Central States Pain Clinic - Pain Management in West Des Moines, Iowa

“They want money up front just to even book an appointment which is the first red flag I overlooked. They were not caring at all, placated me and left the care and treatment back up to my primary physician. I was also overcharged and have called twice to get my refund over the last month and the overseas reps that they outsource their billing to keep stringing me along about he refund. Finally filed a chargeback with my bank. I wouldn't bring a sick animal to this place. They shouldn't be in business.”

— josh s

“I have been to other pain clinics in the past and have had injections in my back but I must say, Dr Shepanik (spelling) has by far been the BEST. Not only is he quick and gets right to the target area correctly; he explains what is going on and even gives encouragement while doing it. I am so grateful to him because he has helped me regain my mobility back with a lot less pain!!!”

— Tiffany T

“Do not send anyone here that you value or love. They are unethical to say the least. My mom had a procedure done that was supposed to deadened the nerve endings in her back to stop her pain. This was done a little over 4 weeks ago. She returned for a follow up appointment on 6/23, at that point she was told she would see a PA! The PA, Chelsy Holcomb, came in and right off seemed like she had an attitude. We told her that my mom was still having the same pain. The procedure did not work. She then started talking about doing some other kind of treatment. I told her we were told by Dr Ryan Birkland, that this procedure was "the end all of her pain. It was never discussed that there would be a need for some other type of treatment. She said it was in his notes about another procedure. Although he may have put it in his notes he never mentioned it to us before or after her procedure. PA asked if I wanted her to go get the Dr? I said yes. She leaves and an office assistant came in to tell us the Dr was not available. He does not meet with patients after a procedure. So he takes the money but can't meet with a patient after he has billed the insurance company? The PA comes back in and regurgitate what the office assistant said. Asked if we had any more questions because she has another patient to see. How rude!! I wouldn't take a sick dog to see them. They will be nice upfront but after they've been paid they act as if the really don't give a damn! Make sure to READ ALL THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS!! There is truth in them! DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU WANT BE TREATED WITH RESPECT AND WITH DIGNITY! You won't find it here!”

— Kimberly Whitney

“Talked to me for 5 minutes and without any investigation, said "we do spinal cord stimulators here" I said absolutely not. This would have no effect on my pain issues and then he tried to give me the "opiods actually CAUSE pain" speech, which I had to stop, because that is completely false. This clinic was willing to alter my diagnosis so I would fit their qualifications for the only crap they sell which is a device they have to implant under my skin. How is cutting me open and installing a device that has a terrible success rate a better option than 2-4 pain pills a day? "we don't prescribe opiods here". "you are too young to have that problem" "(laughed at me) what were you hoping to accomplish with a palliative care referral" in my opinion this place should be shut down for blatantly lying to patients and 'hunt and pecking' though my chart to find things to support the only "treatment" they offer. Stay away. Edit: doctor did do an excellent after visit summary. Doctor was pleasant during visit.”

— Vanessa Hinckley