Preferred Pain Associates of Alabama, - Pain Management in Birmingham, Alabama

“I've been going to Preferred Pain Management for many years, and I have to say this: the front desk receptionist they had before the current one was truly amazing. She was always kind, respectful, and welcoming -- she knew patients by name and made every visit easier. I really hated to see her go, and honestly the service hasn't felt the same since. But today I met Brittany, and she has by far been the best part of my experience in a long time. I'm not sure if she's a nurse or what her exact role is, but she came into the room with genuine concern and compassion. She actually seemed like she cared about me as a patient -- and that makes a huge difference. Some people come to work just for a check, but Brittany showed real care, patience, and empathy. Thank you, Brittany. You truly made my day, and I just wanted to shout you out for treating people the way they deserve to be treated.”

— Cherel Sumerlin

“This is the worst place I have ever been. They are so unprofessional. I wrote a review on them approximately 5 months ago regarding HIPPA violation and being treated unfairly. They discussed everything while I was at the window and everyone in the lobby could hear. Every time that I have been to this doctor since then, they have been trying to find a reason to discharge me. Dr. Frenette will tell you one thing and do another. They have definitely retaliated against me. I am going to call the board and file an official complaint. Do not waste your time at this place. They are the worst. So to be transparent , back in April when I was getting 7.5 mg Hydrocodone, I was taking the 4 times a day instead of three of three times a day so I ran out before my appointment. This was discussed with Dr. Hardin, who is very professional, caring and has good bedside manners. So, last month in October when I came for my appointment, I was told I had a test to result negative for Hydrocodone which was dated for September 24. Again, we discussed this last time I was there and Dr. Frenette said out of his mouth, that's fine but no more and gave me my prescription. I show up for my appointment this time, they tell me I had to pay 300 dollars on my bill after telling me previously that I could pay 50 dollars a month. I paid more than 300 dollars so she couldn't deny me for that. So I go in the room as usual, they come in with the same result of 9/24 that we talked about last month, but this time they had the April result. I told them that this was discussed last time, they didn't acknowledge it and refused to hear anything I had to say. They didn't acknowledge not offer me anything else for pain, no prescription, NOTHING and I have been going to this clinic for about 2 years. That is abuse and down right no care or concern for your patients well being. This is why there are people out there seeking other means of pain relief and this is why I am writing this review and will do an official complaint with the medical board. I see that you all are very concerned about the reviews more than you are about patient safety and abruptly stopping pain management therapy. Will you please send me a copy of my medical records. I will follow up with you all tomorrow on this request. This should be your patient portal.”

— Regina White

“I have been suffering with neck, back and leg pain for many years. I got to the point I could not continue to deal with the pain. My Doctor sent me to Preferred Pain Management in Trussville. I have been going to Dr. Frenetic for 2 months. In 2 months Dr. Frenetic has helped me tremendously. I would highly recommend for any patient who suffers from pain.”

— Tammy ONeal

“I previously had a doctor that ignored my request for an MRI, with me telling every student NP, NP, and the doctor that owned the brand new facility he built when he had several other doctors working with him. All of sudden there's no other MD's except he and his wife, who was never in the office but somehow managed to sign prescriptions. I was accused of doctor shopping by DHR because they only sign prescriptions with the same NP or student twice to stay off the review boards radar, however I suffered for their diligence to protect their license. They never disclosed that taking the medication they prescribed would prevent me from taking anything but it permanently, because Medicaid doesn't pay for off book medication, what they did amounts to fraud by definition in addition to negligence and misdiagnosis. PPA EVERY TIME I SEE THEM I SEE AN MD, they listen, they take your feedback into consideration and do their best to give you the treatment that will help the most, if you're not willing to follow those recommendations, you're not in enough pain to be in a pain clinic. If it had not been for my common sense telling me that I'm on a walker now and the previous doctor and clinic didn't even take X-rays forget an MRI. I went to the ER and was immediately rushed into the OR at UAB, and then required a second emergency surgery in less than 48 hours. I was hospitalized for over 2 weeks because of the previous doctor. DR.HARDIN AND DR.FRENETTE HAVE LISTENED,PERFORMED DIFFERENT PROCEDURES AND DO THEIR BEST TO LISTEN AND MANAGE YOUR SYMPTOMS.THEY ARE NOT A PCP,THEY ARE SPECIALISTS AND PRESCRIBING ANY MEDICATION OR PERFORMING ANY TEST OUTSIDE TJAT SCOPE YPUR INSURANCE WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT COVER AND YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD OUT OF POCKET COST. JUST BECAUSE YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR ARE IGNORANT OF HOW MEDICAL OFFICES OPERATE IS NO REASON TO TAKE IT OUT ON TJE DOCTORS WHO SPECIALIZE.IF YOU NEEDED A BLOOD TEST,YOU SHOULD HAVE GONE THERE FIRST,NOT A PAIN CLINIC. THAT IS NOT WHAT THEY DO AT PPA, NOR DO THEY DO ANY ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS,OUTSIDE THEIR SCOPE, OR ATTEMPT TO MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE MOST LIKELY IT WOULD VIOLATE THE TERMS OF INSURANCE. THEY ARE HERE TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PEOPLE WHO ARE POST OP NOT SUGGEST WHAT OPERATION OR TEST TO FIND YOUR PROBLEM. YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN BE THERE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS.... P E R I O D!!!!! Thanks to the doctors and office staff who have been beyond helpful and understanding. I think you rock I just wanted to update this review, I had been in communication with the office about unfortunate circumstances in my life and family that had left me homeless and fighting for my son. I will be the first to admit that I have rescheduled and missed more appointments than is normally acceptable, however when your only shelter is the sleeper cabin in a Peterbuilt diesel Mac truck, what could I be expected to do if the truck is in line at the dealership for repairs and it takes 3 weeks?? When a doctor prescribes you a medication like the doctor before Dr.Frenette, and fails to inform you that you will never be able to be prescribed any other type of medication. It's also hindered my custody case for my son. Now I rescheduled a procedure bc my driver had a meeting with his attorney ( another self important career field ) I had no choice but to reschedule when he wasn't back to drive me. They rescheduled it on the phone, and I told them I wanted to speak with my new primary care doctor because I didn't get to ask Dr.Frenette the questions I wanted to, he just never returned. I asked to be put back on the original doctor I had because he's only there one day a week, and they scheduled it for 9-29....”

— Susanna Sims