Dr. Kiarash Michel, MD

After multiple visits to Dr. Kia Michel office, through observation and interaction, I have concluded that everyone on the staff is well trained, professional, and pleasant. There are two staff members who stand out for me. Maz is intelligent, capable, knowledgeable, and patient. Genesis can make anybody feel better through her smile and her caring.

Response from Dr. Kiarash Michel

Thank you so much. Amazing patients are what keep us providing great care.

After 5 years, I'm moving on from Comprehensive Urology and Dr. Kia Michel. While I'm sure Dr. Michel is a competent doctor, in my experience, his practice apparently focuses more on charging patients for services and tests vs. finding an effective treatment plan. My issue is enlarged prostate (BPH) and while Dr. Michel did lots of tests and touted various treatments - some of which would not be covered by insurance - I never got a sense that he really saw me as an individual patient. Perhaps this is because he focuses more on prostate cancer vs. BPH? If so, why wouldn't he say so and refer me out? Perhaps it was because I was just another income source that he could use to charge my insurance for tests that I didn't see the value of - and that I had to then ask him about afterwards (because follow-up from his office was spotty). He would then wave his hand and say "oh, you're fine." But why run the test? Just to "be sure?" Sure of what? There wasn't a lot of rational thought behind… his treatment or plan (if there was one). For example, he recommended a new minimally invasive procedure to shrink my prostate which involved a lot of time and testing to set up with an outside doctor. After all that prep (time out of my day and my business), that doctor actually dissuaded me from getting the procedure, saying that I was not an ideal candidate. Dr. Michel was emphatic that I should reconsider. When I asked why, he said: "Well, all the guys who have this done love it." But those "guys" aren't me. I explained my concerns and my goals with managing my BPH and why I was skeptical about this particular procedure, but he seemed not to care. His suggestion: let's do some more tests. Sure: more charges to the insurance company. That's when I decided: I'm not going back. Other annoying issues: - Dr. Michel is usually late for his appointments so I made sure to schedule at the beginning of the day so I would be his "first-up." - No telehealth. Dr. Michel doesn't "do" phone calls. You have to come into the office or talk to his PA. I live 45 mins away in good traffic. Really? - No connection to the centralized records database "My Chart" used by Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health (and other So.Cal health systems), so no transparency on test results. You have to call the office and get them to email them to you. So they have a fancy new office but can't be bothered to provide digital access to their patients? Subsequently, I have consulted with a few other urologists who have been a lot clearer about all the available strategies for my BPH - something I never got from Dr. Michel. Looking back, it feels like Dr. Michel was happy for me to remain ignorant so he could be the expert, dictate (charmingly) what should be done, but never really address my issues or concerns in an effective or efficient manner. In looking at my records, I now realize that I probably lost about 2 years going around and around with Dr. Michel when I could have followed a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Response from Dr. Kiarash Michel

We just wanted to reach out and let you know that we do our best to make time for our patients and we're always here if you need to discuss anything about your care. Our new facility is equipped with a host of testing equipment to ensure we get a fast and accurate diagnosis. Some tests are covered by insurance, but coverage can change based on your insurance companies' policy updates. We're available by phone if you need any help. 310-278-8330.

Great bedside manners

I'm so glad my friend told me about Dr. Michel. I was experiencing serious discomfort and pain with my condition and Dr. Michel was able to immediately diagnose/treat me. I'm so appreciative of him and would recommend his practice to all of my friends and family. Thanks Dr. Michel!

I loved my experience with Dr. Michel and his staff! I was experiencing a lot of discomfort from urinary tract infections and he really took the time to treat me. The whole visit from beginning to end was very positive and the results have been excellent. I highly recommend Dr. Michel!

I located Dr Michel after seeing another urologist for many months which was an awful experience. Dr Michel and office staff are simply superior and excellent in listening, care, knowledge, skills, technology methods, equipment, service, personal attention. He listens patiently and provides full complete information minimizing anticipating my many questions. I now have a urologist I trust implicitly who is among the very best in field-an extremely fine physician and person of great quality. I have recommended him to several and they too are very pleased. In summary, he is GREAT !

Dr. Michel not only comes across as a professional, wise and caring doctor--he actually is all those things! His explanation of procedures and reasons for why they were necessary were well considered and convincing. He also did not try to belittle my fears or concerns, or to change the limitations I imposed on how much invasive testing I would endure, and how I would respond if the outcome was serious. He is a personable, likable but highly professional man and I feel I am getting the best treatment possible when in his care. His staff is amazing, especially his P.A.'s--I work with Greg Poirier--and must also be credited for making a visit to Dr. Michel's office such a reassuring experience. Dr. Michel & staff are the best!

DR MICHEL IS AN AMAZING DOCTOR AND AN INCREDIBABLY COMPANSIONATE PERSON. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD CANCER TWICE SO WE HAVE HAD TO SEE SEVERL DIFFERENT DOCTORS, AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT DR. MICHEL IS THE BEST THERE IS. HE IS TRULY A LIFE SAVER!