Dr. Daniel Lu, MD

Dr. Lu was a godsend to me. Since I previously had spinal fusion surgery, repairing my Lumbar spine would be exceptionally challenging. When I had my consultation Dr. Lu immediately identified the problem and explained what needed to be done to repair my spine. In addition, he clearly set forth the limitations and the likelihood of success. Dr. Lu responded to all of my questions regarding my condition and his recommendations.Dr. Lu's support staff was fantastic--they quickly responded to my emails prior to surgery. Dr. Lu's surgical repair was miraculous, the weakness in my legs was totally gone. My follow up appointment with his PA, Sara, went very well. She too answered all my inquiries clearly and succinctly. The bottom line is this: If you need a highly skilled neurosurgeon, Dr. Lu should be considered for your healthcare needs.

I had a cervical decompression spine surgery after an accident urgently that day and thank God, it was successful and my life was spared. However, the initial follow up visit after that was cold and frigid. I was at a loss and frightened for I did not ever have spine issue before. I was so physically weak not able to think or take care of myself. I did not know what to ask and still in daze, numbness and discomfort andhad to think of what to ask. He stared quietly and my simple questions were answered with only a yes or no. I would have love to hear some words of explanation. The following visits were merely assigned to a nurse practitioner. The NP was very helpful. This surgery went back to 2 1/2 years ago and I still have a grateful yet painful memory of Dr Lu. Since it was an urgent surgery after I passed out, I never had a chance to talk to him before surgery.

I had cervical disc replacement (ADR) with Dr. Lu two weeks ago at UCLA Spine center. I did NOT need to take any pain medication! Contrary to what I’ve heard/read from all the stories on Utube and online, I was able to eat, drink and speak on day post surgery. DR. LU SPEAKS WITH HIS HANDS! Anesthesiologist Dr. Catherine Cha and her CRNA team listened to my concerns from previous anesthesia experiences and gave me the perfect Goldilocks cocktail of anesthesia. I woke up without feeling nausea nor did I vomit. I was able to walk to use the restroom before I left the hospital on the on the same day post surgery. The nurses and CNAs are thorough and attentive. Bobby Perez (and Vanessa) who updated me about my insurance approval, sending all the pre op instructions and scheduling my appointment with Dr. Lu have been so swift and attentive. What a team! I have been to 6 consultations (neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons) and have almost given up. I was ready to fly to Germany to have my surgery done until I found Dr. Lu. After all these consultations, I felt most doctors in the US were not comfortable with ADR procedure. Most are comfortable with ACDF (fusion) only. I am so blessed I qualify for ADR and to have found Dr. Daniel Lu! He has the experience in both ADR and ACDF surgeries. Never judge a man by his words but through his actions….well Dr. Lu speaks volume with his hands. No one believed I had spine surgery when they came over to visit me for the past two weeks. I am finally pain free after 3 years?? THANK YOU DR. LU ?? FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK! I am forever grateful to have found Dr. Lu ??

(I fear retaliation and cannot identify myself as of yet) Poor care from beginning to end. I am in more pain today than I was at the height of pain before surgery. I don't believe he or his staff cares even a little. He adjusts recording visits properly and honestly. He will not prescribe pain relief medication, and when my insurance approved in-home nursing assistance and PT, his office laughed (yes, truly laughed) at me when I requested they contact the at-home care company to give directives. They were first untruthful about their call, then laughed and told me, "Home nursing won't come, so why should they bother to call." His bedside manner and knowledge are atrocious on a good day. I have zero good to say about him or his sadly misguided staff and superiors.

I had spine surgery by Dr Lu in 2017 to reposition some discs that had been misplaced by my choking due to a bad cold. I have never been able to walk since that surgery. I cannot say for sure that his surgery caused this problem but what I can say with 100% certainty is that I could walk before the surgery and cannot walk after that surgery.

I was suffering from such bad sciatica that I couldn't even dress myself. Dr. Lu's micro discectomy was a life saver. Immediately after surgery, the sciatica pain was gone. Tiny incision healed quickly and I felt minimal pain where the surgery occurred. I was off pain pills by day 3. I was (slowly) walking on the treadmill at the gym on day 3 too (shhhhhh.... don't tell Dr. Lu or I'll be in trouble). I even skied 60 days after surgery (again, don't tell Dr Lu). Highly recommend this doctor and his abilities. Thank you, Dr. Lu!

Dr. Lu has performed a surgery to treat a spine cancer that was causing unbearable pain. I immediately trusted him because I felt like I was in the hands of a highly professional, skilled and kind doctor. He oversaw every step of the 2-day surgery I had to go through, carefully selecting every doctor involved to make sure everything goes as planned. The surgery was extremely successful thanks to him and I have recovered really well and feel great at the moment. I feel really lucky to have had him as my doctor and I highly recommend him.

Dr. Lu has performed 2 discectomies on my lower back, first in 2015 and the second in 2022. Each time, I walked out of the hospital, and was back to a slow normal routine within the week. Not only is he an excellent surgeon, he is also kind and made me feel special and important. His staff is also phenomenal, and the epitome of professionalism! I believe so highly in him and his office, that I travelled from AZ for my 2nd surgery. Thank you team for making this such a great experience!

Dr. Lu was able to get my husband in for surgery right away. He and his staff worked diligently to get him taken care of after many months of pain. It allowed my husband to walk our daughter down the aisle at her wedding just weeks after the surgery!

In the last 5 years, numbness and pain started to develop in my left foot. My recent MRI showed that I have issues at every level from L2 to S1. I came across Dr. Daniel Lu and went to see him to get a second opinion. Dr. Lu presented me with his interpretation of MRI and plan for treatment. He sounded incredibly brilliant, talented, knowledgeable and experienced. He intelligently concluded that L2-L3 was the cause and he was totally right. On my surgery date, I was surprisingly anxiety-free because I was sure I was in the best hands. All pains and numbness are gone. Dr. Daniel Lu is a full professor of Neurosurgery at UCLA. This is a great achievement which takes a lot of hard work. In addition to his expertise and academic accomplishment, Dr. Lu’s humble and caring personality really impressed me. I want to thank Ms. Naomi Gonzalez for what she did for me to make it all go well. Finally, Words can never express how thankful I am and I will always be grateful to Dr. Lu.

I was successfully treated by Dr. Daniel Lu for a severely compressed cervical nerve root, on August 28, 2020 at UCLA Orthopedic Hospital in Santa Monica. The operation involved a replacement of the degenerated disc with an artificial disc and removal of bone spurs. I’m deeply appreciative to Dr. Lu and all the other amazing people who were involved. I experienced the highest level of professionalism, skill and empathy at every step of the experience. It is now almost one year since the surgery. My previously severe symptoms are thankfully gone. A recent follow up visit confirmed the continued proper placement and function of the new disc. There are not words to describe how fortunate I feel to have been treated by such skilled and dedicated professionals. My experience was entirely positive. I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Lu, his staff and the UCLA Orthopedic Hospital.

TERRIBLE DOCTOR. DR LU HAS RUINED MY LIFE. he resents being asked questions: literally tried to escape via the door each time. following surgery, he never came to see me. in his office whenever i complained of a problem, he alleged he never heard of "such a thing" and would try to leave. my pain has only increased post-surgery to the point i cant walk more than a block without suffering SEVERE pain for hours afterward. WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND HIM...and surprised UCLA still keeps him.

This Doctor might be knowledgeable but he definitely lacks empathy and communication skills. He has no patience with his patients. He was the first doctor to go to for my back pain, he came in a rush, kept looking at his watch and felt irritated when we asked questions. He advised me to do an ASAP surgery, once I told him that I have to digest the concept of surgery, and need to think about it, he gave me an ultimatum by responding with a tone that he will put a note in my file that it’s my responsibility for refusing to schedule a surgery with him right away. After he found out that I went for a second opinion, he refused to do my surgery. If you want to go with this arrogant doctor, don’t let him know that you are going to take a second opinion. He will take it against you.

I was suffering from leg pain, cramping, and numbness for years. Dr. Lu found the problem and after a successful microdiskectomy I was pain and symptoms free. He explained all my options, he is very caring and a great doctor. Whoever will have surgery with him is in great hands.

My husband has an MRI at a West Hils radiology office, and he was misdiagnosed for 6 months. Treated for pain and the Radiologist missed the obvious cyst. A friend our ours suggested Dr. Lu. We brought the MRI and he immediately told us my husband had a cyst that was causing his pain. Dr. Lu is super exceptional and has a calmness about him that is totally reassuring. A few months later I had immense pain in my shoulder brought in an MRI , had surgery last Friday and no pain. Only inconvenience a neck collar. Part of the recovery.

very poor bedside manner... he only has 10 minutes with his patients does not review your mri thoroughly. he will remind you that medicine is a practice... very egotistical however I blame myself since I have a lot of family within the medical community and should've asked around before seeing him.. Word has it he really excellent in his research ability... HIS COLLEGUES KNOWS HIS BEDSIDE MANNER IS THAT OF A RAT...do yourself a huge favor and stay away.... The staff was really professional

I went in for consultation & Dr. Lu showed me my x-ray/ MRI results & recommended surgery. I was shocked...& scared...but he re-assured me. & I researched him & was very confident of his expertise in this field. A very kind, competent surgeon & I highly recommend him....all the office staff & Dr.s are great & respectful... A special thank you to Naomi Gonzalez for answering my questions & concerns; pre & post op.

Dr. Lu's positive and professional demeanor meant everything to me and my family. He also exceeded his surgery outcome. Thank you Dr. Lu!

Dr. Lu saved my life. When a Neurosurgeon at another hospital admitted that the malignant tumor in my spine was too difficult to remove, I was devastated. Dr. Lu walked into my new UCLA hospital room, told me I had nothing to worry about and he was going to take care of the situation! My family and I were finally comforted by his positive energy and confidence. The surgery and follow ups have been huge successes!

Dr. Lu is personable, professional, knowledgeable and straight forward. He took time to explain my condition and treatment options. My surgery lasted 75 min. I spent 1hr in recovery then walked out of the hospital into a waiting car. My relief from back & leg pain was immediate. I am now 3 months out of surgery, back at the gym regularly, my demeanor and posture have improved. I have not taken a pill for pain since the day after surgery. REMARKABLE!