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Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, MD)

(342 Ratings)

Specializes in: General Surgery

University of Illinois College of Medicine (2005)

Professional interests include: laparoscopic kidney surgery, pituitary disorders, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and more.

2121 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404

(310) 829-8272

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD is a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA specializing in general surgery. She graduated from University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2005 and has 21 years of experience. Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD is affiliated with Providence, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Saint Johns Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center and Saint John's Health Center Cancer Clinic ' Santa Monica.

Office Locations

2121 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Debridement (Removal of Unhealthy Tissue)

Debridement is a procedure that removes damaged skin to help the body heal a chronic wound, acute injury, or burn. Several layers of skin surrounding a chronic wound can include foreign debris, dead (necrotic) tissue, infected tissue, and calloused (hyperkeratotic) skin. If left untreated, these damaged skin layers can spread infection to other parts of the body and may aggravate the wound and delay its healing.

Debriding (removing) this damaged and diseased skin encourages the growth of healthy new tissue, impeding infection by triggering the body's natural cycle of tissue renewal. For this reason, debridement functions both as a wound treatment and as a preventative measure against more complex consequences of infected skin, such as sepsis and amputation. In some circumstances, debridement provides additional aesthetic benefits such as decreased scarring. Debridement also permits doctors to retrieve tissue samples for testing, such as to determine whether patients need antibiotic treatment.

Wounds that frequently require debridement include:

Nonhealing diabetic ulcers
Chronic wounds
Severe burns
Contaminated wounds

Debridement can be performed either surgically or nonsurgically; some methods are less invasive than others. Doctors select the appropriate debridement technique by considering the location, cause, and size of a patient's wound and may also weigh the patient's overall wellbeing, age, and risk of infection.

Surgical debridement is performed by cutting away dead, infected, and hyperkeratotic skin with a surgical scalpel. For deep wounds that tear away the skin and go into the muscle, skin from another region of a patient's body may be grafted onto the wound, which may then be periodically assessed and rebandaged until fully healed.

Non-surgical debridement is achieved with water or a dissolvent gel. Water softens the damaged skin and affected tissue, allowing doctors to remove it with wet-to-dry dressing. When wet tissue dries, it adheres to the dry dressing or bandage and comes off when the dressing is pulled away. In contrast, dissolvent gel deconstructs tissue, which can be cleaned off of the wound. Nonsurgical debridement is less invasive than surgical techniques; however, it can entail repeat treatments, slowing wound recovery.

While the prospect of stripping away skin may seem jarring, debridement can be critical to the treatment and healing of wounds which cannot not heal independently.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

In The News

“"It is not that thyroid cancer is 'plaguing' younger people, but cancers that are common in older people, like prostate and lung, don't occur in younger people," said Dr. Melanie Goldfarb,...”—"15 thyroid cancer facts everyone should know", Fox News, October 2015

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

cranial nerve decompression surgery

neck ultrasound

By Affordability:

cranial nerve surgery

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within California, Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD performed more cranial nerve decompression surgery, and neck ultrasound procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and she also had a list price for cranial nerve surgery that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 10%

By Affordability:

neck ultrasound

soft tissue ultrasound

In 2023, Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD had a list price for neck ultrasound, and soft tissue ultrasound that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 90% of providers in related specialties within California. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 25%

By Volume:

nerve surgery

In 2012, Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD performed more nerve surgery procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within California.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2012 were ultrasound (sonogram) and neck imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

neck imaging	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2013 were ultrasound (sonogram) and neck imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	13
neck imaging	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2013

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2014

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	0
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2015 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	49
endocrine surgery	21
neck imaging	41
neck surgery	21
ultrasound (sonogram)	41

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	36
Female	90

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	96
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	78
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2015

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2016 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	50
endocrine surgery	11
neck imaging	64
neck surgery	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	64

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	22
Female	52

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	63
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	42
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2016

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	0
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2017 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	58
endocrine surgery	11
neck imaging	64
neck surgery	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	64

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	27
Female	57

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	67
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	51
From 75 to 84	22
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2017

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	23

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2018 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, minor procedures and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	18
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	74
endocrine surgery	12
image guided procedures	18
minimally invasive procedures	18
minor procedures	18
neck imaging	61
neck surgery	12
ultrasound (sonogram)	61

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	18
Female	68

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	72
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2018

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	29
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	13
Cancer	23

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2019 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	99
endocrine surgery	13
neck imaging	86
neck surgery	13
ultrasound (sonogram)	86

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	22
Female	81

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	90
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	57
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2019

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	69
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	26
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	17
Dementia	0
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2020 were ultrasound (sonogram) and neck imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	91
neck imaging	85
ultrasound (sonogram)	85

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	26
Female	71

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	77
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	62
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2020

Hypertension	47
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	15
Dementia	0
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2021 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	142
endocrine surgery	17
neck imaging	136
neck surgery	17
ultrasound (sonogram)	136

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	108

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	116
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	86
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2021

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	25
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	10
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA during 2022 were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

decompression surgery	28
doctor visit	178
endocrine surgery	15
neck imaging	167
neck surgery	15
nerve procedures	28
ultrasound (sonogram)	167

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	129

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	143
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2022

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	12
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	29
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	0
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in Santa Monica, CA were ultrasound (sonogram), neck imaging, nerve procedures and decompression surgery.

aspiration	18
decompression surgery	28
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	83
endocrine surgery	14
image guided procedures	18
minimally invasive procedures	18
minor procedures	18
neck imaging	72
neck surgery	14
nerve procedures	28
ultrasound (sonogram)	72

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD.

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	59

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	65
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	1
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	3
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	47

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	1
Osteoporosis	18
Heart Failure	6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	15
Atrial Fibrillation	3
Dementia	2
Cancer	12

Education & Training

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD graduated from University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2005. She completed residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine (2005)

Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2010)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

Providence Saint John's Health Center

Saint Johns Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center

Saint John's Health Center Cancer Clinic ' Santa Monica

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, Blue Shield of California, MultiPlan PPO, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Advantage, Interplan PPO, TriWest, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, Anthem, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare HMO, US Family Health Plan, Aetna Medicare PPO and CoventryFirst Health PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Aetna PPO

Aetna HMO

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA HMO

Blue Shield of California

MultiPlan PPO

Medicare Advantage

Humana Medicare Advantage

Interplan PPO

TriWest

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Anthem Blue Cross PPO

Health Net PPO

Health Net HMO

Anthem

United Healthcare PPO

United Healthcare HMO

US Family Health Plan

Aetna Medicare PPO

CoventryFirst Health PPO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 342 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Santa Monica, CA.

4.95

Overall Rating

(342 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 4.0 2025-07-19

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I appreciate Dr. Goldfarb's expertise. She was highly recommended by a physician I trust implicitly. It was difficult to make an appointment. I had to call several times before I even got a response. I began to wonder if she had, perhaps, retired. The appointment happened quite quickly and I felt somewhat rushed. I take responsibility for not having prepared my questions in advance. I sent a message through my chart, and the doctor responded and answered all my questions. I very much appreciated her communication.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-03-31

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I answered no ine contacted me for test results but they were on My Chart and she verbally told me during the visit. I really liked Dr Goldfarb. She was very easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable anout my upcoming procedure. Only problem is that the office is very far from Buena Park where I live . Reason to go there is because Fullerton location doesnt have the equipment required to do ablation. Such a long commute. I am going back for the procedure though

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-05-21

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I thought Dr. Goldfarb was excellent! She went over my issues, explained everything to me very succinctly and in her recommendation, she gave me confidence that this was the right thing for us to do under the circumstances. She had to perform a biopsy on my thyroid and gave me confidence. And I trusted her! If I need to go back, I would definitely go back to Dr. Goldfarb And recommend her to Anyone who needs her services!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-06-03

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Goldfarb is very competent and has spent a good deal of time explaining things to me. Before I selected one of two approaches (nodule ablation shrinkage or surgery) she called me back twice, as it was a difficult decision. I decided on ablation and found the procedure more tolerable than I thought it would be and her expertise and compassion during the procedure and before and after very high.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-12-23

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Goldfarb is very knowledgeable about thyroid nodules, and the ablation procedure performed on me. She is crystal clear about the process, procedures, before and after care, and the procedure was done flawlessly. I was in and out in less than 2 hours, and went home with minimal discomfort. I highly recommend her AND the radio frequency ablation procedure she performs!!

Overall Rating: 4.0 2023-05-27

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Goldfarb was very patient about my many questions about choosing between RFA and surgery for my benign thyroid nodule. My decision-making would have been less confusing if she had weighed in on a possible preference but I understand why she didn't do so. It's good to know that surgery is an option if the nodule hasn't sufficiently decreased in size after a year or so.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2026-01-15

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I drive 3 hours to see Dr. Goldfarb and it is worth every minute. She is a fabulous doctor who I always look forward to seeing. She provided me with EXCELLENT treatment and care, A+ all the way. St. John's is also a wonderful facility, so easy to access and navigate, with very helpful staff. I couldn't be more pleased with my choice to seek care at St. John's.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-08-23

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Goldfarb is awesome. She immediately addressed my concern and clarified my questions. My in-patient procedure was quick and stress free. She is gentle and very meticulous. She is professional, experienced, and effective. She made my Intricate procedure so easy. And I am so grateful for Dr. Goldfarb and the dedication she displays to her patients.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-12-21

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Goldfarb had a very informative and positive communication style. She had reviewed my medical records prior to my visit and was prepared to offer both a clear explanation of my illness and treatment options. She provided immediate treatment after laying out the options and I was delighted with the outcome. I highly recommend her.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-07-21

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Goldfarb is fantastic; she is very skilled and attentive, a great combination. She is a great doctor, is highly skilled professional, as a surgeon, a doctor and a human being. She assures I am at ease, feel taken care of and that everything is going as planned for my healing and treatment. She is one of your best doctors.

To see all 342 reviews for Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD, view their full profile.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
GENZYME CORPORATION	$38,248 DISEASE STATE $28,286	THYROGEN $9,962
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.	$7,680 $7,680
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$354 TAGRISSO $118	IMFINZI $104	$132
Amgen Inc.	$247 Prolia $125	Aimovig $122
Balt USA, LLC	$241 Prestige Coil System $241
Other	$795 BOTOX OAB $134	INTRAROSA $125	TISSEEL $85	NATPARA $71	PANTHERIS $44	Other $336

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$37,644
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$4,544
Food and Beverage	$2,739
Travel and Lodging	$2,638

Biography

Dr. Melanie Goldfarb's specialties are general surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She practices in Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA. Areas of expertise for Dr. Goldfarb include inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, and merkel cell carcinoma. Dr. Goldfarb has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. She accepts several insurance carriers, including Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart. Before performing her residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr. Goldfarb attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine for medical school. She has received distinctions including Southern California Super Doctors and Southern California Rising Stars. Dr. Goldfarb (or staff) speaks the following languages: Hebrew and Spanish. She is affiliated with Providence Saint John's Health Center. According to Doctor.com, Dr. Goldfarb is currently accepting new patients at her office in Santa Monica, CA.