David Schechter MD
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David Schechter MD
Dr. David Schechter is a physician in Culver City, California. He received his medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine and has been practicing as a Family and Sports Medicine Physician for over 25 years. Dr. Schechter's unique non-surgical approach to Sports Medicine has helped everyone from competitive athletes to soccer moms.

He is a provider for many types of health insurance and is on the medical staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as a Family and Sports Medicine doctor. The office in Culver City is near West Los Angeles and convenient to most of LA. Dr. Schechter can see you for an injury, be your family doctor, treat your chronic pain, depression, or anxiety.
Services
Family Medicine is a specialty that focuses on the individual in a psycho-social context. This means that I treat YOU, not just your heart, joints, and lab tests. I try to consider a person's health issues in the context of their whole life, their family, their work and the emotional stresses that go along with living.
Sports Medicine is a specialty I was certified in back in 1993 and re-certified in 2003 and 2013. I try to bring the knowledge that I've learned from treating athletes to everyone who has aches, pains, and injuries-recreational athletes, injured workers, pain patients, and even the elderly.

I've had the opportunity as a Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Physician to treat world class Ice Skaters, Marathon Runners, and high school and college football players.I've also treated hundreds of runners, tennis, basketball, and hockey players. Sports Medicine is about injuries, but it's also about fitness, it's about exercise programs that you can maintain, and it's about prevention.
Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is an innovative therapy that helps to regenerate tissue, not just treat inflammation or symptoms. PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is done to help heal tendon injuries, joint issues, knees, shoulders, etc. The blood is processed through a special centrifuge and kit and about 15 minutes later injected into where the pain in your shoulders, knees, elbows, low back, ankle, wrist, etc. exists.
Mind-Body Medicine is a fascinating field that I am very passionate about. My mentor in this area was John Sarno, M.D. a true pioneer. He was my inspiration as a medical student at NYU many years ago. Sarno was a unique thinker who had written four popular books linking chronic back pain to emotional tension.
Stivax Treatment is an innovative therapy that helps to reset the nervous system, reduce pain, and improve blood flow and mood in patients with chronic pain. If appropriate, the device is fastened to the ear with tiny prongs penetrating the skin and taped in place, while the power source is affixed to the upper chest.
Reviews (25)
Jean H.
Jean H.
Jan 11, 2022
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Dr. Schechter is the best doctor I have ever had , and that is saying a lot given my age. I have praised his expertise and warm, caring manner before, but this time I want to focus on something that has helped me and my friends for the past two years.

Since the beginning stages of Covid, he has written messages to his patients though the patient portal about Covid and our country's response to it. He has been informative, helpful, cheering and non-alarmist all the while making us feel totally cared for. Sometimes he would write 4 messages a month. And always when there was anything new
Ray U.
Ray U.
Jan 09, 2022
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These guys are creepy. They over-charge, make up diagnoses that don't actually exist in the medical literature, have long wait-times, and don't seem to care about their individual patients. That's my experience, and many others too.

First things first: "TMS" stands for "Tension Myositis Syndrome," a COMPLETELY MADE UP medical diagnosis. That's what I was diagnosied with. You can check the ICD-10 or DSM-5, those are the bibles of medicine, if you'd like to check, and a quick google search will confirm that I'm right. This guy gives out diagnosies
Larry C.
Larry C.
Dec 29, 2021
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I have not met Dr Schechter in person but recently viewed his Mind Body Course. Excellent material for those suffering from chronic pain without any structural problem. Obviously a truly caring mind body physician.
Nadia B.
Nadia B.
Dec 01, 2021
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I do not know where to start with Dr. Schechter! He saved my life! I am a classic TMS patient and his group therapy and personal visits have been life changing. I highly recommend him and his staff is just phenomenally responsive and kind as well. I wish every doctor in the US was like him. He is simply one of the best doctors in Los Angeles. He goes the extra mile for his patients. I am grateful to have met him!
Drew S.
Drew S.
Nov 25, 2021
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Dr. Schechter and his staff are amazing. He has been our family physician for over 6 years now and we truly appreciate the care we receive.
Cody N.
Cody N.
Aug 30, 2021
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I was in chronic pain and wanted to find a mind body doctor. I had read Dr David Schechter's books and wanted to find a solution. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Kristina and Vanessa sent forms and prepared ahead of time.

The extra 2nd star is for the office staff.

I filled out probably 7-8 detailed forms and had to wait 1.5 months to see Dr. Schechter.

The day before my appointment I was notified for MBS (mind body syndrome) / TMS patients there's an extra $130 or 150 (I forget exactly the price) you have to pay out of pocket that's NOT covered by insurance.

During the
Brian F.
Brian F.
Mar 04, 2021
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Dr. Schechter is an excellent doctor especially for people who tend to worry about medical problems all the time. He takes the time to talk to you and learn about you using a holistic approach and puts your mind at ease if you're a constant worrier. Finding a doctor who will actually spend time with you talking through all your concerns and helping you wade through your irrational medical fears vs helping diagnose and explore anything that might be legitimate is a tall order especially in LA. Dr. Schechter embodies this approach and more. Best doctor in LA!
Robert Mitchell
Robert Mitchell
Nov 02, 2020
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Dr Schechter has been my Primary Care Physician for 3 years and I wish that I found him sooner. He is incredibly thorough and takes into account the mind and body connection. The treatment I received from Dr Schechter cured my back pain with no needles, or surgery. He is also exceptionally kind and takes time to listen during visits which I find to be very rare these days.
Dr Schechter has improved my life in so many ways and is a true healer.
Nat E.
Nat E.
Jul 07, 2020
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This review is prior to seeing the doctor as I felt the need to comment on the disastrous process to just get an appointment. They won't schedule anything until you your send insurance information through their subpar online portal. Once you go through the hassle of creating an account there is actually no place to upload that information. What they don't tell you until you repeatedly call the office is that there is one specific way to send a message with an attachment - why that could not have been done via regular email you ask?! Well your guess is as good as mine. Once sending through
Michael H.
Michael H.
Jun 06, 2020
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Absolutely horrible
1. they order tests without even asking you, or check to see if your insurance accepts it, or even let you check first, as if I should already know all the tests and if my insurance covers. result: over $600 in uncovered lab works. he couldn't care less.
2. actually charges you to draw blood at the office. who does that???? and you won't even know and you are not informed in advance. you would get caught on the way out by the front desk. they put a tiny sign in the corner and show it to you as they collect. really? hungry for $15 when you already collect several
Shane T.
Shane T.
May 28, 2020
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After leaving to pursue work in San Francisco, I was in need of finding an essential PCP. The Medical care and attention was not exactly what I had been previously used to as Dr. Schecter was my PCP in Los Angeles. That being said , 2 years later when I moved back, I was clear that Dr. Schecter and his staff would be my immediate choice to be reacquainted with for my medical needs! So happy to have him and his staff back in my life!
Jamie B.
Jamie B.
Apr 30, 2020
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I've been going to see Dr. Schechter for several years as my general physician. Dr. Schechter is not only knowledgeable but is especially skilled at communicating information to his patients. He's very direct with his feedback and is always kind and respectful.

I've been most impressed with his responsiveness to my questions. Dr. Schechter and his staff use a secure and compliant email service that I've found very helpful. I've had some basic questions about meds and one question that required more urgent feedback. I sent an email and his responses were always quick and
Jess H.
Jess H.
Apr 15, 2020
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I've been with Dr Schechter for nearly 15 years. He's gotten me through severe back pain, a breech pregnancy and a bunch of flus, twists and sprains. He really goes the extra mile for his patients. He has been sending out regular updates on COVID-19, keeping his patients calm and informed. I cannot recommend him enough, am truly lucky to have found him. Vanessa in the front office is just as marvelous!
Kevin H.
Kevin H.
Apr 13, 2020
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Simply one of the best doctors in Los Angeles. He is responsive, caring and quick to offer better solutions than other doctors. He is always investing in newer tech, like his new portable ultrasound that adds additional functionality. He also refers to some of the best specialist in LA. Can't recommend him enough.
Matt N.
Matt N.
Feb 13, 2020
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Dr. Schechter is try one of the best physicians I have ever encountered. He is extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful to his patients. At the same time he exhibits a great sense of humor and professionalism. Also his office manager Vanessa and his nurses are exceptionally. I highly recommend him to anybody.
Pedro S.
Pedro S.
Apr 14, 2019
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More than ten years ago I was referred to Dr. Schechter by a good friend. I found the doctor to be very knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and a great listener. He clearly explained his assessment of various ailments and conditions that I experienced over the years and he approached each diagnosis with a methodical regimen of care.

When I was in need of a referral to specialists, Dr. Schechter always had a good list of well-qualified professionals to share. All of his recommendations were top notch. Dr. Schechter has always been generous with his time during my visits and quick to respond
Hak K.
Hak K.
Sep 14, 2018
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If you are suffering unknown back pain or any other chronic pain, I highly recommend Dr. Schechter. I am now 99% free from my serious chronic pain which lasted for 4 years.
I have met more than 20 doctors before I went to see Dr. Schechter.
Before I met him, I took 4 MRIs(Back, wrist etc), did too many physical therapy sessions, visited Rheumatologist, talked to anesthesiologist, saw multiple acupuncturists... I took PET scans..I tried everything to treat my chronic back pain + knee injury.
I saw Dr.Schechter once a month, about 3-4 times then slowly got out of the pain. Of course he's not
Peter Karr
Peter Karr
Jul 26, 2018
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Dr. David Schechter is an ADVOCATE for your health. I cannot praise him highly enough for his dedication and compassion. Dr. Schechter's experience, knowledge, thoroughness, and attention to detail are some of the many ways that he manages to deliver such excellent personal health care. I cannot stress enough what a great doctor he is.
Adam Howard
Adam Howard
Jul 04, 2018
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Very caring! Dr. Schechter was thorough, timely, and overall extremely friendly. Other doctors can learn much from Dr. Schechter's approach! Highly recommended
Justin G.
Justin G.
Feb 02, 2018
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Dr Schecter is a wonderful doctor. Very personable and takes time to not only understand the medical problem, but gets to know you as a person. I love that he is interested in my work and asks about my family.

He's been my primary care physician the last two years and I've come to trust his knowledge and experience wholeheartedly. I like that he takes a holistic perspective on medicine, checking in on things like exercise and diet which impact health outcomes, as well as how our thoughts impact our health.

I've also utilized Dr Schecter to manage my ADHD medication and get prescriptions
Mohinder S.
Mohinder S.
Jun 16, 2017
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As 64 years of age, I have seen more than my share of doctors, good bad and indifferent. Dr. Schechter is the very best of them all. I've been to him perhaps six times so far, and am most grateful that he agreed to be my primary physician. He's a straight talker, an accurate diagnostician, and a problem solver with a fabulous bedside manner. I can tell him anything, and he gets it right away and offers up solutions.

He never talks down to me, and he believes what I tell him (unlike several doctors I've had!). He has a superbly run office with very professional and polite
Brittany F.
Brittany F.
Mar 11, 2017
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Wonderful doctor specializing in TMS pain and family medicine. He trained with the legend Dr. Sarno and has two offices here in the LA area.

I made an appointment by calling the office and filling out a few forms. It is a slightly more involved booking process than a general doctor visit, but is an important to understanding TMS.

I highly recommend Dr. Schechter and his book, Think Away Your Pain. Dr. Schechter really takes his time to understand the underlying issues you are facing and talk you through realistic steps to alleviate any pain you are in. So many doctors today are quick to suggest
Dale Fischer
Dale Fischer
Nov 23, 2015
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I have gotten trigger shots from Dr. Schechter over the last two years. It's fast, easy and painless. Clean and professional offices plus appointments are pretty quick - no extra waiting!
Jill Solomon
Jill Solomon
Oct 10, 2015
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Dr. Schechter is fantastic. He is caring, smart, and right on! For anyone who has chronic pain/TMS issues, seeing Dr. Schechter is a must. He is great with other medical issues as well. He has a great new book-Think Away Your Pain that can help you make sense of your mind/body pain and get rid of it! I am a patient and have been helped immensely by his caring expertise.
David Glassner
David Glassner
Nov 17, 2014
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I found Dr. Schechter in a search for the best Dr. in L.A. who was knowledgable in and willing to diagnose TMS (Tension myositis syndrome), a benign, yet acute, pain syndrome with origins in repressed psychological anxiety. (Not all are knowledgable in this diagnosis.) The first Dr. to characterize "TMS" and name it, was Dr. Sarno in NY, and my research led me to the conclusion that Dr. Schechter was the closest I'd come in L.A. to seeing New York's famous, Dr. "To the Stars" Sarno.
At the time, I was experiencing severe pain in my upper-back and neck, as well as tricep weakness, and was hoping