I rarely leave reviews, but I wanted to put out there that Dr. Modabber was wonderful. I came to him for a second opinion and I felt he truly took the time to listen. He was patient and assured me what the outcome of my wrist pain would likely be. Dr. Modabber had great bedside manner and I would highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Modabber is a very capable and caring physician. He specializes in surgery of the hand, elbow and shoulder. I have been seeing him for many years For a variety of issues and have never been happier with a doctor. Some years ago I fell and got a serious fracture of my left elbow that necessitated a titanium prosthesis. After Dr. Modabber operated and put in the prosthesis I ended up with a great result and full function. An example of how much empathy he has is that when I was in the hospital ER sitting in a wheelchair and he arrived after having been called in about my fracture he actually bent over and gave me a hug and told me not to worry because he was going to take care of it like he would for his own Family member. Needless to say, this was very reassuring at the time when I really needed the reassurance. I highly recommend Dr. Modabber. read more

The best experience I could have considering how bad my accident was. Dr. Modabber is a legend! I am so happy to have found him for my surgery. read more

6 stars out of 5! In 2018 I broke my collarbone (a classic for cyclists) and it was a bit of a nasty break, not open but broken in 4 pieces with one side sticking up in the trap. It absolutely required surgery. I also decided to remove the plate 4 years later (waited for COVID to end which it didn't so I went anyway after 4 years) so I got 2 surgeries with them. Dr Modabber and his assistant Carolyn Goble have been amazing from beginning to end. They've done a truly world-class job at a reasonable price (which is important if you pay out-of-pocket). Their medical office at 2020 Santa Monica is a very well oiled machine (perhaps running on synovial fluid) where each person has a specific task that makes every appointment ultra-efficient. One prepares your file on the computer, another makes X-rays in 2 minutes if needed (w/ the latest machines), another removes your bandage, etc. As a result they are ALWAYS on time and quick without sacrificing the quality. And the number of appointments is minimized too due to this efficiency. As for the surgery job I couldn't recommend it more. When I fell I waited 4-5 days before seeing a surgeon because I knew that choosing the right one would be much more important than trying to shorten the time between accident and surgery. Obviously that was painful but that pain doesn't last while the pain of getting messed up for life by the wrong person would, and it does happen... So what I've done was to contact everybody I know in fitness who could recommend me one, and I waited for the replies... Then Modabber was the only name to come twice from two people who don't know each other. And that was it, I've been very fortunate to end up picking so well without necessarily knowing it for sure at first. If someone was in Florida with a broken-whatever I would still recommend them to fly here to do the surgery, that's how much I would recommend this wonderful team. One of the ways we can recognize an excellent surgeon+assistant is not just with the functionality of the joints and muscles but the scar too. A bad surgeon will have a hard time making an amazing scar because it takes a lot of experience to get it right. And each of these two times they nailed it. The second surgery to remove the plate didn't even make the scar worse, in fact I wonder if it's not even better (although it could be biased because the plate no longer makes the skin prominent at that spot). Now, I have a phenomenal nutrition and did everything possible for that scar each time (from oils 4 times a day to complete darkness for months w/ aluminum foil all day), but still, with a crappy stitching you would never get a great scar. Did I say 6 stars out of 5? Sorry I meant 7. read more

Ramin M Modabber, MD - 4.5 months after 2nd surgery w/ Dr Modabber. @Florian Bador - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Top notch in all categories!! Care quality, expertise in the field , efficient office and great staff.. highly recommend this physician!!

He botched my hand surgery, then refused to see me. His physician's assistant deleted my appointments from the schedule and claimed, when I showed up, that I had no appointment. A disturbing experience that left me with permanent pain and disfunction in my hand and arm. I regret that I trusted him. read more

A fight with an avocado brought me to Dr. Modabber. Luckily I won and didn't loose my finger. When the ER doc told me that I will most likely need to repair nerve damage in my finger, I frantically began searching for a surgeon. Dr. Modabber came highly recommended not only by other patients but also by his peers. I'm covered by Aetna and his office is in network. I called the office from the hospital bed, I was not going to waste any time getting the feeling in my finger back. His office called me back right away and asked me to come in even though it was lunch time. Staff was super friendly and there is plenty of metered parking if you don't want to park in the building. My surgery was scheduled for the next day and I couldn't be happier with my experience and the results. Stitches came out this week and Dr's work is incredible. I highly recommend Dr. Modabber and am glad I met him even under traumatic circumstances. I have now invested in a plastic avocado cutter to avoid trips to the office in the future. read more

Ramin M Modabber, MD - Week later - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Dr. Modabber repaired my wrist in 2012 (pisiformectomy) and was exceptional. Additionally, he spent an incredible amount of time on the phone with me discussing another issue he was set to operate on and had squeezed me in for so I could have it done with him before the end of the calendar year and pay less since my deductible had been met. I did not end up having the 2nd surgery with him because it was a stressful time for me. He was so kind and concerned. One of the big losses of switching insurance plans was losing him and the other exceptional Drs at SMOG for my orthopedic care. Yes, you may have to wait a little, and you will interact with a PA--also exceptional and not just an "assistant". But he is the best of the best, works with the best, and his time is precious. He has also seen thousands of patients over the years and can likely assess your situation faster than you may think. Stop overthinking--trust this man. read more

I have been seeing De Moddaber and his assistant Dr Goble for years now and they have taken incredible care of my periodic sports injury. They are warmed caring, amiable and true consummates at what they do. I couldn't recommend them enough read more

Dr. Modabber is a genius. I had a severe fracture of my humerus and radius. He was able to realign the bones perfectly. No other surgeon wanted to try. I can't recommend him highly enough. Thank you Dr. Modabber! DH read more

Ever have that visit with a doctor where after a rushed, nineteen second explanation with no room for questions, you're still not exactly sure what's wrong with you, and you get the strange and unwarranted sense your doctor thinks you're some kind of a-hole? Sure you have, we all have. It's a course they take in med school. Enter Dr. Modabber - don't mistake him for George Clooney's real life doctor doppleganger - the coolest doc I've ever met (aside from some good buds who I went to school with and are now doctors - I still have trouble thinking of them as real doctors, but anyway...) His professional manner oozes competence, and from the moment he steps in the room, you feel taken care of, and - god forbid - cared about. You practically want to ask the guy if he can join you and your friends for drinks post-op. My only regret is that Dr. Mo only does hands and wrists (though is as pro as it gets), and unless my recreational snowboarding career takes a turn for the worse this winter, I don't really have any reason to see him again. Can you do elective plastic surgery on the hair on your knuckles? If so... I'm in. --js read more

This guy maybe a good doctor, I really cannot say. But the reason I would caution anybody from every using him is based upon my personal experience, which I relate here. I was referred to this doctor, from my doctor due to a problem with my finger. I made an appointment to see what type of intervention I needed. I was seen by his "physician assistant" not the doctor. We met for about 5-10 minutes and she purported to "diagnose" the problem. She said that I needed suregery to fix it. Mind, you, I never saw the doctor. I spent the better part of a week trying to get the procedure scheduled, but my calls always went to voice mail. After my procedure was finally scheduled, I got papers in the mail telling what to expect and what to do. Once again, no doctor to discuss with me and noone to explain these papers. 2 weeks latter while the procedure was pending, I decided that this was absurd; I would only meet my doctor the very day of the procedure, and what if the diagnosis from the physician assistant was in error? I decided, I wanted to see a doctor that actually saw his patients and a doctor that actually attempted to deliver a service, not have his "flunkies" do the work for him and then, not return calls. Be forewarned. read more

Best of the Best! I've been working with Dr. Modabber for just over a year on the arthritis in the base of my left thumb. Of course I chose to try the easier softer way at first but due to medication from another aliment that came up, the pain at the base of my thumb got worse very quickly. I then chose to do the surgery Dr. Modabber explained. Putting a ceramic marble in the base of my thumb! I had surgery exactly a month ago and I have to say it was the best decision I could have made. Dr. Modabber did an excellent job. He sets the tone for his office so my experience with everyone has been professional and kind. I always try to show up a little early for my appts. therefore never waited to be seen. His medical Asst. is wonderful. She is extremely knowledgeable and kind. My cast came off today and I will now start Physical Therapy. As far as billing goes, I asked questions before and they explained in detail about what my insurance would be covering. So no surprises there~ If you want professional and personal attention to your situation, this is the office for you! Dr. Modabber is the one. read more

Ramin M Modabber, MD - Cast off..Ceramic marble secured. - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The recurring theme in the reviews, which is the same as my personal experience have been: 1) Dishonest and greedy billing practices. They joined Saint John's and for a simple injection, this time, I saw a whole lot of facilities charges. For visiting the same effing room. In the doctor's office and not the hospital. Two charges titled for "treatment room". Same day. One for $384 and another $295. Same date! and I was only in 1 room to see the effing PA. 2) Of the past 6-7 times that I have got to this place for a hand issue, I have been seen by Modabber. Only the PA. Which has changed over the course of a couple of years. Look elsewhere. There are plenty of doctor's around. read more

I recently had a ganglion cyst removed from my hand by Dr. Modabber and his PA Carolyn Gayle Goble. They were friendly, on-time with appointments, and I no longer have a cyst bothering me on a daily basis! Scheduling was easy with the front desk staff and I received a reminder call for appointments and follow up care after my surgery. I felt safe and they explained the procedure so I knew what to expect before, during, and after. I recommend Dr. Modabber and Carrie Gayle Goble if you are looking for quality care. read more

Ramin M Modabber, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I had a pretty serious injury this year that resulted in a broken collar bone. I was given the option by several surgeons either to let it heal or to have surgery to secure the bones in place. After a lot of internal debates and a good amount of research I decided to go the surgery route, and was lucky enough to have found Dr. Modabber. The process and and surgery was much easier than I expected, and the doctor did an excellent job. As far as I can tell, he is the guy who does this surgery more than just about anyone in the LA area, and it shows. Healing was quick and easy, the scar is barely noticeable, and I am as good as new again. My physical therapist was very impressed with the results. Throughout the process of my injury I dealt with many different doctors, but Modabber remains one of the ones that I most respect, and recommend whole-heartedly. read more

Dr. Modabber and his PA, Carrie, have GREAT bedside manner. They are thorough, caring and professional. They spend time with me and I never feel hurried. They communicate in a way that I understand and I never have to wait an unreasonable time to get an appointment. They set the standard for how doctors should handle health care and patients. read more

Was referred to him for shoulder repair by a well respected doctor, He refused to perform my surgery in a hospital setting, instead he wanted to use a "surgical center". But as a registered nurse I know this wasn't the safest choice. He was animate about this refusal so I canceled. And saw another surgeon with positive results. This doctored failed to listen and care,.. And don't get me started are the creepy Pain Mgt doctor he sent me to in Marina Del Rey, just weird and unprofessional. I will say no more, and ask that people do their research before committing to any surgery God Bless. read more

Follow up to my review below 4 years ago: Well here we are and my daughter is now 20 days shy of 16 years old. Her finger? Its sore most of the time, and is crooked as can be (it zig zags.) Terrible job. If your child gets this kind of surgery and the doctor says, we can operate or wait to see- WAIT TO SEE! She is worse off now than if she didn't have the botched surgery. I am certain this is more about making money than helping people for him. He gave 0 after care. This surgery was rushed and not needed. I am so sorry we did it, we were very emotional at the time, and wanted to do the best for our child. We should have gotten a 2nd opinion. read more

If you want to see a doctor about a hand condition, do not call Dr. Modabber's office. I was told that I would have to see his physician's assistant, and could not get an appointment to see the doctor for my initial evaluation. After arriving 15 minutes early for my appointment in an empty waiting room, I was kept waiting 30 minutes after my scheduled time to see the physician's assistant. After taking my history and a cursory exam, she excused herself to go talk to the doctor. She returned later to tell me the doctor's diagnosis and recommendations. I NEVER SAW the doctor. Dr. Modabber must be one of the busiest physicians in Los Angeles, since he apparently has no time to actually see patients. If you want your condition treated by a P.A. without going through the "hassle" of actually wasting time with a doctor, be sure to call Dr. Modabber. read more

Based on the reviews I had read here, I made sure I was actually seeing Dr. Modabber and not an assistant. It took me about 6 weeks and two changed appoints (from his end, not mine) before I was finally able to see him. Modabber was actually great, very helpful and took the time to listen to me and explain my issue. My real complaint is against his office staff and billing practices which others have written about in other reviews. The receptionist was unable to get through to my insurance (Anthem) to verify benefits, so told me to sign a document and they'd sort it out later. I guess I should have read the document more carefully because it basically said I was agreeing to pay cash and my insurance would not apply. Months later I got a very large bill in the mail, and it took over a year of me fighting with Anthem to get my bill paid for, apparently because Modabber's office was not being cooperative with Anthem or sending them the necessary paperwork. Anytime I called to inquire, his office staff would be very rude and unhelpful, saying stuff like "you agreed to pay cash, not our problem." Overall, he's a decent doctor but I will not be returning to see him based on my experience. read more

I went to Dr. Modabber for my right hand (broken 2nd metacarpal bone) He showed the x-ray to me and took his time to explain all pros and cons of the surgery. He also didn't charge an arm and a leg for X-ray like many other places, I didn't have insurance so he gave me an amazing price. His staff were also nice, friendly and professionals. He is one of the best hand surgeon out there and I'm happy with my decision. read more

Last week I was in a cycling accident on Thursday and my local ER said that my broken clavicle didn't need surgery and would heal on its own. I knew this was absurd, so I as a cyclist with lots of cyclist friends I took to Facebook to ask them whom they recommended. Dr. Modabber was one of the top two. Friday morning I started making calls and the top suggestion didn't respond to my four emails, text, and three calls to his office and personal email. Five days later, still no response. But calling Dr. Modabber at 830am I got a 940am same day appointment so I hurried over. I saw him personally at 10am after seeing his staff briefly beforehand. Because my case had complications (it broke toward the end, so bolting a plate on would be challenging), we went over the issues and options, for about 25 minutes. He seemed to genuinely enjoy explaining his craft and taking the time with me. Fortunately, this guy is a pro and knows the very latest technology and methods. He's the head doctor for the Amgen Tour of California. Trained at Harvard. Fixed up many of my friends with excellent results. Uses a unique suturing technique to limit scarring. Anyway, when he got in there he found bone fragments and had to deal with changes on the fly, but that's why you want the very best, like Dr. Modabber. And his anesthesiologist gave me a "block," which helped yesterday in recovering, so I had no pain and took no narcotics. Still recovering today, but I'm now so happy my ER doc was so far off and didn't have a chump orthopedist do my surgery, and rather told me it would just heal itself. read more

I wanted to write this review for a long time so here it is. I had hand surgery for trigger finger by Dr. Modabber in the last century, on 4 fingers, at three different times. This man is serious,soft spoken with fabulous bedside manners and the results were excellent. I just love this man. Had I known that he also does knee surgery (at the time I needed it) I would have entrusted Dr. Modabber for this as well. Unfortunately I had the surgery by another surgeon (who came highly recommended by his staff) and the results were not satisfactory. If I need additional surgery, I'll definitely contact Dr. Modabber. Don't know what the other reviews are all about, but here is a very happy patient. read more

Done and so happy I can't even begin to tell you. I kept waiting for pain, complication, etc. Nothing but no pain. My son dubbed dr. Modabber Houdini ! He makes problems disappear! So thrilled! Would give this whole operation and experience a 10 if I could! Why did I wait? Thanks. read more

I cut my flexor tendon! His PA was amazing & got the correct diagnosis ( the ER told me nothing was wrong!!) I had emergency surgery & a lot of OT, dr modabber saved my nursing career & life!! read more

I highly recommend Dr. Modabber. I have seen Dr. Modabber over the years for arthritic thumbs and he has been excellent. He treated me for pain management to avoid surgery for years and when one thumb required surgery, he did an excellent job. The recovery was better and faster that expected and my thumb is no longer problematic. He is concerned, candid and thoughtful. He takes the time to ensure that you have all of the information to make an informed decision and is available when questions arise. read more

Dr. Modaber is awesome! Great bedside manner. Ramin reconstructed my shoulder when I shattered the ball of my humerus, at the same time dislocating it. Its a highly complex process to do. He looked at it once, explained the situation, and checked me into the hospital for surgery that same day. The Urgent Care facility let me walk out of the clinic with the shattered ball embedded in my chest! I love the Santa Monica Orthopedic Group! They've save the day each time I needed them. read more

Both my husband and I have used SM Orthopedics a number of times - BUT with a different Dr. I assumed Dr. Modabber would be of the same calaber - but I was so so wrong. I barely got much time with him and once his associate shared his views with me re: my "in office" MRI - next thing I knoew I was having a major operation elbow Tendonites because my tendon was "torn from the bone" I of course belived what I was told and moved forward with prep test etc. costing me over $1000 - but still had not spoken to the Dr. and when I called over the next two weeks 4 x and NEVER heard from Modabber or his assistants or his scheduling nurse - I decided WAIT A MINUTE - this is a MAJOR operation and I want to know what is going to happen - BEFORE the opertation...Face it - if you can't reach your doctor before - what happens when you really need him after??? So I went for a second and third opinion - and found out - both specialist (with fantastic references) said the same: NO NO NO to the knife - and NONONON to the lousy in-office MRI. Thank G-d I asked around. And again I tried to contact Modabber and the other Dr. I know and respected at Santa Monica Ortho - BUT STILL - no one ever bothered to call back or contact me....Stay away from Santa Monica Ortho - if you want an honest and safe check out dr.s at Kerlan Jobe. read more

I saw Ramin Modabber for a wrist injury resulting from a bike accident. I have also had experience with a hand doctor at the Kerlen-Jobe clinic (now retired) and a hand doctor at UCLA. Modabber's diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome was half-correct based on hindsight 4 years later. His prognosis of "just give it time" was mostly correct. Therefore, a 3 to 4 star up until then. However, I wanted further investigation with scans, rather than just giving it time. Since I had to type and mouse for hours on end at work, and he didn't offer any suggestion for that, I had to ask him for a prescription for pain meds. Additionally, he had no ideas for alleviating my typing pain, so I suggested that he write a prescription for an ergonomic keyboard. The prescription would help me recover a quarter of the $160 cost. Since I wanted more investigation beyond an x-ray and "just give it time", I asked how much an MRI on the wrist would cost for a cash patient. He said "about $700". I said fine, let's do it. A month later, I received a bill for $2100 for the MRI alone. I went into the office to discuss this with a billing rep. I explained that I had a quote from the Dr. of "about $700". $800 or $900 could have been "about $700", but $2100 was not in the ballpark. The billing clerk kept repeating that this was their price, even after I explained countless times that there was a binding verbal agreement between the doctor and me for approximately $700. The kicker here was that Modabber was standing 6 feet away, his back turned, looking thru files for about 15 minutes listening to this. He didn't say a word until 15 minutes elapsed; then turned visibly irritated with me as if I was being unreasonable, and told the clerk to make it $700. Why was he irritated when he was trying to renege on that quote? He should have been embarrassed and apologetic. Ergo, 4 stars for a passable diagnosis, 2 to 3 stars for reluctance to spend any mental energy to investigate or suggest remedies, and 0 stars for a lack of ethics. read more

I was referred to this doctor from my ER physician to follow-up on my broken finger. After 6 calls I was finally able to get a hold of his front desk. They told me he has no availability for weeks but they will forward my information to "his team" (whatever that means) and they'll contact me in the next few days. Being that I'm supposed to see an orthopedist promptly, and judging their lack of concern / availability, I don't see how that will be helpful. Reading the other comments I'm more confident in my decision to stay away from this office. I'd recommend you do the same. read more

It was so helpful to read these reviews, for they only confirm my impression of Dr. Modabbaer and his office staff. I had one rushed appointment with this very cold and condescending man. His staff were equally impersonal. I am now convinced that my instincts were correct, and I will not be having him do the orthopedic surgery I need. read more

I was referred to dr Modabber as I have a potentially fractures index finger and he's a rare hand specialist. When my appt day finally arrived I was unable to make the 7:30am time. I phoned both numbers that I have for his office 2 times each to only hear voicemail greetings... But when I arrived at the medical office the receptionist was there seating patients. I was refused to be seen because I arrived too late. "They run a tight schedule here and Dr Gabbe has to be in surgery at noon" was the speech I received. I was livid but asked politely...but I've been waiting to get my finger examed...its healing this way as I wait. I was told "if u were a visiting client perhaps but since it's a consult they won't see you". I said what about her tight schedule? Our societal values are all screwed up. I'll continue to believe that there are real people with real character in this country of mine and one of them will surely be an orthopedic specialist. I'll continue to search for that doctors practice. SMH. read more

It's been a year and a half since Dr. Modabber saved my right wrist with surgery and his expertise. I basically shattered and dislocated my radius. And, although I have done my part by diligently doing the exercises, my wrist is almost as good as new. Acupuncture and massage have been a great help in the recovery process. I thank Dr. Modabber almost every day. read more

Awesome doctor prompt follow up from his office !, I had a horrible bike accident leaving my wrist and hand shattered. I called Dr. Modabber and his office called me ASAP and got me in the next day to see him. The following day they got me into his overbooked surgery schedule. Two day's from calling I was out of surgery and into therapy. He did a fabulous job on my surgery and I can compare to my other hand which I broke three years prior and went elsewhere. They are busy because he is one of the best in town. I have seen his assistant and she is great too. Never waited just get right in. So happy here and would send my own family if needed because he simply is a miracle worker. read more

I had shoulder surgery and wrist surgery with Dr Modaber and I would go back to him but hopefully I will not need to. I go in prepared with all my research and questions and has answered al of them. He's extremely smart, passionate about his trade and really down to earth. read more

I saw Dr. Modabber today for shoulder pain after waiting almost 4 weeks for the appointment. I was given a choice to see him or his PA, when scheduling this appointment. I chose to wait the 4 weeks to see HIM, not his PA. Unfortunately, 99% of today's appointment was spent with his PA, not Dr. Modabber himself. This is so thoroughly disappointing. It feels like a bait and switch. I wish I had read the YELP reviews and I would have had a clue that this is how the man practices medicine. When I finally saw Dr. Modabber, he never examined me himself. He literally repeated what his PA had discussed with me 5 minutes prior. He was totally willing to give me a diagnosis without looking for himself? It's impossible to have confidence in a doctor when he doesn't even take the time to examine (me) the patient himself. Anyway, I certainly cannot recommend him or his office because I wouldn't know his capabilities in the least. And I'd hate to refer someone to Dr Modabber, knowing they probably won't see him but rather they'll become the PA's patient. Anyway, today was a total waste of my time and money. Feels fraudulent, really. I let the office know immediately how disconcerting this experience was for me. Not to mention, my shoulder still hurts and now I have to hunt for a new doctor. I have been treated by many fine doctors in my life and Dr. Modabber is definitely not one of them. Had he taken the time to actually treat me today, maybe I'd say something different. Patient's beware. read more

Dr Modabber just completed his second surgery on me (1st my wrist and now my hand). Both experiences were fantastic. He and his office staff were very polite and professional; they returned phones calls that day and gave clear typed instructions for surgery. The previous scar is barely noticeable a year out and I have no pain from the previous procedure. The recent surgery went great, stitches came out and it looks wonderful. I am a nurse myself and would openly refer Dr Modabber for any hand, arm or shoulder procedure. Great surgeon! Great office staff! Great outcomes! read more

I have had the good/bad fortune (depending on how you feel about surgery) to have been treated/operated on by Dr. Modabber on several occasions and for different problems over the years. I have always found him to be quite competent as well as confident. All surgeries went off without a hitch and I have had very good results. His demeanor is both professional and friendly and I knew I was in good hands. Call back from both the "doc" and his staff leaves a bit to be desired, but is still adequate. I would, and have, recommended him to others. vjh read more

Maybe he's a good surgeon, but his response to this middle-aged woman with minor injuries was less-than-attentive. He refused to address my actual injuries, focusing instead on the structural picture revealed in x-rays, and dismissed my account of the genesis of my injuries (after all, I was there) with "you're entitled to your own opinion." He attitude seemed to be: if you're a middle-aged woman, just go away and grow old and suffer - don't waste his time. His rude response when I futiley pressed him to address my actual injuries and not the underlying structural condition was essentially, "I already told you, take some Advil." I missed an entire day of work to drive there, and I paid an exorbitant facility fee and medical fees, for nothing. Perhaps he's good at performing heroic surgeries, but my visit was a complete waste of my valuable time. The front office staff was unfriendly and almost smirking. Be sure and ask about the exact amount of the exorbitant "facility fee" before you make an appointment. read more