Sentara Pain Management Specialists - Pain Management in Hampton, Virginia

“These one/two-star reviews exist for a reason--I recommend avoiding this location. I made two visits to this location and had a third one scheduled. During one of those visits, I waited over an hour past my appointment time to see the doctor. While waiting 15-20 minutes is understandable, waiting an entire hour and being dismissed when I inquired about the delay was off-putting. My appointment was at 8:30 am, and the office opens at 8:00 am, yet I was told, "Yeah, well there are people ahead of you," even though the waiting room had their first patient of the day when I arrived. An hour delay as one of the first patients of the day? Things happen, but if people are running late, just say so--don't dismiss the customer as if they're wrong for asking. For my third visit, it was canceled just a few days prior, and I was rescheduled for six weeks out! The reason? The doctor went on vacation. When I called a few weeks before this delayed appointment to better understand possible recovery, I couldn't reach anyone. When I finally did, I was told to call back the following week. Which leads to my most recent interaction. The call began professionally and respectfully; however, when they started to backtrack on their word about the processes/policies in place and concerns discussed previously, my inquiries were quickly dismissed. Some front staff members, particularly MCJ, are unprofessional--interrupting patients, dismissing valid questions, and doubling down when confronted about their disrespect, exacerbating the situation. Naturally, a patient will be frustrated when there's inconsistency along with, curt and dismissive responses, when they just want to better understand their upcoming medical procedures. Invest in some customer service training for your staff. By the notes they placed on the Sentara App, it's clear they will continue to find a way to blame the patient/customer for negative interactions, despite their evident lack of professionalism. I'm not perfect, and I try to be a reasonable individual, but the way I was treated while trying to get answers and clarification is unacceptable; not to mention the significant delay to be seen after the scheduled appointment time. The only reason I'm giving two stars is because of the one nurse in the discharge area who is very polite and genuinely tries to help the customer, rather than making their experience more difficult.”

— Renan

“I went several years ago to this place because my neuro's office is below him. I watched the front office staff verbally abuse a man who was mentally handicapped. It went on loudly in front of the entire waiting room. I spoke to the nurse about it and when the doctor came in he wouldn't speak to me, he'd only give me 2 trigger point injections where he wanted them to go and left with me face down asking him questions. I finally realized he'd gone. No one told me to sit up or help me up or anything. When I got up the nurse was just sitting there looking at me like I was so pitiful. I said he didn't hear a thing I said did he. She just shook her head and left the room. I should have known not to see this "doctor" because at my first visit I was given questions about sex abuse, do I go to AA, do I have friends in 12 step groups. I wasn't even there for pain meds. And when I finally saw him he wouldn't answer my questions, he'd just grunt at me.”

— Michelle Hope Lamb

“I was a patient of Ali Baalaki. The nursing staff was very professional, and courteous. I have never been so humiliated and disgusted, as I was on that day. My initial appointment was for back pain. He came in shook my hand, and than completely medical gaslighted me during the 5 minute visit. Your overweight, do you exercise? How many times? This is how the conversation started. I asked if I could get something in writing to reduce my hours so I wouldn't have to be on my feet for 8 hours with my back hurting bad as it was. I was told that's for disability, and your not getting it. Just nasty. I will not EVER return back to this practice, because of my experience, and the lack of empathy, and sympathy!!”

— Angela Draper

“I had a steroid injection by Dr. Baalbaki and couldn't be more pleased with the whole procedure. The nurses were awesome in coaching me along and Dr. Baalbaki did so as well. They are a very caring and competent group. Many thanks to all of you for a job well done.”

— Sassy Mama