National Spine & Pain Centers - Shirlington - Pain Management in Arlington, Virginia

“Worst run Dr's office I have ever been to in the 15 years I have been in pain management. I'm supposed to see Dr B, not the PA, within 6 months of being a patient and was only scheduled after I demanded it (approx 10 months) and said I was considering someplace else. Then, when I finally just met her at my last appt, she said I should never have been a patient because Trigeminal Neuralgia was not her 'wheelhouse'. Also, while most of the staff is pleasant, those in senior office positions are not. The office manager is defensive, rude, and unsympathetic which I, think, may just be a front for a lack of knowledge. Seriously, I would avoid if possible.”

— Sarah Czyzyk

“I had an orthopedic appointment in July 2024 and was sent for spinal injections. (This review was posted in January.) Since I have to tackle I95 and it took much longer than it should have to get there, I went to the Spine Institute the same day and paid out of pocket from my HSA for my injections (not a small amount!). I knew it would take 4-6 weeks for a reimbursement once my insurance covered it because I asked before I agreed to it. It's been over six months now and I STILL haven't received my reimbursement. Each time I've called, I've been told only that it is in process. Late February update: Around five weeks ago, shortly after I posted the review, a response was posted. As requested, I reached out to the office explain the situation. A few days later, I got an email that a reimbursement had been filed again. I waited one...two...three...four weeks, and no check came. I thought maybe it had gone back to the original method of payment, so I logged into my account. No again. So here I am, about to enter the last week of February, still waiting for my money back for service that the practice has been paid double for at this point. I can understand waiting until the end of the quarter for bookkeeping purposes, but I can think of no reasonable explanation for a delay this long, especially when I've called at least four times.”

— Amy Umberger

“This is the worst "medical facility" I have ever been to. The staff is very rude at the reception desk, with the exception of one person. Dr. Butampani cares nothing about patients! When I was finally "allowed" to see her after two years, she came across as bombastic and arrogant. I was forced to yell back at her because she wanted to lie and get her point across about an invasive and risky procedure she was trying to push on me! I had to stand up and tell her she was "very combative." I have never had to yell back at a doctor because no doctor has ever felt they could yell at me! Yes, I have an opinion, and I do my research. She came across as a "big bully" type who cares more about making money on procedures. Dr. Butampani was very flip, condescending, and obnoxious in Dec 2024. She was somewhat more contained Jan 28, 2025, because I took someone with me, knowing I was never returning to this place. It is your right to have someone present, without question, anyone reading this review. It is not okay for a medical practice to stress you out or lie to you or to question your genuine concerns about safety. All of the poor reviews I have read about this office staff and/or Dr. Butampani are TRUE! I have lived them! Dr. Butampani lied about the success rate of the procedure she was pushing on me and shrugged her shoulders last month and Jan 28, 2025, when I mentioned very serious risks! She is incompetant as a doctor, in my opinion! Her staff is emboldened by her, who seemingly relishes conflict! I saw medical incompetence and ethical challenges in their worst forms! Dr. Budampati has zero empathy and a horrible bedside manor. I even questioned her credentials after we finally met because of her behavior. Upon leaving on Jan 28, the rudest of the desk persons violated HIPAA when she abruptly gave the person I was with my confidential medical documents, in which I requested copies before the appointment began. Passing my personal information off was that employees way of being dismissive, as usual. She saw that I was coming to their reception area. There may be other locations with better doctors and staff outside of this Shirlington/Arlington location. I will not be returning! All the best!”

— R D

“I went to this office for 4 years. I thought at the time they were doing a good job, but have since learned that they are lazy and don't give a crap about healing anyone. They misdiagnosed my torn labrum in my shoulder as frozen shoulder and the resulting PT made the problem worse as they were treating the wrong thing. I now have constant pain and limited mobility in my shoulder. For my back, I had been treated for pain management using drugs and quarterly steroid injections. As my back deteriorated (DDD) I asked if they could refer me to a surgeon, and was told that a surgeon could do nothing for me so don't bother. Well, guess what? I had a successful lumbar fusion 5 months ago and was told by my surgeon that I was the 'perfect candidate' for this surgery. I wasted years of my life trusting this practice. The front office was always great, but Budampati, and the two PAs I saw regularly, lied to me and never really listened. I was in there monthly for 4 years. It's not like they didn't have the time to get to know my situation.”

— Melissa B