Dr. Kartik Ananth, MD

The physician lacked empathy during appointments and was dismissive of the panic symptoms I shared with him. Physician always runs late, does not return calls and rushes appointments I was referred by a female friend, so maybe this physician is more empathetic to female patients and less empathetic towards male patients. I called USC Medical School and found a physician that provided me the empathy, professionalism and recovery plan that has worked to address my symptoms. Unfortunately, the time wasted seeing Kartik Ananth sent my recovery back severely.

Takes time to listen and explain I am in my 60's snd that is important .

I had a very balanced and professional conversation with Dr Ananth regarding my pain medications. He very professionally explained to me the future requirements to continue in a program that permitted my prescriptions and the options available to me, at the end of the discussion we reached a mutually agreed upon solution that met his needs and obligations and satisfied my needs in pain management.

Dr. Ananth cares about his patients and does what he can to help alleviate his patients' pain. He is fair and reasonable in his assessment of pain, making sure he gets to the root of the pain before recommending treatment beyond prescription pain medication and trigger point therapy. I have completed a couple of series of epidurals after review of my MRI, the latest of which kept me pain free for nearly 2 years. Prior to proceeding with further treatment, Dr. Ananth ordered a new MRI to assess the reasonableness and necessity of further medical treatment. He even called me after hours to go over my MRI results when they came in, to discuss further treatment options, rather than making me wait until my next office visit. I completely trust Dr. Ananth with my pain management care, and I appreciate the friendly and concerned attitudes he and his staff have towards their patients. I will not go to another doctor for management of my pain, and I highly recommend him to others looking… for an excellent pain management physician.

Dr Ananth is a great doctor who listened to me and we worked out a plan to get off meds. The results have been great.

Superb physician who is knowledgeable and practices an excellent brand of medicine. He is a "Physician's physician"

Dr. A always listens first before making suggestions. I know my body pretty well and he respects that. Previous experiences with other Dr.s have led me to believe my perceptions didn't really matter they were doing things their way and that was that.

Dr. Ananth is amazing! I came to him after a drunk driver hit me and injured my back, knees and neck. Right away, Dr. Ananth efficiently treated me, diagnosed me, and listened to what I described in reference to the chronic back and knee pain I was experiencing! Other doctors had ignored my pains, and they failed to treat me, but Dr. Ananth listened, cared, and prescribed an effective treatment plan to help with the herniated disc and nerve pain that I experienced! He's an excellent, kind spirit, genuine and cares about treating patients!

Dr Arnath was instrumental in providing a alternative med for pain control. I needed first to withdrawal from the current narcotics which I did slowly. Could have gone smoother and scheduling the withdrawal period. A written protocol and info on the withdrawal process would have been instrumental in the process. I was only told I would go thru a withdrawal yet never told when it actually occurs. I was unpleasently surprised at its arrival. I am greatful for the Dr's ethics in trying to help patients find alternative meds to narcotics that are not healthy in the long run. Please provide patients with a written info sheet if withdrawal is the plan.

I was referred to Dr. Ananth from one of my orthopedic specialists for my awful and incredibly painful journey through my miserable spinal issues (L4-S1). I have gone to several specialists (can't be too careful when it's your SPINE) and all have determined that A - Surgery (at least 2 - Microdiscectomy and then Fusion) are necessary and B - Pain Management is a CRITICAL part of my healing/survival process (plus not jumping out a window from the agony). I have to admit, I was hesitant to go to a "Pain Management Clinic". I didn't know what they did, what was to be expected, etc. I was scheduled for an epidural and a consult. Within moments of my first visit, all my concerns were not only gone, but I felt much more confident that my overall care was being handled properly. Rather than rushing through the facts of my case, Dr. Ananth spent quite a long time with me, answering all my questions (I had a LOT), explaining to me various options and more importantly - putting me at… ease that although he, as the expert would be leading the charge medically - my comfort, opinion and choices were ALWAYS a factor and a priority. This is something that rarely (if ever) occurs. Usually, they want you in and out. Since then, he has extended himself even further, calling me personally to follow up as my surgeon has changed, the surgery date has changed and I was very scared about the entire process. He was amazingly kind, compassionate and calming. His "bedside" (office and via phone) manner helping me get ready for surgery has been incredible. As anyone in chronic pain understands, it is miserable. Having an advocate who will answer questions until you feel comfortable with your decisions is pretty extraordinary. Dr. Ananth has even reached out to my surgeon to touch base prior so that I truly have a "team" which is very important to me in my medical approach. Additionally, my case has from the start been handled exactly like that...like MY case...not like a form, standard, preconceived, "here's how we always do it" I felt like Dr. Ananth and his PA really listed to me to understand what I was worried about, what worked for ME, what didn't, what I was interested in trying, etc. I am always interested in exploring other options (such as homeopathic choices, dietary alterations, PT, etc) and was encouraged to try ALL things that helped ME while being given medically expert advise. At the end of the day, I just want to get well and I truly felt as though Dr. Ananth wanted me to be healthy, out of pain and free from all this misery. He could not have been more generous with his time, knowledge or compassion. Anyone in this situation is miserable enough, without question - Dr. Ananth cares to help solve that. I am grateful to have him on my medical team and would highly recommend him to anyone else.