Knowing what to expect at your consultation can make your first visit smoother and more productive. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with a fellowship from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He structures each appointment around a thorough evaluation.
His clinical focus covers shoulder, knee, and elbow conditions for recreational athletes, competitive athletes, fighters, combat sports practitioners, and active adults. This page walks you through the process so you arrive prepared and informed.
Preparing For Your Orthopedic Appointment
Arriving prepared helps you get the most from your time with Dr. Jazayeri. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any referral paperwork your primary care doctor provided. Gather relevant medical records, including past imaging reports and operative notes if you had prior surgeries.
Write down a list of current medications, supplements, and any allergies. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the affected joint.
Shorts work well for knee and hamstring concerns, while a tank top helps for shoulder evaluations. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration forms.
What Happens During Your Initial Evaluation
Your visit begins with a comprehensive assessment that goes well beyond the standard exam. We take the time to understand your injury, your goals, and the demands of your active life—reviewing your history, imaging, and physical function in detail to build an accurate picture of what’s driving your symptoms. Central to our practice is the Surgical Athlete philosophy: the belief that every patient, whether preparing for surgery or recovering from injury, deserves to be treated like an athlete whose body can be optimized for peak performance and recovery.
Guided by this approach, we apply Performance Medicine principles, using a personalized Metabolic Report Card to evaluate the physiological factors that influence healing, recovery, and long-term joint health. This allows us to move beyond simply treating the problem in front of us and instead prepare and strengthen your body to recover faster, perform better, and stay resilient. You’ll leave your consultation with a clear diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and a real understanding of the path ahead.
The Role Of Medical History In Your Consultation
Your medical history provides essential context. Dr. Jaz will review past injuries, chronic conditions, and previous treatments you have tried. He will ask about your activity history, including sports participation, training routines, and any combat sports involvement.
This background helps him connect your current symptoms to underlying patterns. Be ready to discuss prior surgeries, even those unrelated to your current complaint.
Family medical history can also be relevant for certain orthopedic conditions. The more complete the picture, the more precise the diagnostic process becomes.
Physical Examination And Muscle Strength Testing
The physical exam is hands-on and focused. Dr. Jaz will assess the affected joint by checking range of motion, stability, and areas of tenderness. He performs muscle strength testing to identify weakness patterns that point to specific injuries.
For shoulder patients, this might include rotator cuff tests and impingement maneuvers. Knee evaluations often involve ligament stress tests and assessments of the meniscus. Elbow exams focus on tendon integrity and joint stability.
Each test gives measurable data that guides the diagnosis. The exam is thorough but moves efficiently.
Diagnostic Imaging In Orthopedic Consultations
Imaging often plays a key role in confirming what the physical exam suggests. X-rays are typically done in the office and show bone alignment, joint space, and signs of arthritis. When soft tissue detail is needed, Dr. Jazayeri may order an MRI to evaluate ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
CT scans are used selectively for complex fractures or bone morphology questions. If you already have recent imaging, bring those discs or reports to your appointment. Having prior studies available can reduce the need for repeat scans and speeds up the treatment planning process.
Preoperative Lab Testing And Its Significance
If surgery becomes part of the discussion, Dr. Jazayeri takes an additional step that sets his practice apart. He orders preoperative lab testing that goes beyond standard surgical clearance. This includes Vitamin D levels, inflammatory markers, hormone panels, and muscle status assessments.
The data informs his metabolic optimization protocol, which is backed by his own peer-reviewed research. Addressing nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances before surgery supports tissue healing and recovery. This prehabilitation approach is integrated into his surgical planning for patients throughout the Los Angeles area.
Discussing Treatment Options With Dr. Jazayeri
After the evaluation and any necessary imaging, Dr. Jazayeri will explain your diagnosis in plain terms. He outlines treatment options starting with non-surgical approaches whenever possible. Physical therapy, activity modification, and injections are discussed before surgical pathways.
When surgery is indicated, he explains minimally invasive techniques and biologic augmentation methods. These include his Bio-Fertilization Technique and BOAT Protocol for ACL reconstruction.
You will have time to ask questions and understand the risks, benefits, and expected recovery timeline for each option. The decision is collaborative.
Follow-Up Care After Your Consultation
Your relationship with the practice continues well after the initial visit. If you proceed with non-surgical treatment, follow-up appointments track your progress and adjust the plan as needed. Surgical patients receive detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions.
Dr. Jazayeri offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack for remote recovery support. His practice also provides educational resources on sleep, rehabilitation, and nutrition to support healing. Virtual consultations are available for follow-up visits, serving patients across California and beyond the greater Los Angeles area.
Expert Care May Be Closer Than You Think
Insurance is an important part of choosing your surgeon. Dr. Jazayeri is an out of network provider, and our team can help you understand what that means for your care and your costs.
If your commercial insurance plan includes out of network benefits, it may cover a portion of your surgical costs after you meet your applicable deductible. Your estimated financial responsibility will depend on your specific plan, benefits, and procedure.
Have Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare?
Your insurance may still offer benefits for care with Dr. Jazayeri, even though he is an out of network provider. This includes certain plans from Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and other commercial insurers.
Benefits vary by policy, even within the same insurance company. Our team can help verify whether your specific plan includes out of network coverage and explain how it may apply to your care.
Understand Your Options Before You Decide
You do not have to navigate this alone. Our office will help review your benefits, discuss your estimated financial responsibility, and answer your questions before you decide how to proceed with surgery.
Common Questions
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Not necessarily. If your plan includes out of network benefits, those benefits may help cover a portion of your care with Dr. Jazayeri. Our team can help you understand your coverage.
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Referral requirements vary by plan. We can help you determine whether one is needed before your appointment.
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Yes. Our team will discuss your estimated financial responsibility, explain what the estimate includes, and help identify any separate facility, anesthesia, or other provider charges that may apply.
Let’s Explore Your Coverage
Have questions about insurance or surgical costs? Contact our office to understand your options and take the next step toward care with Dr. Jazayeri.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It’s important to come prepared for your appointment. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any referral paperwork. Also, gather relevant medical records, including past imaging reports and a list of current medications and allergies.
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The physical exam will focus on the affected joint. Dr. Jazayeri will check your range of motion, stability, and tenderness. He will also perform muscle strength tests to identify any weaknesses that may indicate specific injuries.
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Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis. X-rays are usually done in the office, while MRIs can provide detailed images of soft tissues. If you have recent imaging, bring those reports to your appointment.
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After evaluating your condition, Dr. Jazayeri will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. He typically starts with non-surgical approaches, such as physical therapy or injections, before considering surgery. You will have the chance to ask questions and understand the pros and cons of each option.
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Follow-up care is important for tracking your progress. If you choose non-surgical treatment, you will have follow-up appointments to adjust your plan as needed. For surgical patients, detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions will be provided.
Why Choose Us For Your Orthopedic Consultation?
When you come to see Dr. Jazayeri, you’re choosing a doctor with over 15 years of experience in orthopedic care. He specializes in sports medicine, focusing on shoulder, knee, and elbow issues.
His training includes a fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, which means you’re in capable hands. Dr. Jazayeri believes in treating every patient like family, ensuring you receive personalized attention during your visit.
During your consultation, expect a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed discussion about your symptoms and a hands-on physical exam. Dr. Jazayeri may also use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a clearer picture of your condition. This approach helps him create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs, whether that means exploring non-surgical options first or discussing surgical techniques if necessary.
We understand that coming in for an appointment can feel overwhelming, that’s why we encourage you to prepare by bringing your medical history and any questions you have. Our goal is to make your visit as informative and comfortable as possible, so you leave with a clear grasp of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is an outstanding orthopedic specialist. From the initial consultation to follow-up care, he demonstrated expertise, professionalism, and genuine compassion. He took the time to explain my diagnosis and treatment options clearly, making sure I was comfortable and informed every step of the way. The results of my treatment exceeded my expectations, and I’m so grateful for his skill and care. I highly recommend Dr. Jazayeri to anyone seeking top-notch orthopedic care!
Schedule Your Orthopedic Consultation Today
Now that you know what to expect at your consultation, the next step is simple. Dr. Jazayeri brings over 15 years of experience and double board certification in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine to every patient interaction. His practice serves patients across Southern California, with offices in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Orange.
Virtual consultations are also available. Contact the office to schedule your appointment and start moving toward a clear diagnosis and a practical treatment plan built around your goals.
