What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.74
Average wait time
4.57
Bedside manner
4.78
“Visiting from Florida. I needed rather immediate care. Due to Zocdoc was able to find same day availability. Smooth process. Dr Gillman terrific all aspects”
Sheldon F.June 19, 2026
“Office staff was extremely helpful and the doctor was amazing! Finally got the answers i was looking for.”
Richard Y.February 11, 2026
About Dr. Michael Gillman
Dr. Gillman has received the Physician of Excellence Award from the Orange County Medical Association annually from 2018 to 2025. This award is given to fewer than 10% of physicians for excellence in patient care, leadership, and education.
He is a pioneer in outpatient joint replacement surgery and custom patient-specific joint replacements. He performed the first known outpatient total knee replacement in Orange County, California, in 2011.
According to Stryker Analytics' evaluation of joint replacement surgeries over three years, Dr. Gillman ranked first out of 16 surgeons in:
- Lowest 90-day hospital readmission rate: 4% vs. 8% average
- Lowest average hospital stay: 1.4 days vs. 2.8 days average
- Lowest discharge rate to skilled nursing care: 15% vs. 27% average (85% of his patients went home), despite half the hospital stay length compared to average.
Dr. Gillman holds seven patents for custom joint replacement, fracture, and spine surgery. He invented the Eagle i3D joint replacement planning software and Bullseye Hip Replacement instruments. These 3D-printed instruments were validated by Professor Alister Hart, a leading academic joint replacement expert who directs the world’s largest failed implant retrieval center. Professor Hart demonstrated that Dr. Gillman’s Bullseye instruments improve acetabular component placement accuracy by 90% compared to traditional techniques, reducing errors and unnecessary redo hip replacements.
Dr. Gillman earned his Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University. He completed residencies in Orthopedic Surgery at Tufts University and Harvard University, followed by a fellowship in Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
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In-network insurances
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Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Pain in joint
Arthritis
Lower back pain
Rotator cuff injury
Knee replacement
Inflammation or injury of the tendons or ligaments in the leg
Pain in joint
Arthritis
Lower back pain
Rotator cuff injury
Office locations
Advanced Orthopedic Specialists of Orange County (1 of 2)
31862 Coast Hwy, Suite 400, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Saint Joseph Hospital
- Mission Hospital Laguna Beach
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Education and training
- Medical School - Case Western Reserve University, Doctor of Medicine
- Tufts University, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- Harvard University, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- Baylor College of Medicine, Fellowship in Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Stanford University (Bachelor’s)
- Stanford University (Master’s)
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Awards and publications
- Physician of Excellence Orange County Medical Association 2018-2023
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1275536633
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.74
Wait time
4.57
Bedside manner
4.78
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
470 reviews
Most relevant
Excellcent visit, office staff is friendly, and the doctor is very thorough. 10/10 would recommend.
July 1, 2026Initials hidden
Office staff was extremely helpful and the doctor was amazing! Finally got the answers i was looking for.
February 11, 2026Richard Y.Verified patient
Dr. Gillman was kind, efficient, thorough, and quick. Not much more I could ask for in a DR visit. ?
March 5, 2026Michael D.Verified patient
Dr. Gilman was very efficient and thorough, the staff were friendly. I would gladly refer a friend.
November 12, 2025kevin S.Verified patient
Wonderful! Exceptional and thorough. Kind, patient, knowledgeable, and I am grateful for my mobility! Thank you Dr. Gillman!
July 25, 2024Tracie C.Verified patient
Dr was very thorough. Listened to my story, took xrays prescribed meds , PT and follow up visit. Im very happy.
January 26, 2025Pamela S.Verified patient
Greeted by Dr Gillman initially. Got in quickly and was taken care of right away. Friendly staff too.
May 1, 2025Stephen S.Verified patient
I’m so happy I came and was seen.
For once a doctor that truly cares about you.
Definitely recommend him
March 27, 2025Rebeca C.Verified patient
Dr. Tillman was able to quickly pinpoint my problem and checked to make sure that there were no additional complications.
January 17, 2024Lori G.Verified patient
Great staff! Doctor has an amazing "bedside manner" is very efficient.
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Very quick and and to the point, with a sense of urgency in the matter. Well versed and explanatory.
March 20, 2025Jake C.Verified patient
Dr. Gilman was fantastic, and took great care to educate me on my injury and ease my pain and concerns (fractured ribs).
May 31, 2023Andrew D.Verified patient
Dr. Gilman is very knowledgable and attentive, he makes you feel at east during the visit. You feel comfortable being there.
More than 1 year agoNT
Very professional and cool Doc and staff!!
Pleasurable visit with very little wait time. I was in and out.
November 22, 2023Michael L.Verified patient
Dr. Gillman has been my ortho for 5 years over two operations and he is a fine professional and a very nice person.
July 20, 2021Paul S.Verified patient
Dr was awesome, quick and to the point but caring and compassionate. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2025Ellie F.Verified patient
Great experience. Efficient and timely examination. Answered all of my questions.
June 11, 2025Craig M.Verified patient
Very professional and experienced doctor! Fast to show you results and give feedbacks and corresponding treatment.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
My evaluation was excellent. My options were clearly explained and to the point.
June 18, 2025Levon L.Verified patient
once I filled out all the new patient paperwork it all happened very quick and to the point. great!!!
January 30, 2024Stephanie K.Verified patient
zocdoc is what made it all happen. i called the office to confirm i had an appointment and it all worked out.
August 10, 2022Initials hidden
Professional, intelligent, efficient doctor with a very positive and reassuring attitude.
Very glad to have him.
January 26, 2017James G.Verified patient
Helpful with the problem with my foot. I felt confident in his thoughts on what is going on with my foot
May 10, 2023Initials hidden
Excellent care given by staff and Dr. Gillman. Can't say enough.
Less than 1 year agoCamile H.Verified patient
He was very polite and informative. The wait time was minimal. I would definitely return if I needed to!
January 20, 2015Patrick B.Verified patient
El médico y personal de la oficina son amables y atentos. Quede satisfecha con mi visita.
August 17, 2023Juana L.Verified patient
The friendliness everybody Very efficient I would definitely come back and refer people
January 3, 2024Janice T.Verified patient
Super clean and friendly staff. Doctor is extremely professional and listens. Outstanding visit
January 10, 2022Christine I.Verified patient
No nonsence ortho. Exam, Xrays, conference and Rx in 15 minutes. Great surgeon too (2 surgeries)
June 10, 2020Paul S.Verified patient
The doctor took his time and answered all my questions!
August 25, 2025Damon M.Verified patient
Nice knowledgeable doctor. I'll write a full review if the outcome is successful.
August 15, 2023Traci B.Verified patient
Office was clean. Wait time was low. Dr was quick to see me and set up action plan.
February 28, 2023Chloe R.Verified patient
This was for a second opinion. Dr. Gillman, MD gave me the same answer as the first Dr.
August 10, 2015Jacob S.Verified patient
Amazing staff, super efficient, no waiting, doctor was straightforward!
June 15, 2023Summer B.Verified patient
Super smart doctor and very trustworthy. Definitely reccomend.
July 23, 2024Patrick R.Verified patient
Professional well organized no hesitation it was good
January 1, 2025Marvin S.Verified patient
creative solution to athletic injury in active senior. I highly recommend him
More than 1 year agoJK
continues to be a great surgeon.Helped me out with paperwork for insurance
November 4, 2021Paul S.Verified patient
We shall see how my treatment works out and how quickly my foot gets better.
March 3, 2015Marsha S.Verified patient
The very best Doctor and his office staff is very good.
August 28, 2024Robert S.Verified patient
Very nice guy,very professional, and very good information on my diagnose
October 17, 2013Thomas A.Verified patient
So far, very satisfied. More treatment to come so the outcome is pending.
February 11, 2014Initials hidden
Rushed me right out! Didn’t even hear what I had to say
March 4, 2024Cole R.Verified patient
Had a wonderful experience from staff to the care thank you
May 10, 2023Jonathan B.Verified patient
very professional and kind staff. everyone was very proper.
November 22, 2022Meagan M.Verified patient
Dr Gillman did a great job, he was very helpful and friendly.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Always positive and cheerful but caring and professional
January 5, 2017James G.Verified patient
I highly recommend the professionals in this office.
October 12, 2021Julianne Q.Verified patient
Getting to the right building was a bit confusing
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I really really liked Dr. Gillman! He seemed very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, at my appointment he prescribed a drug I'm severely allergic to. No big deal, it's probably easily missed. My challenge is that I've been trying to get ahold of literally anyone from his office for 6 days now. I've called and emailed all his locations for days, even other departments have tried contacting them. I'm pretty patient, but I'm frustrated with the communication issue at this point. I was just looking for a simple alternative.
July 14, 2026Nicole G.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Gillman?
Generally, Dr. Michael Gillman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Gillman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Michael Gillman accepting new patients?
Dr. Michael Gillman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Gillman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Michael Gillman accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Gillman is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Gillman online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Gillman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Michael Gillman affiliated with?
Dr. Michael Gillman is affiliated with Saint Joseph Hospital and Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
What practice does Dr. Michael Gillman work with?
Dr. Michael Gillman works with Restore Orthopedics and Spine.
Where is Dr. Michael Gillman's office located?
Dr. Michael Gillman has 2 office locations, including in Orange and Laguna Beach, view full addresses on Dr. Gillman's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Michael Gillman have?
Dr. Michael Gillman is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Michael Gillman?
Dr. Michael Gillman frequently sees patients for Arthritis, Foot Consultation, Orthopedic Consultation, Physical Therapy Consultation, and X-ray. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Michael Gillman on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Michael Gillman speak?
Dr. Michael Gillman speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Michael Gillman in reviews?
470 patients have reviewed Dr. Michael Gillman. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.74/5. They have a 4.78/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.57/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.