Patient Reviews
Thank you for choosing Southern California Orthopedic Institute for your care. We take pride in helping our patients overcome injuries, relieve pain, and return to active, healthy lifestyles.
In this section, you can read stories from patients we’ve treated about the experiences and recoveries they've had under our care.
Read what our patients are saying about Southern California Orthopedic Institute.
You can also read what our patients are saying about Southern California Orthopedic Institute by visiting our doctor profiles.
Patient Reviews
“I feel in the best hands with Dr. Vellios. He was compassionate, explained my injury to the point so I could understand everything. He took adequate time for my treatment and always asked if I had any questions. He explained the appropriate options and gave me the best advice. I have been with SCOI for several years and had not a single doctor who was not the best ortho I had in my life.”
– Claudia W.
Treating Doctor: Evan E. Vellios, MD, FAAOS
“Dr. Etcheverry is always extremely informative and makes me feel comfortable on every visit. I would recommend him to anyone I know.”
– Melissa H.
Treating Doctor: John L. Etcheverry, DPM
“Dr. Spelts has advocated for me, made me feel heard and listened to, explained the reasons I am in pain and why it is difficult to tell which issue is causing the pain. He answered my questions in a patient and kind manner and even applauded me when I brought up my recent weight loss, but never made me feel pressured to lose weight. He also explained exactly why he has concerns about me going back to specific kinds of workouts and offered up alternate ideas. He treats me like an athlete despite not looking like a traditional one, and I would highly recommend him to anyone.”
– Wesley R.
Treating Doctor: Richard J. Spelts, DO, FAAFP
“I have always had a great experience with Dr. Balch. He is always nice and respectful and listens to your issues when needed.”
– Lori R.
Treating Doctor: Karl R. Balch, MD
“Talking with Dr. Bawa on the scheduling of the surgery was effortless. He knew exactly what I needed and was very reassuring. Fantastic post-care and a very good staff backing him, answering insurance questions, dealing with disability paperwork with the State of California, and answering all questions with their online healthcare portal.”
– David B.
Treating Doctor: Harpreet S. Bawa, MD
“Dr. Castañeda is a confident, caring, informative provider that I have complete faith and trust in. My care has been top-notch, and I recommend her any chance I can.”
– Michael F.
Treating Doctor: Deborah A. Castañeda, MD
“Dr. Vellios treated my father. He was thorough with his evaluation, kind, and informative. His staff took extra time to find an outpatient radiology group that could take my father for further testing following our appointment. Dr. Vellios and his staff were professional and provided excellent care. I would highly recommend him.”
– Diane P.
Treating Doctor: Evan E. Vellios, MD, FAAOS
“I had a hip replacement with Dr. Bawa. The surgery went smoothly. I was walking right after surgery. I had physical therapy the same day. The in-home care included a nurse visit and physical therapy. PT had me doing steps within one day after surgery. I was golfing back on the golf course within 2 months. I had no pain after a round of golf. I have recommended Dr. Bawa to many friends. His technique for hip replacement, anterior, enables quick recovery and healing. I will have him replace my next hip if it is necessary.”
– James H.
Treating Doctor: Harpreet S. Bawa, MD
“Excellent visit. This was for a second opinion and an attempt to see what help an injection would do. I would have happily had him do the surgery if I lived closer. I was very happy with Dr. Kwak and with the office as a whole.”
– Wendy W.
Treating Doctor: Steve K. Kwak, MD
