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Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD

Accepting New Patients
(Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, MD)
Specializes in: General Surgery and Surgical Oncology (Cancer 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

Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD is a general surgeon in SANTA MONICA, CA specializing in general surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She graduated from University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2005 and has 20 years of experience. Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD is affiliated with Providence, Providence Saint John's Health Center, PROVIDENCE SAINT JOHNS MEDICAL FOUNDATION, Saint Johns Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center and Saint John's Health Center Cancer Clinic ' Santa Monica.

View Doctor's Full Profile (310) 829-8272

Office Locations

2121 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
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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 2013, 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

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2013 were hypertension and high cholesterol.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2014 were hypertension.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and depression.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2016 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2017 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2018 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2019 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2020 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2021 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

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

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

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

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated as a general surgeon in SANTA MONICA, CA during 2023 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 45
doctor visit 248
endocrine surgery 14
neck imaging 231
neck surgery 14
nerve procedures 45
ultrasound (sonogram) 231

2023 Medicare Patient Data

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

Gender
Male 63
Female 163
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 167
Black 15
Hispanic 15
Asian 13
Other 16
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 128
From 75 to 84 76
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 62
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 14
Chronic Kidney Disease 15
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 28
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 23
Dementia 0
Cancer 20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2023

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 36
diagnostic procedures 18
doctor visit 100
endocrine surgery 14
image guided procedures 18
minimally invasive procedures 18
minor procedures 18
neck imaging 94
neck surgery 14
nerve procedures 36
ultrasound (sonogram) 94

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2023

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

Gender
Male 26
Female 74
Ethnicity
Black / African American 1
Asian / Pacific Islander 1
Non-Hispanic White 81
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 2
Other 1
Age
75 to 84 10
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0
65 to 74 58

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Melanie R. Goldfarb, MD From 2013 - 2023

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 59
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 1
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 16
Asthma 2
Osteoporosis 20
Heart Failure 7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 17
Atrial Fibrillation 4
Cancer 14
Dementia 2

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, Surgery (General Surgery) and has a state license in California.

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

Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General 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
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOHNS MEDICAL FOUNDATION
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, United Healthcare, TRICARE, 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, Scan Embrace 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
United Healthcare
TRICARE
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
Scan Embrace
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 328 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
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 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.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-04-26
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Dr Goldfarb performed an RF ablation of the nodules on my thyroid. I had numerous symptoms from my hyperthyroid condition. She did a great job performing the ablation with very little pain and swelling. All my symptoms were resolved immediately after the procedure. Dr Goldfarb Is very professional and I highly recommend her.

To see all 328 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
Novo Nordisk Inc $359 Wegovy
$237
$122
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP $354 TAGRISSO
$118 		IMFINZI
$104
$132
Amgen Inc. $247 Prolia
$125 		Aimovig
$122
Other $1,117 Prestige Coil System
$241 		BOTOX OAB
$134 		INTRAROSA
$125 		TISSEEL
$85 		NATPARA
$71 		Other
$461
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 $3,178
Travel and Lodging $2,638

Biography

Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, who practices in Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA, is a medical specialist in endocrinology and general surgery. In addition to English, Dr. Goldfarb (or staff) speaks Hebrew and Spanish. Her clinical interests include inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, and merkel cell carcinoma. Dr. Goldfarb is affiliated with Providence Saint John's Health Center. Dr. Goldfarb attended medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. For her professional training, Dr. Goldfarb completed a residency program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She can accept Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart, as well as other insurance carriers. Dr. Goldfarb's practice in Santa Monica, CA is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.

Surgical Oncologists in Nearby Locations

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