Cedar Rapids Pain Associates - Pain Management in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“As I look at other reviews, I wish I would have read them before I scheduled my appointment. I see others have had similar experiences. Get everything in writing before you see anyone. I told them I had a high deductible and would pay cash and was told my visit would be $100. Which I paid that day. The person I saw, didn't even introduce herself. I didn't learn her last name till I got my bill. She spent about 10 min with me and said you have a completely torn ligament in wrist based on my MrI that I had done with another physician which I knew already and should have been in my notes before we even met. Her recommendation was to go to physical therapy she did mention PRP but did t think that would help either. I did go to physical therapist and they told me that is not what would help me and would actually make worse. Complete opposite of the recommendation. When my wife and I left this appointment we both looked at each other and said never going back there. Then I get a bill for a "complex exam" for $330. Not sure how a 10 min conversation is a complex exam and she didn't even touch my wrist. I called today and the office said this should not have went to insurance since I told them high deductible and would pay cash so they are now adjusting to a $200 cash pay adjustment for my "complex" exam. But remember when I asked how much the visit would be they told me $100.”

— Dan Callahan

“The purpose of my review is to educate potential clients and provide constructive criticism, should Cedar Rapids Pain Associates choose to take it. The pros: They called me quickly after receiving my referral and were able to get me in for an appointment the following week. The red flags: The office/waiting area was noisy and chaotic. The receptionists were loud, the front desk area was being used to laminate papers, store seasonal decorations, answer phones, socialize as co-workers, and do patient intake. This is a specialty pain clinic whose clients have most likely been experiencing chronic, debilitating pain. We're exhausted, mentally and physically. We've tried home remedies, stretching, yoga, over the counters, dietary changes, massage, exercise changes, PT, mindfulness.... The atmosphere of the clinic matters. The first impression I got was a red flag, but I was more than willing to overlook it. The big cons: *The ARNP I saw was abrasive and indifferent to my pain. She appeared annoyed and was quick to recommend their treatments options not covered by insurance. *I was only allowed to discuss one specific area of pain. I asked, "How do I address the all-over body pain? Do I make another appointment?" Her response was (paraphrased): There is nothing we can do to treat your whole body pain. *I could hear the entire conversation happening with the physician and patient next door through the wall. *The x-ray room doubled as a storage room for syringes and some type of alphabetized patient files. *I asked for a topical muscle relaxer to pair with physical therapy specifically stating I did NOT want to put another pill into my body. ARNP said a topical muscle relaxer doesn't exist. *ARNP quickly started writing a prescription for an oral muscle relaxer and told me she was prescribing me the one with the MOST side effects followed by a comment insinuating I was probably used to those side effects anyway given the amount of medication I'm on. Her last comment was, "Oh, this can also cause very vivid dreams and nightmares," which was the nail in the coffin for me. This ARNPs comments and body language throughout the visit conveyed indifference and annoyance with my needs and questions. I can overlook that. She was quick to prescribe a medication I said I didn't want. I can overlook that and choose not to take the prescription. Her comment about "all of the medication I'm on" was not professional or in best tastes. I can overlook that. But... knowingly prescribing me a drug that can cause intense, vivid dreams and nightmares....? That was proof she did not read my chart at all. If she had read my chart, slowed down, asked questions and listened to my responses, she would have never prescribed a medication with that particular side effect. We are asked to trust care providers. They have the schooling and experience we need to make decisions that are in our best interest. We come to them vulnerable and desperate for solutions. It's a partnership, but it only works if the physicians ask questions and truly listen to us. With everything combined... the chaotic waiting room, the x-ray/storage/pt file room, the fact I could hear the next door patient's discussion with his care provider, and a physician who appeared annoyed with my presence, it was clear Cedar Rapids Pain Associates is not the place for me.”

— Elisabeth Joy

“After a year of issues with my back, many doctors and treatments that did not work, to the point my GP basically told me take ibuprofen and deal with it, CR Pain Associates got me from initial phone call (no referral needed), to making a treatment plan to my first actual effective treatment in one week. I cried in the office when they really cared and said "Yes, we can help!". They did in 7 days what my GP and places he referred me to didn't do in 11 months. Still have healing to do, but I'm so happy I called. Hope, sincere care, tons of options and amazing staff have literally changed my life.”

— Austin Harbaugh

“We have a high deductible insurance. So we decided to pay $100 for consultation cash without insurance, and that was the agreement with the front desk. 3 months later we received a bill for another $50 because they submitted to the insurance, claiming they didn't know the code for the consultation, at the time of the consultation. A consultation should be one code only, the following ones might be different. I'm glad we did not do anything else with them. Be warned of hidden fees. That's why we always pay cash the moment of the appointment. I highly recommend you to go Chiropractor Association downtown you pay for your visit and it is clear what you pay.”

— Ernesto Jaritz