M. Richard Pavao MD - Pain Management in Wareham, Massachusetts

“Dr. Pavao provides exceptional pain management care with both expertise and compassion. He listens, explains options clearly and treats patients with genuine respect. I am truly grateful for his care as I've found pain relief that I didn't think possible at my age. I highly recommend Dr. Pavao.”

— Nancy Simonin

“I have been seeing Dr. Pavao for almost a year now and he is simply put an outstanding pain management Dr.I have had a cervical neck issue for a while now and I have had tremendous improvement!! He is very personable, knowledgable and cares very much about your well being.The staff at the Hanover St. Fall River, Mass location are very dedicated!! I highly recommend Dr. Pavao for any pain management issues!! Thank you Dr. Pavao!!”

— Mike McFarland

“I have been seeing Dr. Pavao for spine issues in my cervical and lumbar spine since Dr Tokarz left. My first experience was ok. However, when I developed issues with my lower back(lumbar), I saw Dr Pavao and he stated that he would order an MRI for me. I was elated, thinking there was an end in sight. The day before my MRI, I was contacted by his office, explaining that my MRI was denied by my insurance. When I reviewed the denial information on my insurance company's portal, it stated that my doctor did not provide enough information. I reached out to Dr Pavao on the portal several times, only to have office assistants call me back to tell me I had to go to PT first. I did as they asked and spent weeks in PT at South Coast. PT released me, stating that PT was not going to work for my issue. PT asked me why I had not seen a surgeon, and I explained that I had to be referred by pain management or my PCP. I also explained to PT that they would only focus on 1 issue at a time in pain management due to insurance getting overwhelmed and would not approve any of my needed procedures. At this time, I had finally had an MRI and was able to receive a steroid shot in my L4/L5, which unfortunately did not work. I had an appointment to follow up on this issue the other day. I sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes waiting to see Dr. Pavao. My appointment was at 10:30, and they called me at 11:00. I did not complain; I was happy that I was at my appointment to let Dr Pavao know that it did not work, and I was hopeful they would try again or maybe perform a different procedure. At my appointment, the doctor asked me what my pain level was, and I said 10, just like I said before my shot. He said my pain COULD NOT BE A 10 and that if it was a 10 I would be lying on the ground unable to form a sentence. He was irritated and appeared mad. I said so, if it is a 7, would that make a difference? He dismissed me and told me there was nothing he could do to help me. I was appalled that this person is sitting here telling what my pain level should be and how I should feel. I stated I wish you could feel my pain so you could understand. He called me a liar, stating I was being untruthful about my pain level and that my issue wasn't severe enough for a pain level of 10. (spinal stenosis, arthritis, bone spurs, bulging discs, and swollen facet joints)He then told me there was nothing he could do for me and basically dismissed me. He asked me if I had seen a surgeon. I stated I haven't seen a surgeon(shouldn't he know that), and I would need a referral for that, and he told me to go to my PCP. (Why wouldn't he refer me in-house???)At this appointment, I wanted to advise him on my other issues with my cervical spine and my limbs going numb again, also explain the shortness of breath and numbness in my breast I was having, and he told me I only had 10 minutes for this appointment. Basically, confirming once again, he could only look at 1 issue at a time. He started to get up from his stool, as did I from my chair, and I left at that time in tears and confused by this encounter. Distraught by this appointment, I left there feeling unheard and not cared for. I am horrified that this person is a healthcare professional. I would expect a more caring individual. I am not sure if he was overwhelmed by running late or had a bad morning.. That should not be taken out on me, a paying patient. I am not looking for drugs and I am not seeking a disability. I was simply looking for guidance and next steps for the issues I am experiencing daily, which are now affecting my life. Very disappointed and now waiting to be seen by another doctor.”

— Marcy Cowell

“I was sent to Dr. Pavao from my neurosurgeon for my bursitis pain in both hips and lower back pain from arthritis. I was told that he does cortisone shots and mentioned to him of my bad experience with my heel spur injection ( not done by him ) that turned into my ankle getting weak which then needed surgery to fix. He really didn't care about my bad experience and said " Then why did you come here?" I told him "my Dr sent me". "I was also told that there were options other than cortisone shots". His answer was " Well this is the option I have or you can just take over the counter anti- inflammatory meds." He did explain how he does it and my answer was " I'm not sure it's for me, I'm scared it's going to lead to worse issues like my ankle did". I just sat there a few seconds thinking how he surely didn't care about why I was scared, he could have said something nicer than " why did I go there?" ( It felt like I was wasting his time ) And certainly on my way out shook my hand and said "if you change your mind please call the office , then he said "I HAVE MORE PATIENTS WHO NEED MY HELP". then walked out of the room. WHAT? sorry I took up 15 minutes of his time. I'm sorry I didn't put money in his pocket so he could come and inject both my hips. I went there for a consultation. I was told by my doctor that there was other options other than the cortisone shots. Well I did go to checkout and on the paperwork the receptionist was asking me when I wanted my appointment for the injections? I did tell her "No I am not taking the injections , I came for a consultation. " ( which was useless of $75 visit, I personally want my money back due to his horrible comments & demeanor ) So I will be calling my insurance today and make sure that they will not be getting billed for injections that I am not taking. I certainly would NOT recommend him to anyone. Waste of MY time & $75 co-pay.”

— Bernadette Welch