Southern California Orthopedic Institute - Van Nuys, California

Amber Maldonado

I use to see Dr. Richard Ferkel who was amazing as well as his office team. SCOI Van Nuys has gone downhill. Poor patient care is their motto.

Two stars because the PA Gary Notkin was ok, at least he was professional. That front desk girl is rude and seems annoyed to do her job. I arrived at my initial appointment 15 minutes early and it took 2 hours to get me into a room. I sat in that room for 30 minutes and was about to walk out, that is when Gary walked in and that is when he told me he has been running behind all day. The front desk girl failed to inform me upon arrival and I did check in with her frequently to get an estimated time for my appointment and she seemed bothered and made up numbers like "10 minutes" then "15 minutes" back to "10 minutes". The assessment took 20 minutes and Gary walked me out to Crystal's desk to get me scheduled for a follow up. Crystal scheduled me for Monday 12/16 at 8am, turns out that Gary is in Agoura Hills on Mondays and I suspect that Crystal knew she messed up because I magically had a second appointment on Thursday 12/19 at 8am which was not discussed. Clearly she did not think about her actions through. I have a job and I can not take days off as I please. I spoke to Crystal to clarify her mistake, she seemed mad because I called her out on it and avoided taking any accountability. She spoke to me in an unprofessional manner and I just cancelled both appointments and asked if she can just fax an updated prescription for Physical Therapy. She said she messaged Gary and I would have to wait on his answer. I asked her how she will be communicating with me in regards to the outcome of getting an rx or not, Crystal sarcastically asked me "how would you like me to communicate that answer to you?" Like damn girl, I am pretty sure I asked a valid question. At this point I think I am going to just take a break from Physical Therapy if I can't get that prescription. If I desperately feel like I need PT, I will definitely go to another orthopedist office and start all over.

Rachel Panczenko

Scheduling is complicated and the authorization department seems uneducated or maybe uninterested in assisting? I received minimal therapy following a tendon repair surgery due to these issues and ended up developing IT band syndrome down the road because of my lack of recovery. The therapist I saw was great, but I'm now at another practice trying to regain strength and ability in my legs due to their office staffs policies and practices. You are one of many here and they are interested in making money off many individuals vs. Creating a practice where people can actually heal and be seen as prescribed.

Stella Prado

I have had to visit several Orthopedic Doctors in my past. Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys is theeee BEST place and theeeee BEST staff. I actually know someone that works at this office and she highly recommended me to visit them for a consultation on my ankle. I live closer to San Diego but it was worth the drive. Thank you Crystal Rafael for everything. You truly helped me so much and you are so caring. I’m so thankful you told me to see Dr. Ferkel. Everything you told me about him and the facility was so true. Thank you Crystal! Because of you I feel like I am now on the road to recovery with an excellent Doctor.
Also thank you to Natalie Ray for making me feel comfortable and being so kind.
Huge thank you to Dr. Ferkel and his patience, professionalism and knowledge. I have confidence that I found the right Doctor and I appreciate you.
Thank you so much!
Stella

Christine F. Eberhart

Dr. Richard Ferrell and his entire team were exceptional! They were kind, caring, informative, understanding, accommodating, and all-around phenomenal. I would recommend Dr. Richard Ferkel, any day of the week! Much love and respect!

Eddie L

Those leaving 5-star reviews, please share your secret because my calls never get answered, had to leave multiple messages and wait days for a return call. MRI appointments are a month out, and surgery scheduling takes weeks. If you are in pain and require a timely care, look elsewhere. UCLA needs to decouple itself from SCOI to minimize damage to their image.

T. C.

Dr. Blecher and his team were very professional and attentive to my physical condition and advised on the best approach and treatment(s) to remedy my left hip/quad matter. And it worked! I am back sprinting 100% with USA Masters Track and Field. Thank you!

Victor Grubsky

The PT services seem reasonable but the cost is extremely high. I got charged almost $2000 for three 30-minute sessions, most of which consisted of stretching exercises done by myself. Had to cancel the rest of the treatment program after I received the first bill. I don't see how someone can deem such costs justified or affordable, unless you happen to have insurance that conveniently absorbs them. This organization is an example of what is wrong with our healthcare. Avoid.

Ladan Tabatabaei

Dr E. Ferkel did an amazing surgery on my left ankle. I had multiple fracture.. 4 months after my surgery I could walk without help.
I am 57 and nobody could believe how fast my ankle was recovered...
Dr. Ferkel is the best