WVU Medicine Pain Management Center - Pain Management in Morgantown, West Virginia

“This place treated me terribly, wouldn't communicate, made snarky remarks and then stonewalled me, offered help and then revoked it, and worst of all, they misdiagnosed me. My health is worse off because I came here, and I am still suffering the impacts of their negligence and abandonment. Here is the full story if you want to know the details: I was in an integrative pain clinic in California prior to this and had no issues there, but I had to move away. I moved to WV and wanted to go to the pain clinic mainly for therapy and massage, which I did for about 3 months. I also wanted to know if they could help me find out what was causing my pain. I thought things were going well at first. Then after 3 months, they randomly sent me a letter in the mail saying they would no longer treat me. They provided no explanation, no referrals, and no grace period. I was just suddenly cut off from my pain therapist and massage therapist and didn't even have a reason or an opportunity to say goodbye. I asked the hospital's patient advocate to help me figure out what happened and resolve things. It was so out of the blue, it seemed like a mistake. The patient advocate responded two months later saying they kicked me out for refusing treatments. I wasn't aware I had refused treatments and agreed to try some. The only treatment I was not willing to try was controlled substances, which I told Dr Bauer at my first appointment. Dr Bauer and I had agreed to focus on integrative treatments. When I reached out for clarification about "refusing treatments" and told them I was eager to try more treatments, they changed their story. They said I had not actually been kicked out -- I had "terminated the relationship with the clinic." I politely let them know that I didn't understand what they meant by this, and asked for clarification. Instead of looking into my question, they sent me a cease and desist letter so that I could no longer try to resolve the misunderstanding, but they also said I could come back just for therapy and massage. What?! It makes my head spin. In their letter to me, they said Dr Bauer diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and added, "opioids are not indicated for fibromyalgia." That's fine since I didn't want opioids, but it seemed bizarre for them to even bring it up. I was there for group therapy, massage, movement therapy, nutritional counseling, all those alternative holistic things they claim to offer on their website. Were they perhaps accusing me of drug-seeking? Are they this judgmental towards everyone? If I was actually interested in trying opioids, I simply would have asked if that was an option. The "fibromyalgia" turned out to be Rheumatoid Arthritis, which they didn't even bother testing me for or referring to a rheumatologist. Thankfully, I have a rheumatologist now, but the pain clinic should have done better. Their misdiagnosis led to delayed diagnosis for my RA. I went through a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering because they missed my RA. I can only conclude that they are rude, careless, judgmental, and a bit unhinged. It makes no sense. I'm actually really concerned for their patients.”

— Sss S

“I have been a chronic pain sufferer for over 20 years. WVU has a history of not retaining highly competent doctors. The doctors that have helped me moved on leaving me with mediocre healthcare. It's a sad commentary on the healthcare system in West Virginia when WVU is buying up the competition, leaving patients with no alternative but to seek treatment out of state. West Virginians have historically been mistreated as second class citizens as healthcare is but one sector of such treatment. Do yourself a favor and save time and energy by getting quality healthcare out of state. My experience with qualified doctors meant following them as they leave West Virginia. A word to the wise is sufficient.”

— Chronic

“I have suffered with Chronic Pain for 18 years and my current pain management Dr. whom I've been a patient if for nearly 4 years doesnt prescribe narcotic pain meds. I found myself in serious pain after 2 falls in 10 days After going to the ER by recommendation by my Dr. she said to find a Dr. Who cld get me through this severe flare. I got a next day appt. at this facility, by the way front desk staff are excellent. I was seen by a Dr. Jonswold who tried telling me he understands pain as he is soon to get a knee injection. His knee and my spinal cord compressions and spinal stenosis are not the same in any way. I was offered an epidural injection in 6 weeks and that was the jist of my visit. If you're truly in pain and seeking immediate relief from chronic pain I wldnt recommend this place. I'll be seeking another pain doctor whom will prescribe something for pain when it flares maybe 4 times a year. I personally do not like taking narcotic pain meds but when you're in awful pain to the point you're considering walking into on coming traffic an injection 6 weeks from then is of no help. It is truly a dang shame Dr.s allow ppl to be in pain for that long it has to be a form of cruelty and inhumane.”

— Nickie Whipkey

“These "doctors", dont value their ethical duties to the people who LITERALLY pay their bills. I was in a very bad accident about six months ago in which I broke my back, neck, scapula, and couldn't feel my leg. I called them to reschedule a appointment because I had just had my arm reoperated on and wasn't supposed to drive due to brain bleeds and a lasting concussion, plus like I stated I have one arm!!!!! They refused to do anything to help me.even though I had a appointment that Friday and it was monday. I gave them plenty of notice, its important that I mention I live over 3 hours away and didn't chose to be put on pain medication. I woke up on copious amounts of it. Long story short I called to see of they could get me in that coming Friday because I had another appointment there and I like trying to put as many on the same day as I can. They wouldn't rescedule me and told me to quote "shut up." i'm not kidding when I say i've been through literal hell. Got in this wreck broke almost my whole body... Then lost my boyfriend. He done because he couldn't read on his own after contracting the flu. I am so scared and ive been in severe withdraw, I was on roxiecotton 10's with hydrocodone 5's for breakthrough pain. Even though I was unable to make it up there.I offered to go to my local hospital, which is in the w Vu health.Your system and have a urine screen or blood work or whatever they wanted. They said that they had to see me in person which I understand. But why couldn't they just re-Schedule my appointment and write enough medicine for a few days? I even begged. Honestly since he died i haven't wanted to exist and this isnt helping..I called patient advocate ate but they sent me a letter that made.no sense. Im using my ex and best friend (who's dad is one of the best nurologist's in the state.)and im suing for being mistreated and left in agony. They don't care about us. Most doctors forget we are the reason they have their cushy career. They are merly.merchant and i am a cunsumer. Im done with the b.s.”

— Connie Burdette