Dr. Balaji S Charlu

Dr. Balaji S. Charlu has treated my lower back pain for more than 2 years. Now, Dr. Charlu has treated my wife's neck pain by injecting at right pain spot and her pain is gone from the day one that was very different way of treatment with my wife's two other Doctors. My wife and myself have now right doctor.

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I was very impressed with my care and constant communication. I was also very impressed with the staff at the surgical center.

Dr. Charlu cares. He made sure I knew I was in good hands and that he will explore all possibilities to make sure I can function relatively pain free. He follows up on my statis daily.

I have been seeing Dr. Charlu for managing my pain due to Stenosis. His epidural work has completely eradicated my pain Additionally Dr. Charlu diagnosed an issue I was having that 5 other doctors could not find. Had he not taken the time to speak with me about my pain and order a specific blood test I would not be on the mend

Very personable and efficient

I saw dr charlu for 6 years for lower back ephedurals. He then told doctors don't make the money they used to and he would only do one side at a time, I had to come back for the other side. I left for a while and returned to dr charlu and i asked him to give me trigger point injections with cortisone in my lower back and he told me he would not give me any more cortisone because it would be a waste. He told me to bend over when I walk and that might relieve my pain. This doctor should be fired and put in jail. I saw dr charlu for 6 years for lower back ephedurals. He then told doctors don't make the money they used to and he would only do one side at a time, I had to come back for the other side. I left for a while and returned to dr charlu and i … More

This doctor falsely accused me of being an addict. This doctor attempted to compare my absolutely mangled and amputated pinky to other cases when he never even saw my hand. I’ve gone through the most pain from my finger literally being severed from my hand and I had a problem with medication. There is a reason why certain medications are stronger than others and I feel this experience with this doctor was by far the most unprofessional and borderline malpractice with prejudice I have ever seen. I’ve got over 10 years of executive healthcare experience under my belt and this will be reported to my insurance and I will be looking at ramifications for this terrible experience and defamation of character. This doctor falsely accused me of being an addict. This doctor attempted to compare my absolutely mangled and amputated pinky to other cases when he never even saw my hand. I’ve gone through the most pain from my finger literally being … More

Went to him for a pinched nerve issue. First, I was made to wait literally an hour and a half. When he finally came in, he seemed to be in a big rush, kept looking at the computer and not at me. He obviously was looking at my charts and MRI for the first time. Then he for all practical purposes asked 'me' what kind of pain medication I would like and/or if I would like to get an epidural injection. Guess he is the doctor, should he not suggest? Later I realized that the dose of the nerve med he finally gave me was so low that the next Pain Med doctor I went to had to increase it literally 9-fold. While leaving, I asked him if the 90-minute wait was what I should expect in future visits, he simply said he was super busy and yes, I should expect a wait. No sorry, no table manners, nothing. Never going back to him for sure. Very poor experience on all fronts.

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Dr. Charlu and staff are very efficient. Very pleasant doctor. Great bedside manner. Made me feel very comfortable. Checked in with me daily after my injection to see how I was feeling. Would recommend him highly.

Easy, efficient and personable staff that helps patients feel comfortable. Dr. Charlu is recommended for his expertise in this field of pain management.

I had consultations and procedures done in my neck by this md but he is not a good medical professional. He is arrogant and he lacks empathy. Last after procedure consultation was awful. He never looked at me, he was always looking at the computer and it seemed that he was not listening. The procedures he did were unsuccessful ones and he just told me to take pain killers over the counter

This guy was the worst!! I had an epidural .. the doctor repeatedly was asking question about my trauma. He was very arrogant. He was unable to the procedure in the end because I feinted one time . I’ve had more epidurals I can count on my hands and this one was the worst . He also referred me to Subutex clinic .. what a jerk. I’ve been diagnosed w 3rd-4th degree burns. Nerve muscle and tissue damage along with some disc problems. I suggest you find another doctor This guy was the worst!! I had an epidural .. the doctor repeatedly was asking question about my trauma. He was very arrogant. He was unable to the procedure in the end because I feinted one time . I’ve had more epidurals I can count on my … More

I called to make an appointment to see Dr. Charlu, because my current physician is not a “pain specialist “ and Dr. Charlu first saw me in 2017 after a Neurologist told me that there was “nothing they could do for me” as far as my chronic back pain since I had surgery 30 years ago. So the appointment person asked my name age etc to pull my records and I said the purpose of my visit was just to update the dosage of pregaba a very low dosage I had started on 50 mg when the Dr had wanted me to start on 250mg four times a day. I only take it at night because despite sleep meds I wake up more from pain. So the appointment person said “Oh you can just do a phone appointment with dr Charlu’s assistant Lindsey” if it’s just a matter of changing the prescription dosage to 150 mg twice per night. So I had my phone appointment today and it was a half hour later than the time I was told. Apparently they give themselves an hour “window “ but don’t bother to Inform the patient. . So Lindsey, when I told her the reason for my appointment told me at least five times in a row that she can’t make any changes in a prescription because it’s a controlled substance and due to the length of time since I last saw Dr. Charlu I would be required to see him in person and have a new medical evaluation. I told her that there seems to be a problem at their offices with a lack of communication between the people who set up appointments and the people who are doing phone appointments. But I asked her for the next available appointment to see Dr Charlu in person. She said she doesn’t do appointments and she would have to have someone call me back. I asked when approximately that call would be she said she would talk to the person after the call and have them call me back. So I was fine with that but then she told me that instead she was going to “ban” me from seeing any of the pain specialists in their offices I could make an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor but not a pain specialist. I said well the neurologist already said there was nothing they could do for me so I didn’t see the point in seeing another orthopedic doctor when four years ago the neurologist told me there was nothing else to do for me . So I wasted an afternoon on this place and was treated like I was a little kid and the assistant had the attitude that despite the fact that the “problem “ was internal To the office - that the people making appointments do not understand that a patient who has not been there in 3 years needs to see the specialist then she just got mad and banned me from seeing the doctor. So my question is that a medical practitioner is supposed to adhere to the Hippocratic oath to “do no harm “ and in my case the practitioner indeed caused me harm in failing to understand what the purpose of my initial request for an appointment was and secondly in blaming me for their complete lack of training their appointment personnel then blame the patient when the appointment was completely without purpose or benefit to the patient. I would just completely avoid this entire medical practice because it’s in total Disarray and incapable of serving patients I called to make an appointment to see Dr. Charlu, because my current physician is not a “pain specialist “ and Dr. Charlu first saw me in 2017 after a Neurologist told me that there was “nothing they could do for me” as far as my chronic … More

Your phone service is the worst I have ever experienced. I get put on hold for hours just to get hung up on! This is ridiculous

I have seen Dr. Charlu on several occasions. It has never been easy to talk with him, it always seems like he is talking at you not with you. The office never returns calls, problems with prescription refills, problems with general follow up.

If you don't fit the cookie cutter type pain, don't go to Dr Charlu. He has been good in the past for 1 time visits, when it comes to long time pain control, find another Pain management doctor. He lacks Candor, and does not explain criteria very well. And again when you need a doctor you can trust for long term pain DON'T go see Dr Charlu. Randall Miller

I have seen Dr Charlu for injections for pain management - before hip replacement in 2016 - and following torn rotator cuff and bicep tendinitis in 2018. After a fall on that should I once again requested his services for an injection. He is very pleasant physician, explaining the procedure as he goes. He is very reassuring of his procedure - which was/is very effective. All in all the staffing of NOI is exceptional.

I have been seeing Dr. Charlu, his Assistants Lindsay (PA) and Carlos (epidurals) for about 6 months for a fairly large synovial cyst and a bulging disc at L4-L5. They were spot on with their approach and treatment plan and they got the diagnosis right away and gave me good information on an expected treatment plan. They walked me through the epidurals with no problems and when it was time to have that discussion about surgery they sent me to a good spine surgeon. Dr. Charlu suggested I get a second and even third opinion and he gave me the names of some excellent physicians in the area. Foe me, it was easy to make appointments, the epidurals were done with precision and care and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. It is a busy office but they kept my medical care personal and I never felt rushed. All my questions were answered by Lindsay or Dr. Charlu. I relieved great care and would go back if I ever needed additional procedure.

I initially went to a pain doctor in Mission Viejo for a sacroiliac joint injection and it was an excruciating experience. Since then, I have been to Dr. Charlu 3-4 times for the same procedure. While injections are never a pleasant thing to look forward to, I never walk out of Dr. Charlu's office feeling like the experience was painful. He will slowly numb the area and slowly introduce some lidocaine to make the steroid injection less painful. Given that I'm always apprehensive, my standard joke is "Don't be stingy with the lidocaine." No matter what, Dr. Charlu takes his time, talks to patients to put them at ease, mentions what is going on at various steps ("a little pinch now," a "little pressure for 10 seconds," etc). During office visits, Dr. Charlu is a fast talker so be prepared to interject with questions if you feel that you need to make good use of your time.

Dr. Charlu is the best of the best. He talks with you and not to you. He discusses your problem and works with you to find the best solution. He is also my Pain Management Doctor. He has worked with me thru different orthopedic procedures. I cannot say enough positive things about him or his office staff. I have always and will continue to highly recommend Dr. Charlu. Thank you.

I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2015 and my GP sent me to Balaji Charlu who was supposed to be an expert in Back, Spine & Neck. MRI showed a 9 mm herniated disc (lumbar) that was unfortunately symptomatic and was causing pain, discomfort, and sciatica in my left leg. Although I was referred to a physician, a physician assistant met me (I paid for a specialist visit who was supposed to be an MD) who seemed unsure of himself and lacked confidence. He started panicking and sweating while rushing me into the idea of having a spine surgery, and as he said it I'm too young to have such an issue and if I want to walk again (I walked to their office unassisted) I have to have a surgery and it needs to be done promptly. He proceeded to schedule me for a spine surgery, which I refused and asked him to leave the room and go get Balaji Charlu. Balaji Charlu walk in 20-30 minutes later and who is supposed to be a Medical Doctor. I explain the situation to him and ask him if there are any other ways to heal my back and he responded by saying, "No there is no other way, your back cannot heal and pain will not go away and it will get worse". I asked him how about physical therapy and spine's ability to stabilize an injured disc? He responded by unbelievably saying that is not an exact science and it will not solve the issue. I refused to get a surgery and told him to send me to physical therapy, which I went to and without spine surgery or any sort of injection I am now back pain FREE, healthy, am able to do everything I used to before my back problems started and couldn't have been happier. Balaji Charlu and his PA are the worst "Medical" professionals you can find. Please do yourself a favor and avoid his services at all cost. He seems to be on the payroll by Vimovo drug brand as he kept trying to market and push it which caused severe rash all over my body. Balaji doesn't listen to anyone, and is too busy hearing his own voice that he completely misses any concerns a patient might have. You cannot get a word in when he starts talking. Malpractice doesn't always have to result in fatality, this experience has caused me great mental anguish to a point that I've been thinking about it since my visit on 4/30/2015. Avoid at all costs. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2015 and my GP sent me to Balaji Charlu who was supposed to be an expert in Back, Spine & Neck. … More

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Doctor Charlu, is the best doctor ever, his a miracle maker.

Dr. Charlu is Fantastic. He is kind and he is very good at what he does.

Dr Charlu has earned my trust and respect in his field.. He makes every effort to make you feel comfortable and explains in detail so you understand what he will be doing during the procedure you are there for.. I highly recommend Dr Charlu.

Dr. Charlu and his PA Darren are a great team, they have wonderful bedside manner. I have spinal stenosis, and disk issues, which cannot be corrected by any form of surgery. They were so caring in explaining what they could do help with my pain, and they did. I would highly recommend Dr. Charlu.

Dr. Charlu was a great doctor. My procedure went smooth & the pain I was having is gone! I would totally recommend this doctor! His office team was awesome also. The heathloop was great, keeping in touch daily to see if everything was going well was a plus in my book.

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I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2015 and my GP sent me to Balaji Charlu who was supposed to be an expert in Back, Spine & Neck. MRI showed a 9 mm herniated disc (lumbar) that was unfortunately symptomatic and was causing pain, discomfort, and sciatica in my left leg. He pushed to get surgery when a surgery was not necessary and I am currently pain free with no injection or surgery thanks to other doctors who helped me heal. Avoid Balaji Charlu

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50% better with back, still having balance lower legs abstained a walker need a cain need approval from insurance to cover 80% of equipment. Which doctor needs to approve it?? Thank you for your check-ups Peter DeCaro 50% better with back, still having balance lower legs abstained a walker need a cain need approval from insurance to cover 80% of equipment. Which doctor needs to approve it?? … More

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Great doctor and technician

Excellent care and follow up

Fantastic doctor. Has kept my back in wonderful, almost pain-free condition through a series of nerve ablations.

The doctor was very attentive to my care. He communicated often to make sure I had no complications and that my recovery is right on schedule.

Dr. Charlu has a warm bedside manner. He really listens to what is happening with you, and is very thorough in his evaluations of your symptoms and pain. He genuinely cares for your health and wellbeing.

Very pleased with Dr. Charlu. Having a herniated disc and having to got to a pain management doctor was not a very pleasant thing to have to do, but Dr. Charlu was always caring, took the time to answer my questions and looked at all other reasonable options for me to to pursue to deal with my issue.

Multiple encounters for back issue, once we finally got to a diagnosis, the two-level RFA procedure for my facet joint nerve ablation worked perfectly and I was pain-free after almost 6 months of not being able to stanD for more than 5 minutes due to excruciating pain. Dr. Charlu is personable and professional.

I have seen several different doctors in the Newport Orthopedic Group and have found them all to be superior quality physicians. Dr. Balaji Charlu has given me several epidurals and he does these painlessl. Then has an email followup program that checks with me daily to keep track of how I am feeling and to answer any questions I may have. When I have had a question I receive an immediate response. Great doctor! I have seen several different doctors in the Newport Orthopedic Group and have found them all to be superior quality physicians. Dr. Balaji Charlu has given me several epidurals and he does these painlessl. Then has an email followup … More

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