Michael Estes, MD

Just called to try and get in for a physical as a new patient. Receptionist barely spoke English so updating all information in UCLA system took 20 minutes, and then was pushed off 2 MONTHS for a simple physical because «we push new patients off». Nice professionalism there. I will search for someone else.

I am writing an updated review as I have recently had to deal with a major medical issue and Dr. Estes was not only compassionate, but kind, supportive and incredibly helpful. He was sincerely concerned for my well-​being and did everything in his power to ensure that I was okay physically and emotionally. He went over and above the call of duty as a physician. He willingly filled out form after form without ever making it seem as if it was a hassle (although I know it was). He answered every question with complete honesty and his sincerity and authenticity was apparent. I really cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Estes.

Just moved to LA, and after searching for a week online I came across Dr. Estes and decided to go see him. Absolutely amazing doctor, took great care in listening to me, made sure I get set up with an online account so we can stay in touch if need be, and really gave me the personal experience. Great guy, highly recommend him, and hopefully will stick with him as my doc.

Dr. Michael Estes has been my primary care physician for several years and I strongly feel that he is truly an outstanding doctor. Tthat is why, even though English is not my native language, I have decided to write this review.
This young doctor is very up to date with the latest medical information and is a brilliant diagnostician. He has the rare gift of knowing how to patiently listen and, in my case, no matter how difficult the problems have been, he has always promptly taken the right decisions. Also, he has always been able to refer me to the very best specialists. It is so comforting to see an internist who cares and who you can trust absolutely. I have referred several friends to Dr. Estes and they all agree with me that he is remarkable.
I was completely chocked to see one negative review which, by the way says absolutely nothing about Dr. Estes ability, and further, does not seem to make any sense at all: why would anyone go to one physician for an annual exam and to another one for vaccinations? Most likely that reviewer is totally confused…
Again, in choosing Dr. Estes, I know, by experience that I made the best possible
choice.
Jean-​Pierre Tornai

I wish I could give zero star to this guy. So, I went to see this doctor for vaccination and he charged me for an annual as well which I found out later that year when I got bills from the doctor who I went to see for my annual. When I called insurance they said they do not pay for it twice in a year because this guy submitted documents for my annual. Do not go to him, he is a fraud.

I’m new to the west coast and I found Dr. Estes through a referral of a co-​worker. So far, he’s been great. Thorough, friendly, inquisitive and it felt like he was solely focused on me and my concerns. He was also great about suggesting that i call and that he could sometimes help just via phone vs. having me come in each time. Really helpful and I appreciated his approach and flexibility. Definitely worth connecting with if you’re looking for a new primary care physician.

Dr Estes changed my view on healthcare. I’m so grateful to have him as my primary doctor. He is always so calm caring and professional. Thank you UCLA and Dr Estes for the wonderful service.
VF

A doctor with a heart. He genuinely cares for his patients, especially the elderly. He is an asset to UCLA!

According to most nurses I’ve talked to, men tend to faint more when giving blood.
Well, that’s definitely the case for me. I’ve had some awesome dreams that are shaken awake in a doctor’s office with some poor medical pro asking me if I’m alright and waving smelling salts in my face.
Unfortunately, over the years, I’ve managed to destroy myself enough that I’ve wound up in the hospital a bunch. Combine that with the agony of watching a loved one succumb to cancer, and a natural talent for konking out at the doctor’s office, and you’ve got a nightmare patient.
Add in one last ingredient of a doctor who reacts a little strongly about symptoms that may indicate a larger problem, and you’ve got a patient who gets lightheaded or goes into shock over just about anything. I wound up in the ER at one point because a doctor I visited freaked me out with her reaction over my lack of reflexes in my right leg due to a past ruptured disc, and then though I was having a seizure when I fainted on her.
I loved my doctor up in Seattle (Dr. Touboul:
), and needed a solid, relaxed Doc who wouldn’t freak me out. I got a referral from the awesome ER director at the Santa Monica hospital for Dr. Estes. Set up an appointment, he was able to see me the same week.
The dude is awesome. I warned him I tend to pass out, he took it in stride, no problem. I queried about reasons why I am having trouble dropping the last bit of weight, we joked a little bit. «You’re getting old, man!» While he was giving me a physical, we were talking about different stuff I was dealing with (e.g. that old ruptured disk/​lack of reflexes in my right foot issue), and he had me lie down, tested my feet, and kept me lying down. It’s much harder to faint when you’re on your back like that. :)
Then he sent me on to get my blood taken. The staff nurses here are fantastic. This should be a different review, but for other guys like me who get light-​headed: they have this big ez-​boy chair they can plop you in, put the feet up, back down… feels like you’re about to watch a game at home. The nurse who took my blood was super friendly; we discussed owning pit-​bull mix dogs, and before I knew what was happening we were all done.
All in all, I’m ecstatic to have found a solid doctor who kept me relaxed. I remember thinking to myself «this guy’s got my back.» Exactly what I want in a doctor. :)