pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair up to the check-in window. I watched as she went up to the window to check in and she was told also that she was to go to the Long Beach Office not the Lakewood one. I help open the door for her so that she could more easily push her elderly companion in the wheelchair out the door. I went out and caught up to the younger woman and asked her which address did they give her to go to and she replied "This one, this address" "good thing this happened or I would have come back here next week".Why is it so difficult to explain over the phone to the patient which office they have just made an appointment with? I was curious so I asked a woman in the waiting room what time her appointment was for, she told me 1:15 which was supposed to be my appointment time. She was there waiting for her father who was seeing the doctor. I went to the window and ask the girl if she was going to honor my 1:15 time. Let me tell you, if looks could kill, I'd be dead right now. I pointed out what I had seen take place with the younger woman and her elderly wheelchair bound companion. How she had just experienced the same misdirection that I had. The girl said something to the effect of "She got her date wrong". To which I replied the she "had also had the incorrect location wrong - just like I had". When another patient was called back instead of me, I just walked out. Now I must miss another day of work. My biggest complaint is the HORRIBLE attitude of that young woman at the front window. I wonder if the doctor knows or even cares about how rude this woman is. By the way, this is the first time I have EVER left a review. This was just beyond being the worst experience with a staff person in my life. I will never ever go to this doctor again. Save yourself the frustration and go somewhere (anywhere) else. read more

I came in with high hopes because I love the Douglas park facility. This doctor does not pay attention to detail. I told him my ongoing issues that plagued me for 6 months after an Injury. He gave me 6 weeks of PT and their PT office was horrible. So bad that when I complained about it and asked for a new referral so I could go elsewhere their own operator told me she wasn't surprised and they will probably be closing the PT office soon for this reason. So I went for months to PT, came back to doctor combs after getting an MRI and X-RAYS. He saw nothing, told me it was probably RA and I should go to a rheumatologist. Mind you I'm young and healthy and I hiked the Grand Canyon twice a year before this injury that was apparently now RA. I did several more months of PT and finally she advised me to get a 2nd opinion, I did. My new doctor immediately saw that I had torn cartilage. I did a surgery and when they went in they found I had NO cartilage and was bone on bone. All the PT was making things worse. I wasted a year of my life on this doctor. Don't see doctor combs. read more

I had an absolute TERRIBLE experience with DR. Ramkumar! I went to him with excruciating hip pain after an accident. He took an X-ray and MISSED a fracture in my hip. Instead, he made fun of how the accident happened and started explaining to me nonsense about how Asians tend to develop hip arthritis later at an older age. I am not even Asian, I am Caucasian and another surgeon said I don't have any problem in my hip genetically. I kept reminding him that this happened after an accident, yet he ignored me and guess what ... he referred me to physical therapy! Hip fracture shouldn't even be moved a bit otherwise it will be displaced and cause huge complications. Later on, we sent the X-rays to four different orthopedic surgeons and they all agreed that I had a hip fracture that needed surgery to be fixed and I should have avoided even putting weight on it. Had my fracture been left untreated, I would have needed a hip replacement at a very young age. This doctor was about to cost me my health and ability to walk with his ignorance and horrible diagnosis. AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS. THIS DOCTOR IS IN FACT DANGEROUS TO YOU AND YOUR HEALTH! read more

Had an appointment today. Called to confirm an hour before. They told me I was all set. I get there after going through their nightmare of a parking garage, sign in wait 20 minutes to be told that I need to reschedule because the X-ray machine wasn't working. They could have told me that on the phone. Very unprofessional. read more

Dr. Ramy Elias is an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon! After review of my X-ray and MRI, he informed me of my injury. He was very reassuring and compassionate as he explained the surgery and recovery process which involved physical therapy. The staff he selected for my surgery was excellent as well as the physical therapists he recommended for my recovery. Selecting Dr. Elias as my physician was the best decision I made for my injury and recovery. Working with Dr. Elias has been a memorable and excellent experience. Since my surgery, I am able to assume my training goals with confidence and continued success. I highly recommend Dr. Elias for your Orthopedic needs. You will receive excellent service and medical treatment! read more

One of the girls at the front desk has the worst attitude her name is Clara I think. She won't let you get a word in. I have had numerous problems with the front office. They have dropped the ball with filling out paper work for disability and mloa. Then lie about it and say that it was done and act like it's my problem. The whole vibe is like they're doing you a favor. Extremely disrespectful and unprofessional. Medical field was probably the wrong choice for some of them. read more

This place makes you wait for one hr before even seeing a Dr. then you have to wait for another 25 min for the Dr to come and see you for 5 minutes. If you are coming to this place make sure you clear one and half hr for this visit. I must say the Dr are good but the service sucks. read more

I would give them zero stars if I could. The front office is extremely arrogant and rude. It is hard to make appointments. Terrible customer service. They never return phone calls. They routinely lie. They never pass on messages left for the doctor. Dr. Combs is a dedicated and terrific doctor. He urgently needs a caring and compassionate staff. I would only go there if you don't mind dealing with completely inconsiderate office staff. Good luck if you still decide to go there. read more

Beware of this Doctor! Worst experience ever! I don't know how "Dr" Elias is an orthopedic. My mom had a broken foot and it has been four months and it has not healed yet. He keeps saying she should visit him every 6 weeks (for all the deductibles she has to pay every visit) while her foot keeps getting worse. After taking a second opinion, turns out she needs a surgery to get her foot fixed. Thank you so much "Doctor" not only my mom could have had all this done months ago, but also now it's more complicated. You really don't care about your patients "Dr" Elias didn't even touch her broken foot once! Horrible! You only care about money! read more

I saw Dr Combs a year ago. It took 6 weeks to get an appointment. I told him I had pain in my right gluteus muscle that moved into my hip, not down into my leg. He sent me for an MRI and I couldn't schedule the follow up appointment until after the MRI report was completed. Two weeks later (after an "urgent" referral for the MRI, the IPA authorization, test and report done), I called for the follow-up appt. It took another 6 weeks for THAT appointment. Based on the MRI, he diagnosed a bulging disc at L5 with spinal stenosis causing sciatica and then referred me out to pain management (another horror story there). After a year of unsuccessful treatment, worsening pain, stronger pain meds, higher blood pressure from the pain and a worsening quality of life and mental health, my Primary Care Provider told me to see a neurosurgeon. After talking to me for 2 minutes, the surgeon said he didn't believe it was my spine and sent me for a nerve conduction study, as well as a hip MRI. Sure enough, the pain was NOT originating in my spine, at all. My PCP gave me a referral back to Lakewood Orthopedics. I was not happy with this, but this is the only orthopedic group in my IPA. I really need to see a HIP specialist, preferably a sports medicine doctor, and Dr. Combs is really a shoulder specialist (probably why he didn't consider sending for a nerve conduction test to rule out my spine in the first place!). I called to make the appointment and they said they never received the faxed direct authorization from my primary doctor, so I couldn't make the appointment. I called my PCP's office and had them re-fax the authorization. They said that Lakewood Orthopedics had a history of losing authorizations and re-faxed it. I waited five minutes and called back and got the exchange. Even though I told the scheduler that I would call them right back, she failed to inform me that their office closed at 4 pm on Fridays. I got the exchange service when I called back just after 4pm. I checked their website prior to calling their office and they hadn't bothered to list their hours of operation. Dr. Combs was nice, for sure, but what good is that when he failed to listen to my symptoms and jumped to a conclusion based on one test. A nerve conduction study would've taken a week to schedule and perform and saved me a year of debilitating pain, frustration and a decline in my quality of life. I will also send copies of this review to my IPA and my health insurance case manager. It is also very true what other reviewers have said about long office waits, not even standing room in the waiting room (an ambulance crew came in with a patient on a stretcher when I was there and people had to leave the office in order to allow them passage), you have to know to park across the street at the grocery store (good luck crossing directly) and don't even attempt the hospital parking garage. read more

Parking is horrible. it is shared with the hospital and various other medical offices. Get here early save yourself the grief

Rude and nasty! Last Wednesday (9/9/15) I had the most unpleasant conversation with office manager Mary. I was actually trying to talk to Dr. Elias but wasn't allowed to. She was condescending, dismissive and challenged everything I said (e.g. "How do YOU know that?"). At one point she said she would look for my X-rays then told me she couldn't find them. When I said I had the account number she said it didn't matter, took one more parting shot at me and hung up. Nobody deserves to be subjected to her tone, demeanor and uncaring attitude, especially someone suffering from a traumatic injury. read more

My physical therapy was delayed because the office handed me a referral with no explanation. I was told by the doctors PT would be put into my insurance. I called the insurance and they said no authorization was given to them.. Called doctor office.. and I was told that it was a direct referral, and didn't need authorization. I never was told that. I asked for the referral to mailed to me, it was, no information where to take it, no explanation. I called my one provider my IPA has.. And they can not accommodate me. I am stuck one month post op, no PT, no care and substandard support from this office. read more

What's the point of having an appointment if all my Grandma and I will be doing is wait over an hour,anyway? The wait time is just ridiculous! It's a waste of your whole day it seems like and it's depressing in there! We could've literally watched an entire movie and we would still be waiting. read more

Commons Clinic - Orthopedists Near Me - Lakewood, California

Greetings to anyone and everyone who frequents this site! Employees use drugs while you are in their care! I do not find your office workers smelling like marijuana attractive in an Ortho office. I thought at first it was my imagination, but when we passed by her again, my husband confirmed it was her. I am not sure what her position is, but regardless of what she does there, I am positive she is not paid to smoke marijuana. When we asked our nurse what her name was, nurse knew who exactly we were talking about! Oh that's Clara and laughed! I have been here twice for my knee, and we won't be coming back. read more

My father is a patient there so far their staff is rude unprofessional and good luck if they answer your call. Literally started calling from 2 p.m. I called every 5 minutes until they answered me at about 4:45 p.m just to be put on hold and the person in charge of paperwork was with a patient then came back at about 4:56 And she was still with a patient and she will call me back early the next morning . As soon as the office opened the next day called every 5 minutes wasn't answered until 11:00 a.m and of course the lady in charge of paperwork wasn't in how convenient of these people not to be in or return calls..... read more

If I can give them zero stars I would... first the lady in the front desk has the worse attitude she looks all grouchy n gives u a state when u ask something. Second the wait time is ridiculous I waited an hour to be seen for 5 mins. This is solely for dr. Elias... he comes off as arrogant. I came in with a fracture on two parts of my finger he just buddy taped it didn't put the metal splint nothing so ofcourse I refractured it a week later. I come in and they take an X-ray ofcourse it's worse than before n he decides to pull on my finger for no reason what so ever I ofcourse begin to cry n he decides I should go to a specialist (thought he was one)... now I need hand surgery!!!! Never again will I ever go back... now dr.wasseff now he's a great doctor he's In Two locations but he actually cares n helps his patients he did my dads knee replacement n my dad has never walked better.... read more

I was referred to Lakewood Orthopaedic Medical Group by my PCP. After asking the receptionist a few questions about their Surgeons, I selected Dr. Christopher Combs. My appointment was scheduled three weeks out but it's a busy group of surgeons. Dr. Combs evaluated my x-rays and gave me non-surgical and surgical options for the lack of cartilage around my hip and the Osteoarthritis surrounding the right hip. He indicated that I might benefit from non-surgical methods and I might need to lose 80 pounds prior to electing for surgery. He explained the risks of surgery carrying the extra 80 pounds and that the recovery would be more difficult. It took me almost two years to lose the weight but meanwhile we tried every non-surgical method prior to opting for complete hip replacement surgery. Dr. Combs took time to ask me how i was doing and was excited to see my weight fall each and every time I came in for a follow-up. I was finally able to have a total hip replacement seven weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I was in so much pain prior to surgery due to the time it took me to lose the weight. It took so long because my exercise only consisted of swimming and a low-calorie diet. The last 2-1/2 year process was challenging but well worth the work. Dr. Combs encouraged and has supported me through this whole process. Thank you, Dr. Combs! Suzanne read more

This place is very clean and welcoming, the front desk staff were friendly and helpful. I came in with an emergency pain I've had for months in my shoulder and even saw an Urgent Care provider for. As a new patient I thought I would have a long wait time, but I was in within minutes and after all of 30 minutes there, I had received X-rays, consultation from Dr Combs who I loved, and a shot for Frozen Shoulder inflammation, and a referral to start Physical therapy! Bottom line is this will be my go to Dr for any kind of Orthopedic issues I have for as long as they are around! Highly recommend! read more

Dr. Elias, he did my knee about 2 1/2 years ago new replacement. It was great he did a very great job. I recommend people to go to him or your knee your hand anything you need orthopedic he's a very great surgeon. And a very people person I'll talk to you if you have any questions. Thank you so much for a great work Dr. Elias. Your patient Rita medina. read more

The wait time is horrible. I was told my appointment was at 1:15pm I arrived a day apparently it wasn't until 1:45 it's after 2:15 and I am still waiting. Let's not mention their receptionists are rude. read more

Ive nothing bad to say about the girls at the front desk or the back office. But the wait is horrible! Every time I'm here im waiting at least 30 minutes with my father. This is my 4th time here I've been waiting for 45 minutes now and haven't been seen. I asked the medical assistant where the doctor is at and he's at his fucking office! read more

I have been seeing Dr.Wassef since 2014 for my knee and I have been very pleased with his care he did surgery in 2014 and then again in 2016 on the same knee because I fell I had absolutely no wait time I saw him on a Thursday and surgery on Friday he is always concerned about my well being I would never change him!! read more

Dr Wassef did surgery on my wrist and I would not have gone anywhere else. Yes the wait times can be a little long but I would wait forever to see a doctor I know I can trust and that can fix my wrist like he did. It was crushed in 5 places and after a long recovery, I can still use my wrist fully and do everything I could before my accident. I'm so thankful for the outcome of my surgery and for Dr. Wassef. read more

They are busy, Front desk personnel could use a lot of customer service training, but Dr. Elias is great. Just get here early and go on your phone or read a magazine. read more

Dr. Combs & his staff are all 5-star providers! After getting a referral to this office by my primary care physician, I called this office and Marlene gave me an appt the next day with Dr. Combs. When I met w/ him, Dr Combs was professional in every way possible by explaining -patiently-my problem, sciatica, to me and the options w/ an emphasis that, although his biz is surgery, he will do everything possible to help me heal without surgery. He referred me to a physical therapist and requested an MRI, which I had done about 1 1/2 wks later. The PT is helping slowly &from the results of the MRI, Dr. Combs and his staff person, Daisy, have now requested approval from my HMO for the final option other than surgery. Because of Dr. Combs's perfect professionalism plus the same from his staff, Daisy, Marlene, and his nurse, Alicia, they have honestly earned this 5-star rating! read more

I will NEVER go to this Dr. office again. EVER. I went in to get my knee checked and the Dr. ordered an MRI and to this day I still have not heard from them regarding my follow up and MRI. I called to talk to a nurse to tell them my knee was bruising and the nurse told me that I need to simply ice it and keep off of it. I told her that I work and go to school and I asked if I should be on crutches and she told me that she couldn't get me off work or out of school. I told her I didn't ask her to do that, I simply wanted to know if I needed to come in and be on crutches and she told me that they can't see me until I get the MRI and I need to ice it and stay off of it. This office is terrible...in addition to the 2 hour wait before I even got into a room. read more

I am a patient of Dr. Wassef and couldn't imagine going to any other doctor. It makes me sad that some people have bad things to say about the staff because they have been a godsend to me regarding paperwork and anything else I might need. I had terrible orthopedic problems from an old auto accident and now 20 yrs later and thanks to Dr. Wassef I am walking, bending my knee and most important pain free. I can't nor do I have anything bad to say about his office. I have very seldom been in his office more than an hour total. I have never heard his office disrespect anyone either. I'm sorry that some of you had bad experiences, but take it from a loyal patient I will never treat with another orthopedist. I have moved back to Fresno, but am choosing to keep returning to Dr. Wassef. read more

In my experience the wait time has been longer than average and the waiting room lacks sufficient seating. This is a small price to pay for the excellent care I've received from Dr. Elias. He has performed three surgeries to date and he is going to replace my other hip this year. Dealing with my insurance company's B.S. has been a NIGHTMARE. Fortunately, Teresa, the Autho Coordinator at Dr. Elias' office is there to help. When I have an issue with my insurance co., Teresa resolves it and she keeps me updated. Teresa is an asset to their group and she deserves a raise. read more

Referred by my primary care physician for a shoulder problem. First problem - called for appointment and the person who answered the phone was acting like I did something to piss her off BEFORE I even had a chance to tell her what I needed. Promptly got put on hold after telling her what I needed and got disconnected. Called back and explained what had just happened and again the attitude came out loud and strong. She managed to calm down enough to get me an appointment two weeks out and told me to be fifteen minutes early for paperwork. Fast forward to the day of the appointment....walked in twenty minutes early and signed in. Literally sat there until fifteen minutes AFTER my appointment was supposed to start before I was given the paperwork to fill out, wtf? Filled it out and handed it over and sat there for ten more minutes before paying and sitting back down. time now 25 minutes past my appointment time. Taken into the exam room at 30 minutes late. The room nurse and doctor were FANTASTIC about information and explaining everything to me so that I could make an informed decision. After talking with the doctor he exited the room and NO ONE came back to talk to me. NO joke. I sat there for ten minutes before I realized that I was on my own. Got up and walked out and not one person even acknowledged that I was leaving. Gave one star each for the room nurse and the doctor (coombs) but the front office lady that sits at the desk is incompetent at her job. NO ONE should be told to arrive early and then made to wait that long to fill out paperwork. FYI there were four other people in the waiting room. It was not busy. read more

Christopher Combs is my Doctor he is the best Orthosurgeon he is so polite and has the greatest personality of any Doctor I have ever met .I would totally recommend him to anyone. Just that smile alone would make you forget all about your pain. read more

The office staff is horrible! Every time I call them I'm out on hold forever and sometimes just get put on hold and then hung up on. Even when calling the nurse and medical records It goes straight to voicemail and they don't get back to you. Also when I had my appointment I had to wait over an hour and I was on time! read more

I will NEVER go back! My daughter who was sent in for her back was told that he didn't see anything wrong but reffered her to a pediatric and that is the only thing I am thankful he did, she had an infection in the disc of her spine which untreated would have cause neurological damage! Went back almost a year later for her ankle, casted it for a fracture did an MRI to confirm old or new and I had to schedule an appt just to hear the results. The doctor was rude, didn't answer any questions said she is fine to run, jump, but needs physical therapy, NEVER heard back. Tried to ask questions and the doctor never stayed to answer them. Even when they put a cast on her they had no crutches. I had to help her hobble out of there with my other two children!!! I am currently getting a second opinion on her ankle. Horrible office and staff....ugh. read more

Dr. Elias is the rudest doctor I've ever dealt with! First of all we get to his office and it was packed. I mean absolutely nowhere to sit. My appointment was at 1:45. I didn't get in until around 2:25. Once I got in I still had to wait on Dr. Elias. When he finally came in (mind you his office is beyond full, so he's trying to be as quick as possible with you to get the next body in) he asked how was I? I told him better. He then asked was I going to get the surgery? I told him my physical therapist suggested, (he interrupts and says "for you to get the surgery?") I say no, that I not take a cortisone shot (which his brother gave me at the last visit and told me to "avoid surgery at all cost") and do another month of physical therapy to see if my torn meniscus is actually healing. He then scribbles something down and says physical therapy, alright and starts to walk out the room. I'm dumbfounded, and like is that it? I asked are you going to extend my disability? He then walks back into the doorway and says " no I'm not going to extend your disability you've been off of work long enough ( mind you I have a very physical job and my meniscus is still torn) I'm not going to keep playing around and giving you physical therapy either you're gonna have the surgery or not. He then walks away. I could not believe it! My son was in the office with me and we both just gazed at each other in disbelief. The same day I spoke with another professional (who is not in his office and not even a doctor, but took the time to explain some things to me). I've decided to have the surgery, but not with Dr. Elias! Instead I'm going to Dr. Timothy Gibson in Huntington Beach (as I would suggest all of you do). I would NEVER let Dr. Elias preform any procedure on me! Nor would I EVER recommend anyone to go to him or this facility. It's only a matter of time before enough people realize how rude and unprofessional he is, and he'll be out of practice. 0 stars!!! read more

Dr Elias saw me for a compression fracture of my left distal radius. First office visit he glanced at the x-Rays done by the ER of the city where I broke my arm. He told me I needed surgery. When I asked what the surgery would entail he bristled and responded as though I was challenging him, was abrupt and vague in his response saying something about plates and screws. Surgery was scheduled for 2 days later, at 5:30pm as a day surgery. I was in so much pain, and I had no advocate with me, I went with his advice. Surgery went smoothly, but not once did Dr Elias come in to speak with me before I went under the general. There were 3 other patients having the exact same surgery. It looked like a conveyer belt of $$$$ signs for the Doc. He sent his medical asst. there were two other exact same surgeries just before mine. After surgery I noticed the dressing was unusually tight. My fingers were swelling larger and larger. I called to speak with the doc and the one on call told me it would go away. It didn't. Then my fingers started turning blue. I called the doc again, and another on call doc said to loosen the dressing, and it was not a problem, not to worry. I loosened the dressing best as I could, but my fingers were numb by that point. I went to the ER and they fixed it. They said whoever wrapped the dressing didn't know what they were doing and that it was way too tight and the splint didn't fit my arm. Needless to say, I was pretty upset. When I went back to Dr. Elias I told him about it, and he just blew me off. I won't go back to him for anything else. read more

We checked in at 1:05pm. Our appointment was at 1:30pm. We got seen by 01:35pm. Out and done by 01:50pm, cause we needed to be seen by two doctors. Staff were nice and courteous. Facility was clean read more