Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - Los Angeles, California

Shannon Trotter

It deeply pains me to write this review, especially considering how much I once trusted and admired Cedars-Sinai. In the past, I truly believed they had the best doctors, nurses, and care teams. When my father was tragically murdered, I felt they fought relentlessly to save him, and when I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, I was convinced I had the most capable and compassionate team by my side.

But ten years later, after moving back to Los Angeles from Orange County, the difference is staggering. It's hard to ignore how far this institution has fallen, and frankly, it’s terrifying to think that AI might soon be doing a better job than the current staff. The X-ray techs didn't secure me properly with the necessary protection, the nurses were downright lazy and dismissive, and the doctor I saw acted as if my health was more of a burden than a responsibility.

What was even more shocking was the state of the hospital itself. The bathrooms were filthy, and there was zero privacy in what they refer to as “the pit” — an area that’s uncomfortably shared with registration. It felt like I had entered a third-world country where basic healthcare was an afterthought — and yet, I’ve seen American doctors volunteering in other countries, offering better care with more compassion than what I experienced here.

This wasn’t just about a hospital being overwhelmed with patients. This was about a complete lack of professionalism, organization, sanitation, and, above all, compassion. The decline in quality care is not just noticeable — it's staggering. Many of us who were there that day felt the same way: the cold indifference from the staff, the total disregard for patient dignity, and the overall lack of accountability.

I once trusted Cedars-Sinai with my family’s health, but now I dread the thought of returning. It’s heartbreaking to witness such a dramatic decline in a place that once felt like the pinnacle of healthcare. Until major changes are made — and a true commitment to patient care is restored — I can no longer recommend this facility to anyone.

P.S. If there's anything I can do to help bring back the original culture of Cedars-Sinai, please don't hesitate to let me know. It's absolutely critical for humanity to stay connected, to feel, to care, and to demonstrate our ability to deliver with compassion and purpose. Regrettably, it seems as though your team is falling short, and it's time to reassess how we can reestablish a truly supportive and impactful culture.

If we the patients are there it's because we feel as though we need you, and we're trusting you with our health and our lives. Please do better because I know you can.

Blessings🙏🏽

Kimberly Milton

I had brain surgery (Chiari Decompression Surgery) in January of 2023 at Cedars-Sinai, and have had issues ever since. The surgery was performed by Dr. Ray Chu. I just found out recently, from another non-Cedar’s surgeon, that a titanium plate and screws were implanted into my skull during that surgery; Dr. Chu never informed me of this.

Apparently, during the surgery, I started bleeding from a vein, to the point that sutures and hemostatic agents alone were unable to stop the bleeding. The titanium plate and screws were implanted in my head to hold hemostatic agents in place. MRI scans also showed that I had a CSF leak after surgery, and I still have an accumulation of fluid at the base of my skull.

About a week after the 2023 surgery, I started experiencing severe 10/10 headaches and other symptoms, which included clear discharge from my left ear. I was seen by Dr. Chu, who nothing to help me besides prescribe a muscle relaxer. He did not perform any diagnostic testing; he didn’t swab my ear to check for cerebrospinal fluid, he did not order any imaging to check for a CSF leak or bleeding. My guess, is that was trying to cover up the fact that he implanted metal in my head and never told me about it.

I have had severe, left-sided stabbing headaches and other neurological issues, including problems with dizziness and balance, since the surgery. I haven’t been able to work or have a social life. I have fallen multiple times. One of those times, I ended up in the ER; another time, in the urgent care. The falls have caused facial damage and scarring. I haven’t even been able to take my dog for walks out of fear of falling.

In May of this year, 2024, after no improvement of my symptoms, I was seen by another neurosurgeon. After the CSF flow study came back abnormal, he ordered more tests. At the end of May, before the last test was complete, I started hemorrhaging. CT scans showed that I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraventricular extension and hydrocephalus. A hole was drilled in the top of my skull and an external ventricular drain was placed to drain the blood and CSF out from the ventricles in my brain. I was in the ICU for two weeks.

I have reason to believe that my complete medical records were not being released when requested. I had to fight a bill from CedarsSinai, that I did not owe, for over a year because they would not release my clinical documents to the insurance company so the claim could be processed. Multiple healthcare providers, outside of Cedars-Sinai, have told me that they did not have imaging and other records which I specifically requested be sent to them months prior.

Dr. Chu is totally, completely, unethical and so are the other employees at Cedars-Sinai who tried to help him cover up. The fact that they have let me suffer in pain, for almost a year, is absolutely disgusting. I missed my only child’s graduation from high school because I was in the ICU with brain hemorrhages and a drain in my head. Anyone who could put someone through this should not be working anywhere near the field of healthcare, let alone be working as a doctor.

I previously sent in a complaint to the grievances department at Cedars-Sinai and requested a response back from them; I never received one.

Xavier K

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a nonprofit institution boasting over 900 beds, is at the forefront of healthcare in California. The Cedars-Sinai Health System, which includes the hospital, boasts a formidable staff of over 2,000 physicians and 10,000 employees, supplemented by a dedicated team of 2,000 volunteers and over 40 community groups. My recent visit to this hospital, prompted by my father's admission to the ICU, left me deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of staff, the efficient system in place, and the cutting-edge equipment available. It comes as no surprise that Cedars-Sinai is recognized as California's premier hospital system.

4/4/2024 update

What deeply impressed me about Cedars-Sinai, beyond its state-of-the-art facilities and medical equipment, was the genuine kindness and professionalism displayed by the attending staff, particularly the nurses assigned to my father's ICU. Their compassion and service extended not only to patients but also to families. From their comforting words to small gestures like providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hot tea, they went above and beyond to meet our needs. Additionally, playing relaxing and spiritual music in the room and maintaining cleanliness added to the organized and caring atmosphere.

These acts exemplify their dedication to respecting and serving humanity, especially those facing agony and sorrow. During my time there, I felt surrounded by angels, particularly during the Easter season. Services like the chaplain service, administered by Fr. John Sigler, and the provision of the Sacrament of the Sick for my father brought me immense happiness and comfort. The granting of a plenary indulgence for my father was a profound blessing.

Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a social worker would continue to support us for 13 months after my father's passing. I would like to express my gratitude to some of the staff members who left a lasting impression with their support: Jean, Charlene, Hailey, SOL, and Laura and Eileen, the hospice nurse. Their care and dedication made a difficult time more bearable.

Benjamin Calderon

The staff is professional, the nurses are doing what they are supposed to do. I had a high fever and have to wait many hours to see a doctor. Nevertheless they did their job. I thank you for treating my illness. My other concern is that the staff needs to be checked more often the reason why I say this is the hospital has so many cameras and they still can get away with stolen property. Once I was discharged the male nurse was eager to take the blankets right away. Didn't give me any time to look through if I left something on the bed. The moment I left the hallway I remembered my wallet that had $900 with my driver's license add credit cards we're stolen within less than 5 minutes. I reported it right away and I asked the security to check the cameras and the mail nurse who took the sheets. They told me there's nothing that I can do. The hospital is great but the staff needs to be held accountable. There was never any sign of my wallet. Next time I won't even show up with any documentation because now I'm scared that it will get stolen.

john clark

I hope to never have to visit Cedars-Sinai Medical Center again for medical reasons, but I can’t thank the team here enough for the exceptional care I received. From the moment I walked in, I felt safe, secure, and supported. The staff is not only professional but also incredibly compassionate, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle.

The doctors took the time to explain everything clearly and reassured me every step of the way. The nurses were attentive and kind, ensuring my comfort and answering all my questions. The facility itself is state-of-the-art, with clean, modern spaces and an overall atmosphere of excellence and professionalism.

If I had gone anywhere else, I’d probably still be freaking out, but Cedars-Sinai provided the level of care and expertise that makes it stand out as one of the best medical centers in Los Angeles and beyond. They are truly lifesavers, and I can’t recommend them enough for anyone needing top-notch healthcare.

Saul Garcia

Cedars-Sinai will always hold a place in mine and my family’s hearts! My father was treated really well here whether he was in the ER, was hospitalized, saw the specialists, or went to the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center. All the staff here are wonderful and we’ll forever be grateful for how they treated my father! Thank you to each and every one of the nurses and doctors. My father was able to live longer than expected ❤️

Patrick Mlauzi

My son had a stroke last year. The ICU doctors, nurses and doctors in the recovery floor were Amazing! Extremely professional, dedicated and caring. My son had to have brain surgery. I truly believe he is alive today because he was taken to Cedar Sinai.

Luke Spiezia

My parents and I were visiting Los Angeles in Jan 2024 from Australia for a family holiday to celebrate my mum's birthday. Tragically, my mum suffered a severe stroke in our hotel room days before we were scheduled to come home. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center saved my mum's life. Within 4 hours, mum received the life saving surgery to remove the blood clot in her brain that caused the stroke. During the three weeks in ICU, there were another two or three nightmare nights where she was suffering a lot of other complications which put her in a critical condition to the extent where I thought we were going to lose her. The doctors in the neurological ICU worked tirelessly to save her and they prevailed. Not only did we have the best surgeons, doctors and nurses looking after her, we had the best social workers looking after dad and me, who were going through hell. The loving and kind staff let us sleep in the waiting area and also her ICU room on the recliner. We are truly in debt to the hospital forever and words can't express the care and dedication of the staff. We are forever grateful. Mum is still recovering but is almost walking by herself again and has every intention to visit the hospital and thank all the beautiful people who saved and looked after her. God bless this hospital and every single staff member in it. A shout out also to the security guards who we became friends with who gave us so much support and love each day.