Hamid R Mir, MD

Robert M.
For almost two decades I have been dealing with lower back and related sciatica pain issues. I’ve always enjoyed an active outdoor life, including deep sea fishing, long walks in nature, yoga and other physical activities. I retired two years ago and was looking forward to enjoying my retirement. However, in the past year it seemed as if the pain management medications and other treatments were not as successful as they had been in the past in managing the ongoing lower back and sciatica pain. I felt that the quality of my life was being affected. After sharing my concerns with my primary care physician of 20+ years, he recommended that I consult with Dr. Hamid Mir. What a blessing it was the day that I met Dr. Mir and his staff. Dr. Mir took his time with me and listened carefully to what I said. Dr. Mir’s doctor-​patient approach was excellent, and I felt that he truly cared and wanted to help me. Dr. Mir ordered various images of my lower back, and I was impressed that he gave specific instructions to the MRI and radiology technicians how he wanted the images prepared. It was clear to me that Dr. Mir pays very close attention to detail. After reviewing the images with Dr. Mir and discussing my symptoms, I was also impressed when Dr. Mir suggested that we start with revised non-​surgery procedures. If the symptoms continued or became worse, then I could consider having Dr. Mir perform a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure. I followed Dr. Mir’s suggestions and just returned from 3 weeks in lower Baja California where I enjoyed four days of deep sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Even though the fishing was slower than normal, I was very pleased that I did not experience major lower back or sciatica issues when I was there. I had followed Dr. Mir’s suggestions and recommendations. If I ever do require spine surgery, I am thankful that Dr. Mir knows my case, and will be the doctor to perform the required surgery. I am also grateful that Dr. Mir’s staff are excellent, responsive and also exhibit a sincere desire to help my medical needs. Thank you, Dr. Mir for helping to improve my quality of life, and for monitoring my progress, and for helping me be able to play with my 2 year old grandson, and do other things in my life.

I have serious questions about Dr. Mir’s ethical practices and patient care. Over the course of three months, his suggested medical care, for my herniated disc, kept shifting. First, he recommended a decompression. Shortly thereafter, he called back and said I would not be a great candidate for a decompression, but discussed a disectomy and a fusion. After finally agreeing on a procedure, I got another call, the next day, saying that he suggested we «hold off.» Instead, he suggested pursuing stem cell injections and encouraged more epidural injections. Well, it turns out, the person he recommended for the injections is now in the process of joining D.I.S.C. So, while I am suffering, I have documented evidence that my protocol of care was motivated by potentially unnecessary procedures, that would just keep extending the process (I have been suffering since Dec., and racking up charges). Other examples include: when I told him that I was pursing stem cell injections for my achilles tendinosis, he called it «hocus pocus.» However, recently, when his office started offering them, along with a trial, low and behold, he recommended stem cell injections. Also, CVS had to fax his office 4 times for medication refills. This week, I was scheduled to see Dr. Mir in the Newport office. I took time off of work to drive from LA to Orange County. I arrive, and find out that Dr. Mir was not even in the office! He was in the Marina. There are so many amazing spine specialists in our area. Avoid Dr. MIr. and his office.

Dr. Hamid Mir is AMAZING and his staff is excellent! He is extremely well-​educated and qualified, very patient and took his time explaining what needed to be done. My consultation was on Wednesday, pre-op’s on Thursday, staff pressed to get all results on Friday, and very successful cervical herniated disc surgery on Monday. That fast and easy! Out-​patient surgery; healed very quickly. One inch scar on my neck… barely noticeable :) Two month post-​op visit, almost completely healed and able to start physical therapy for muscle stiffness. The P.T. was just a few simple exercises and gentle massage. Three month post-​op visit, completely HEALED!!!

I do not have enough good things to say about Dr. Mir and his staff. I went in after researching for a long time to specifically see Dr. Mir. I had a long term gymnastics injury that had become debilitating. I was having numbness down my leg, and some mornings could not get out of bed. It had taken me out of all the sports and activities that I was doing. When Dr. Mir saw me, I immediately knew that surgery was the best option for me. He carefully explained every aspect carefully and throughly. I knew I was in great hands. My surgery was scheduled just weeks after my initial visit, I met all my other doctors that would be assisting in my Spinal Fusion surgery. I felt extremely comfortable with everything. My recovery was extremely fast, I was up and moving in a matter of days. I had my followup appointments and everything was healing perfectly. It was been 10 months since my surgery and I am living completely pain free. I am so thankful for Dr. Mir giving me my active life back! I highly recommend him, I give his name to all my friends who have back problems.

Dr. Mir was wonderful and his staff and office assistants were top notch. It was such a pleasure to meet a doctor with such great communication skills who seemed so caring. Not only did he seem extremely well educated and qualified, but he took his time with me and genuinely seems to want to help. I wish I could say the same for all of the other spinal surgeons I consulted, but he really stood out to me. Also, his staff was so impressive with their kind approach to communication and efficiency with everything that needed to be done. I have had some very poor experiences recently with other offices and it was a very refreshing change!

I am so impressed with Dr. Hamid Mir and truly grateful for his integrity and professionalism. We recently had a consult with him for our daughter and couldn’t have been more pleased. He evaluated her case thorough and after consideration, not only recommended that she see a surgeon better suited to her situation but also helped to set up the appointment. I have shared our story with many people and they have all been equally impressed.

Dr. Mir recently performed back surgery on me. I have had back problems for years but a recent auto accident made the lower back pain and leg pain significantly worse. It had a negative impact on my lifestyle and restricted what I could do. After meeting with Dr. Mir all of my fears were gone and he performed the surgery. It was night and day difference. I have zero leg pain and the back pain from the actual surgery is almost completely gone. He has changed my life forever. He is not only a great surgeon but has a great bed side manner, which is very important to me. I would recommend Dr. Mir to anyone.

Dr. Hamid Mir was highly recommended by my primary care physician to help me with my severe lower back and right leg pain. The pain really started ten years earlier, when I was diagnosed with mild degenerative disc disease. I started and continued physical therapy and OTC medication, which helped for a while, but the last couple of years had started to fail. By the time I came to see Dr. Mir, I was in excruciating pain 24 – 7 and going to the ER for relief.
Dr. Mir was very kind and patient with me, and listened to all of my concerns. He saw surgery as a last resort and never pushed it as a first-​line solution. He first recommended an epidural steroid injection, which did not help. I’m glad I did it, though, because it was a necessary step before resorting to surgery. About a week after the injection, I was at the end of my rope and was in so much pain, I came to him and said «Please, Doctor, fix it!!!» I had no time to get a second opinion even, the pain was so bad. Dr Mir and his staff got right on it and scheduled my surgery. He did an awesome job, as 4 months later, I’m doing very well with minimal pain, and most days, no pain at all!
I want to also give great credit to Dr. Mir and his staff, especially Jami, Jayne, and Noor, who communicated and worked closely and consistently with me to get this very necessary surgery. There were some issues with my insurance company first authorizing then denying the surgery, such that it had to be rescheduled. Dr. Mir and his staff put their all into working with the insurance company over the weekend to get it approved for me. It had originally been scheduled for a Monday and they got it rescheduled for Tuesday, the very next day. It was like everyone rearranged their schedules just for me, and I’m so grateful. I can’t thank them enough for doing this!
The staff at the DISC surgery center were wonderful and helped ease all my fears. I had an anterior lumbar inter-​body fusion at L5-​S1 with posterior fixation, and partial laminectomy decompression at L4-​L5 and L5-​S1. I was up and walking the night of the surgery and went home the next morning to the comfort of my own home. No hospital germs!
Dr. Mir, Jami, Jayne, Noor, and the entire DISC team, THANK YOU for your understanding and skill in working with me. Most of all, thank you for fixing my ailing back!!!

Told me to «get a fusion and get it over with». Wow. After finding out my problem is brachial plexus related, his rash actions would have led to a primitive surgery. But at least he would be done with me, and over with that, right? Too hasty to recommend surgery and based on symptoms that are better explained by other sources.

This is one of the worst doctors that I have ever encountered. All he cares about is getting paid. I saw him and he ordered more tests (MRI). He said he would call me with the results. It has been 14 days and nothing. I have called his office 8 times asking when he was going to call me. Twice they have made appointments and he did not call. Both times I waited at least 2 hours for the call. I offered to do it via email but he refused to reply. Apparently he does not really care about his patients… I am an out of state patient and because I will not be back to see him, he lost total interest in following through and giving me my results. There are several good spine doctors in Newport Beach. Go somewhere else!

I was in a very bad situation herniating a disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC and Dr. Hamid. The Doctor was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision. When I was in a lot of pain and really couldn’t walk Dr. Hamid treated me and I forever grateful. I highly recommend his office including Jamie who helps with scheduling and administration. If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.

Jamie from Dr. Mir’s office called me to discuss my previous review. She told me that she was letting me know «as a courtesy» that she would be publicly divulging my personal medical history without my consent. I asked if this was a retaliation for the review to which she first responded yes, but then quickly changed her mind and said no. I asked where she would be sharing this information and she told me, «there are websites».
I spoke to an attorney that told me that this is not only completely unethical, but a blatant violation of HiPAA guidelines and against the law. I called Jamie back to let her know that I wanted to re-​affirm that they are not authorized to divulge my medical records to anyone. She told me that she was able to look it up any time she wanted. I let her know that was a HIPAA violation to which she told me that she can look up anything for their patients. I informed her that she may not look up my records as I am not their patient and she has no right to look up any of my records.
If this office calls to bully you about your review, just know that you have rights. They cannot divulge your personal medical history to ANYONE and can’t simply look things up whenever they feel like it. Don’t give in. Remind them of HIPAA.
Not only will I be reporting this practice to Unilocal,but to the California Medical Board, HIPAA, and with Disc Spine Center.

I’m a 26 year old who had surgery in December on my spine. Discectomy of the L3−4 and L4−5. I was having severe pain radiating into my legs and upon waking up the pain was gone! He recommended a great physical therapist that has been helping me get back into things. Throughout my PT I have had multiple visits back to Dr. Mir for him to check my progress and also recommend certain exercises and yoga poses that will help me along. He is youthful, easy to talk to, and pleasant to be around. I would recommend him to a friend most definitely.

2 ½ stars, three here to be nice. He did enlighten us on my fiancé’s condition, in terms of what past MRIs/​CT scans of his spine indicate, and what we should probably do to address the health concern we came to him with. He ultimately referred us to another doctor, but that’s not what I had a problem with.
His bedside manner needs a little working on. I handed one of his assistants a packet containing CDs with images of my fiancé’s spine, as well as a set of papers with notes indicating everything done to treat the health problem we were there to address, and all the doctor’s forms they asked us to fill out. Every t was crossed and i dotted. Yet when we sat down with Dr. Mir, he asked us questions about what procedures had been done before. We’d answer, but he’d want more details. Granted, I’m not a doctor, so I’m not used to spitting out all that jargon, yet he seemed a little annoyed at this. I pointed out the fact that I made up said document containing a history of all past procedures. I don’t think he even looked at it. Another thing: He would ask a question, one of us would answer, but at the tail end of our answer, he’d interrupt and ask another question. Really rude, I thought. Not to mention not effective.

Dr. Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. He is very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His staff is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain.

Dr. Mir is a very honest doctor. I suddenly had real bad back pain and I couldn’t move. I went to another doctor and took an MRI, he recommended surgery for me. I wanted to get another opinion and a friend recommended Dr. Mir. I am so thankful I saw him. He suggested I bed rest for four or five days and gave me some anti-​inflammatory medication. After resting for four days and taking the medications my pain level went from a 9 or 10 to a 3 and now I am pain free!!! I am so glad I saw Dr. Mir he changed my life I am back normal. I highly recommend him if you want an honest Dr. Even when you see him you can tell from his kind face that he is a good person!!!

Dr. Mir is an excellent surgeon. He did surgery on my back and my pain is gone. I am active in sports and have had no problems. I recommend him to anyone contemplating spine surgery. My recovery was quick. He has great bedside manner.

Dr. Mir is very professional, attentive and wonderfully knowledgeable and experienced in Orthopedic and Neurology. Gary and Mailin manage the phones and front office with warmth, sincerity and excellence! Dr. only sees patients on Thursday — hence important to be patient and gracious. Some of the other patients get impatient and unreasonable with them. I wanted to say something though best to not add any fuel to their fire.

Dr. M did a phenomenal job on my surgery in 2006. I was in a terrible car accident, breaking my femur and ulna. He put a plate in my arm and a rod in my femur. The scars are minimal and he purposely made sure they are in places where they can’t be seen. He was professional and positive about my recovery, pushing me to the limit, even when it hurt! Dr. M also went above and beyond to help me with my personal injury case outside of office hours.
It has been 4 years and I just saw him today. He remembered me, gave me a hug and asked how I was doing. He’s professional and detailed in his work. I would definitely recommend him for any orthopedic surgeries!

Horrible bedside manner. Didn’t read a word of my intake. Had to yell at him to get him to listen to me, and finally he said, «why didn’t you tell me?» Totally lame, avoid at all cost.
EDITED, UPDATED REVIEW: After reading his B-​S response to other reviews including mine, as well as the fake ones that he must have had friends post, I urge you not to go to this Dr. We have a choice in providers and should not give any business to people who are rude and inconsiderate to their patients.
Let me go into more detail for those reviewers who think I might be a «bad» patient… which I am not. I’m very well educated, patient, courteous, and come prepared to every doctor I’ve ever seen. I write out all my questions (appropriate questions!) ahead of time because I know, and respect that their time is precious and limited. I completed their entire intake in extreme detail, and to my dismay, Dr. Mir read NONE of it before he came in to see me. He asked me what was wrong (bad car accident, many herniated discs in thoracic and cervical) and when I began to tell him, he started talking over me… so I stopped talking to listen, and he never stopped. At any pause I would try and get a question in, and he wouldn’t answer ANYTHING! Thank God my wife was there because I have a witness to this lameness, and she helped to actually get his attention… weird, right? Well it happened. Finally, we got him to listen to the most important question number 1, which was written all over my intake, and that’s when he finally said «why didn’t you tell me?» Are you kidding me Dr. Mir??? Why anyone would ever let you cut into them is beyond me. If a dr. can’t LISTEN to their patients, they should go back to med school 101… better yet, they should end up with a dr. like him.
This Dr. should consider treating his patients like well educated adults, then he wouldn’t have to try to sway a Unilocal rating. Maybe he could also do some deep breathing and therapy to figure out why he’s so angry that people are coming to him for help?!
Last thought: don’t do it