Yaru Nicholas C, MD

Dr. Yaru replaced both of my hips — in 2005 and 2012. Both times he and his staff made sure I had all the needed aftercare (I had to go to a SNF for rehab because I live alone.) They also arranged the follow-​up home physical therapy and outpatient PT. They made sure that my insurance was notified and that it covered my procedures and aftercare. Most important, I got good results with both surgeries and rehab. Dr. Yaru might sound a little too matter of fact for some who need more handholding. But I like his direct approach: adult to adult. His sense of humor is dry, which I personally like. I do not need anyone to say «Poor baby.» I just want my body fixed, and that was what Dr. Yaru did. Make no mistake, he is compassionate, just not overly gooey-​sugary! All I want is an excellent surgeon. Depend on it: he is excellent.
Also: A close friend of mine has had both knees replaced by Dr. Yaru; she is also very happy with his surgical expertise and care.

Dr. Yaru took care of my orthopedic needs and did a great job. I recommend him.

I’ve been going to dr. yaru for several soccer knee injuries over the past 15 years! He is very dry and don’t expect a hug or pat on the back. What I like is he always listens and does a very good job at assessing and recommending the most conservative approach to healing the injury properly. I visited with him today. office staff was friendly and he took his time helping me understand my injury (bone bruise) and what I need to do to get better. Highly recommend him!!!

As a former collegiate athlete, I have had countless experiences in and out of doctor’s offices for all different injuries over the years. However, I was always on my parent’s PPO or myuniversity’s insurance with the best doctors available at my fingertips and am now on an HMO through my employer. My college career came to an abrupt after I herniated 3 discs in my lower back in 2010. So I am very familiar with back pain and everything that comes with it. So here’s my story…
After a long week/​weekend, I squatted down to grab a pan to make breakfast and all of a sudden I felt an extreme amount of pain in my lower back. Knowing the feeling a little too familiarly, I had a really bad feeling that I had herniated another disc in my lower back. I took all the precautionary steps to easy the pain, lay on some ice, blah blah blah. I jumped through insurance hoops and finally got in to see my PCP who referred Dr. Yaru.
Waking up with extreme pain radiating through my lower back to my hips, upper back, and legs. So, I headed off to see Dr. Yaru for my appointment. After walking in, being greeted, and filling out paperwork, I was in tears from discomfort. The woman working at the front desk was struggling with what to do about my insurance, specifically because my PCP changed literally two days before my appointment. She didn’t even know how much of a copay I owed them because my PCP changed and my card was wrong. If you work in a doctor’s office, a specialty doctor’s office, I would assume that you would know and visibly be able to see on my insurance card where it is clearly stated I owed $ 50. She was hassling me while I was struggling to stand without bursting into tears. So already being frustrated with poor service, I headed back to wait to see the doctor.
In pain, on the table, in tears, I wait. and finally Dr. Yaru comes in. I’m LITERALLY laying on his table crying in tears trying to explain my history, how my recent injury happened, and tried to get a word in. He kept interrupting me and giving me answers that were the standard basic questions/​responses. He was like a robot. With a back injury with so much pain, you think he would be gentile while running the tests. In case you forgot, I was crying. He lifted my legs up abruptly, pushed them side to side, all asking if I was in pain and me saying yes when he would move my legs an inch any direction. While I was in there my mom questioned his suggestion of using heat vs. ice. He immediately got defensive and my mom said we’ve only ever been told ice, that heat would cause more inflammation and he told us the opposite with a condescending tone. He handed me a pamphlet about how to manage back pain with pictures in it of how to stretch your back. Was that a joke? Is he kidding me?!
As we were being rushed out of the office to check out and schedule more appointments, I turned to him and said, «But Dr. Yaru, I need to get back to work soon, can we please push this through as urgent?» (talking about my MRI order) and he had the nerve to turn to me and say, «Ok, go to work tonight and see how you feel» with that same condescending tone he used with my mom. How dare he. He clearly has NO respect for any of his patience. Whether I work at McDonalds or a Fortune 500, he should never make a patient feel so small about work. My job is incredibly important to me and I am looking at my doctor for something more sensitive than that.
I left the office extremely upset, in tears and still in an incredible amount of pain. He ordered me an MRI as urgent which was perfect, but after I went to get my MRI, my results came. My worst fear that I herniated another disc was confirmed on a VOICEMAIL Dr. Yaru left me. Yes, he left me my test results on a message telling me to call back to set an appointment to get an epidural. What a jerk! I can’t believe he didn’t call to ask me to come in to discuss them, show me the MRI results, and find different options to suit my lifestyle. He immediately wanted me to go get an epidural without speaking to me. This is the rudest thing I have ever experienced in a doctor’s office. Completely disregarding the entirety of my appointment and after that voicemail, a week later still shocked there are doctors out there like this.
I’ve had 2 epidurals with my last herniation just to take the pain away as soon as possible, but that isn’t the answer to get me healthy again, it’s a giant bandaid over a wound, you can’t just throw medication at me as the solution. I expect more from someone who went to fancy schools with fancy degrees. This is unacceptable.
DONT SETTLE, GET A SECOND OPINION!
I’m lucky I haven’t had some of these horror stories I’ve ready about Dr. Yaru on here. It’s absolutely pathetic that a doctor with such poor bedside manner and flagrant disregard for his patients is still able to still work. Shame on me for not checking this before. Hope this helped, good luck all!

This has been the worst experience of any doctors office I have ever been to. My 10 year old son has had a swollen foot for about a week. His doctor called Dr. Yaru’s office to get him in for an x-​ray. They couldn’t see us until the next day. When we arrived, no one said a word to us. No greeting whatsoever. I signed in and was then given papers to fill out. Still no «Hello» I handed over his insurance card. My son was called back into the room while I was still signing paperwork so I had to ask them to hold on a minute. When we were in the room the man assisting us was just not very friendly. When the doctor came in the room (at least i’m assuming it was the doctor) he did not introduce himself, did not shake my hand, did not even say hello. He just sat down and said «so whats going on» Are you kidding me!!! very unprofessional. After the visit and after x-​rays, I go to the desk to pay my co-​pay. I was informed then that the doctor is out-​of-​network. I tried to remain calm. I took deep breaths. The guy helping says «Oh the woman at the desk didn’t tell you? I asked her to inform you.» I’m sorry but that is a HUGE mistake. but to them it was «ooops sorry» This terrible experience is going to cost me SO much money. Had she told me upfront when I handed her his insurance card that they do not accept that plan, I would have walked out the door and asked for a referral to a doctor that did. They did not seem to care a single bit. I was then asked to leave the office because I was calling them out on their mistakes and telling them how unprofessional and rude and just plain dishonest they are. I walked out without even paying my co-​pay.

When I make this statement, I can’t be any more relieved or excited about my overall experience with Dr Yaru.
I tore some cartridge on a Wednesday night. I knew what it was since my other knee had done the same a few years back.
Thursday was composed of finding recommendations and setting appointments to be as soon as possible since I wasn’t able to walk and urgency was of the utmost importance.
My appointment was for the following day, Friday at 9:30am. I was at a surgical center by 11:30am, and back home by 1:45p.
The following day I was able to gimp around on one crutch and by monday I bought a cane to help with my gate.
Bedside manner is an A+, listened to symptoms, recognized patients needs and the staff was polite and dealt with me being a pain in the toosh.
This review is one week after the surgery and one week after even meeting the surgeon, Dr Yaru, and I’m about as happy as a camper can be! 100% recommend!!!

My daughter recently had hip surgery in NYC where she lives. She was very concerned with the outcome. The surgeon in New York recommended that she have a second surgery. This would have been complicated with a long and painful recovery. Dr. Yaru agreed to see her and provide a second opinion. He reviewed the case, took x rays and performed a thorough evaluation, even consulting with the surgeon in New York.
Dr. Yaru recommended that she not have the surgery and suggested a regimen of physical therapy.
This has proven to be the best possible course of action. Several months later my daughter has recovered and is without pain even jogging again.
Our experience with Dr. Yaru could not have gone better.

There are many other Orthopedic doctors… so choose another!
Dr. Yaru gave me no help and no information about the pain in my side when I went in for my visit. Unfortunately, it was a frustrating and expensive waste of time. The office staff is rude and unprofessional. No one looked up or said hello when I walked in for my appointment, and they couldn’t have been too busy because there was only one other patient in the waiting room. I called three times after my visit and left messages to talk about my experience and the overcharges that came in the mail after I had paid my copay, but no one ever returned my calls. My final call, the receptionist, said she would speak to the doctor and call me back the next day and its been weeks and once again was never called back. I have never reviewed anything online but this time I had to. I don’t think anyone in that office cares about the people who come in… It’s just a job. Instead of settling for «three star» care do something wonderful for yourself and find a great doctor that is professional, knowledgeable, personable, and cares about YOU!

I was referred to Dr Yaru for severe hip and knee pain. X-​rays showed that the right femoral head had essentially disintegrated leaving me painfully «bone on bone» in my hip socket. Within about 2 weeks Dr Y had me authorized and scheduled for a total hip replacement. Now, 3 weeks post surgery, I am greatly relieved of pain, walking much better, and looking to make a full recovery. Dr, Yaru may have a «dry sense of humor» but he is no joke when it comes to orthopedic surgery, in fact, he’s the best! rich v

I came to Dr. Yaru with pain in both of my knees. I told him I had had the same problem 20 years ago and was hoping there was something new I could do to improve the healing or repair the problem. He had my X-​rays but said I should get an MRI just to be sure, but he only ordered an MRI for my right knee. He said the MRI showed a tear in the miniscus. I asked if that was what was causing the problem because both knees felt the same. He lead me to believe this was the problem with my knees and so I had surgery. After the surgery, both knees still hurt in the same way. He ordered an MRI for my left knee. That MRI showed no miniscus tear. I told him my knees still hurt, so he gave me a cortizone shot. Finally, he said there was nothing more he could do for me. The co-​pays for the MRIs was expensive for me because I am on a fixed income.
I got another referral to another doctor and he looked at my X-​rays and told me what the problem was. I said he could look at my MRIs, but he said he didn’t need to because the X-​ray showed a misalignment of the knee cap and that I had an overuse injury with some other complications. In other words, Dr. Yaru did an unnecessary surgery. I trusted him because he was highly recommended, but I should have gotten a second opinion. I do remember Dr. Yaru talking to one of his old patients who asked him when he was going to retire. He said he had kids in college still and so he would be practicing for a while. I guess my operation helped his kids with their college education.

Dr. Yaru is excellent.
He has treated our entire family for everything from broken bones to meniscus surgery. Never over-​treated and is not afraid to tell you bad news or to do the work you need to do to get better.
The reviewer that mentioned an arrogant attitude problem needs to know Dr. Y went to USC so it was part of his undergrad training. (kidding) he has a great albeit dry sense of humor some don’t understand.
He cares about his patients.

I did not want to write a review until I am absolutely sure that my surgery went great.
So, here is my review after 1 year after my total hip replacement. I am a 53 year old white male. I’m very active with 2 young boys that I am raising by myself. I cannot have any down time. I was in great pain, and I needed a total hip replacement. I looked around and decided on Dr. Yaru. After the surgery, the next 4 weeks were a living hell. After those weeks, my life changed. I can walk with no pain. 9 months later, I backed packed with a 60 lbs pack with my boys, 20 miles on the John Muir trail. No problems with the hip. Also, before the hip surgery, my golf game was not too good. After the surgery, my game is great. Seriously. If you are in pain and the quality of your life sucks, then goto Dr. Yaru and get that hip fixed.

My husband saw Doctor Yaru for a shoulder problem, which eventually needed surgery.
Dr. Yaru is a terrific surgeon.
My husband has had very little pain since the surgery and the physical therapist is amazed at the progress he had made in such a short time.
The office staff and staff at the surgical center were terrific, as well.
Thanks, Dr Yaru
Lorene and George V.

After 3 weeks of pain and being misdiagnosed dr Yaru nailed it and my Dad is on the mends. I found him to be confident and I like that in a dr but I think a lot of people confuse that with being arrogant. He was very helpful and clear on the procedure.

I had a meniscus tear, pretty bad one, too. Took my MRI (which I got on my own) to Dr. Yaru (who was a referral from my Physical therapist — who said Yaru was excellent and very conservative, and would only take what was needed, and non-​agressive with his procedures). Scheduled an appt, and was seen in about two weeks. (that was a long time –Guess he is pretty popular!)
Loved the office staff. I was in contact mostly with Pearl, and she was very nice to me. Set up a surgery, had the surgery (1 hour in and out) NO PAIN PILLS!
Limped for about 3 days, and now a week later, I am walking pretty well. I continue to R.I.C.E., and I start therapy again this week. Looking like a full recovery.
I read some of the bad reviews, and I disagree. If you are expecting flowers, and colorful walls, and a lollipop, go somewhere else. Dr. Yaru has a dry sense of humor and isn’t overly sweet, but who cares — he gets results! And isn’t that the most important thing?
I’m totally satisfied.

I did not have the opportunity to see Dr. Yaru directly, because the receptionist was too incompetent. So, I can’t say anything about the doctor himself. This review is about the office staff, and their unprofessionalism.
It was my first time there, and was actually there for my 6-​year old son, who was referred by his pediatrician. I arrived at the appointment on time, and signed in immediately. After waiting about 10 minutes I walked up to the receptionist to tell her that my son was a new patient and is there any paper work that I needed to fill out, she told me to give her a minute. I was not given the new patient paper work until about 35 minutes after my appointment time, which was about 45 minutes after my arrival. This was partly because she was too busy making small talk with already established patients. I heard her talk about her hair and shampoo, which is a shampoo that she gets from a patient. She talked to them for sometime about how great her hair feels. Well to make a long story short, upon filling out the paper work I realized I left my insurance card at home because I had used it to give them the insurance info and group number when making the appointment. I told her I forgot my card. She was very cold and rude when she realized I did not have my insurance card, not to say that she was at all friendly before. Finally I decided to have my husband email a picture of our insurance card. She said they only had email in the back room and it would take awhile. 10 minutes later I asked her if she knew how long it would take to be seen by the doctor. She said very rudely and loud enough for other patients to hear that it was taking a long time because «they needed to prove I actually had insurance.» The implication and tone was really uncalled for. They could have also called my son’s pediatrician for insurance confirmation, since they had referred us and since they have an established relationship. I realize that there is a lot of insurance fraud out there, but I have never been treated so rudely.
I walked out of there, and immediately walked over to my son’s pediatrician’s office. They told me the same thing, that they should have called them to confirm our insurance. I will never go back there again. Also, there is another dr. that works in the practice (Dr. Cook) and his receptionist was equally unprofessional. I heard her gossiping and rolling her eyes repeatedly at staff and patients. She also talked to much. I don’t think it’s wrong for front office to be friendly and chatty, that’s not the problem. The problem is when thy talk too much to certain patients about nonsense and forget what their real job is, which is to keep patient flow moving.

Not very professional organization. Dr. Yaru was not that into hearing what was happening with my mom.

Been seeing Dr Yaru since 2004 or so for a work comp injury. He was so great I sent fellow workers to him and they were all very pleased. He has done surgeries on both of my knees and always the best of care. Sorry other folks had a less then wonderful treatment with Dr Yaru but I choose to drive all the way from Arizona to see him.
With Obama care coming soon be thankful we have a Dr Yaru to treat us. We will have a lot worse in the future.

I have been a patient of Dr Yaru for many years. I have had knee surgery and a shoulder replacement surgery done by Dr. Yaru. The treatment I received was excellent. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The office is relaxed and not uptight, as is Dr Yaru. But his skills as a surgeon are excellent. He will work with you to try alternatives to surgery first. I agree with the other comment about him not doing unnecessary surgery.
Before doing shoulder surgery I tried a different local doctor. But I felt like I was just part of the herd. He didn’t listen to what I said and just wanted to do surgery right away. Dr Yaru listened to me. We explored some different options but in the end I did the surgery. Everyone couldn’t get over how well I did. All the different therapists I work with we’re amazed. My life is changed. Thank you Dr Yaru!
I am a nurse who worked in the surgical field. I knew 1^st hand what a great surgeon he is and would recommend him to my own family!

I am really sad to see the other reviewer write something negative. I have been a patient here since 1983 and have never had anything but a good experience. The wait can be long and he is busy, but he expalins everything carefully and would never do a procedure without it being an absolute necessity. I saw a dr. also in Newport who wanted me to do surgery the following week, I saw Dr. Yaru and he said the only thing I needed was PT and some excersise and that I should be ok in 8 weeks.
6 weeks later no pain and never had another problem again. He is honest and and does a great job. I have sent my family to him for hip replacements and knee and he has been just stellar in his work.