Daniel O. Hernandez, MD
Accepting New Patients

Daniel O. Hernandez, MD

  • Sports Medicine|
  • Family Medicine
Average rating: 5.0
 
Century City Primary & Specialty Care |

About

Dr. Hernandez is a fellowship-trained non-operative sports medicine physician and family medicine physician with expertise in non-surgical sports injuries, non-operative orthopedics, concussion, ultrasound-guided injections, and chronic overuse conditions related to tendons, muscle and bone.  

Dr. Hernandez completed his primary care sports medicine fellowship at the acclaimed Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles where he served as team physician for several professional and collegiate sports teams.  He served as lead primary care physician for the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL team the San Diego Gulls and was assistant team physician for the LA Galaxy I and II soccer teams.  He was also a team physician for the Pepperdine Waves athletics and was an assistant team physician for the LA Rams physicals and training camp 2021.  In addition, Dr. Hernandez has interest in soccer as a former soccer player and served as a coverage provider for the Mexico vs. Nigeria international friendly match at the LA Coliseum and for the LigaMX championship game.

Dr. Hernandez also specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound-guided injections and other ultrasound-guided procedures related to joints and other soft tissue structures.  Dr. Hernandez performs ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections and consultations regarding candidacy for biologic treatment in osteoarthritis, chondromalacia and other soft tissue injuries.  Dr. Hernandez also sees pediatric patients with sports-related injuries, initial fracture care evaluation and pediatric overuse conditions.

His research interests include the non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis and has published systematic reviews in peer-reviewed sports medicine journals on the impact of turmeric and physical therapy in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.  Dr. Hernandez takes pleasure in providing athletic coverage at all levels and continually strives to establish robust patient-centered relationships with his warm and amicable approach.  Given his background in family medicine, he understands the important role that physical activity plays in mental well-being and in the management of chronic medical conditions.

Dr. Hernandez completed his family medicine residency at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital.  He is a Michigan native and completed his MD degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and BS degree from the University of Michigan– Ann Arbor. Currently, he sees primary care and sports medicine patients at the UCLA Health clinic in the Century City office.

Languages

English, Spanish

Education

Medical Board Certifications

Sports Medicine, American Board of Family Medicine, 2021
Family Medicine, American Board of Family Medicine, 2020

Fellowship

Sports Medicine, Kerlan - Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, 2021

Residency

Family Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2020

Degree

MD, Michigan State Univ College of Human Medicine, 2017

Recognitions

  • 2021 Sports Health T. David Sisk Award for Best Review Paper
  • Meredith Turner Award for Excellence in Sports Medicine – University of Miami, June 2020
  • Research Investigator Award – University of Miami, June 2020

Locations

Research

Interests

  • Non-operative treatment of knee osteoarthritis
  • Blood flow restriction therapy for knee-related pathologies

Publications

  1. Kristopher J. Paultre, Daniel O. Hernandez, William Cade II, John Reynolds, Dylan Grief, Thomas Best. Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2021;7:e000935. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000935. 1/14/2021. Read more.
  2. Daniel O. Hernandez MD, Naima Stennett MD, Stephen Henry, Thomas M Best.  Heat-associated Conditions in the Athlete: Review.  The Sports Med Review. 8/4/2019. Read more.
  3. Meredith Turner, Daniel O. Hernandez, Christopher Emerson, John Reynolds, Thomas M Best. The Role of Resistance Training Dosing on Pain and Quality of Life in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Apprach. 2020;12(2):200-206. doi:10.1177/1941738119887183.  Read more.

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Centivo
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Health Net of California
  • Interplan (part of HealthSmart)
  • Medicare Advantage
  • MultiPlan
  • UFCM Health System
  • Prime Health Services
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare

The list of health care plans above may not be comprehensive and could change. 
Please contact your benefits coordinator or health insurance company directly to verify coverage.

Visit our health insurance information page for more details.

Recognitions

  • 2021 Sports Health T. David Sisk Award for Best Review Paper
  • Meredith Turner Award for Excellence in Sports Medicine – University of Miami, June 2020
  • Research Investigator Award – University of Miami, June 2020

Reviews

Overall Rating:
5.0
178 total ratings | 122 reviews
5.0
August 28, 2025
Dr. Hernandez has been great throughout process of trying to figure out what is wrong with my shoulder. He was amazing during my procedure today and I will follow up with him in a weeks.
5.0
August 26, 2025
Dr. Hernandez is respectful, knowledgeable, and fast. He always answers my questions and addresses them with care.
5.0
August 26, 2025
Knowledgeable, engaged, attentive, personable. Great doctor. I wish more physicians were like him
5.0
August 22, 2025
On time, friendly and clear communication, provided all the info I needed to make informed decisions.
5.0
August 21, 2025
Dr. Hernandez is great takes the time to listen and thoroughly explain things.