Pain Specialists of Austin

I went to Dr. CHUNG and I have never felt this much pain relief in my knees for as l long as I can remember. He is Awesome and so was the staff. I will so keep up on my therapy. Thank you all at PAIN SPECIALIST AUSTIN TEXAS. Kandy Nichols

My first visit went smoothly. I saw Physican assistant (Ms Serna), And Dr. Pullman. I was nervous to go to this appointment. The office staff was friendly and professional. I did not have to wait at all. I love when doctors are on time or earlier. They explained my plan and medications. Very good experience.

Like many others, I only met with Dr Vivek Mahendru when I required an injection; however, I was a patient at his clinic for 10+ years as an Intrathecal pain pump patient. The head nurse is a very caring individual. She is also very knowledgeable and skillful at maintaining the IT pumps. I thought my relationship with Mahendru’s clinic would be a life long relationship. Surpisingly I received a certified letter back in March that all of the Intrathecal pain pump patients would be dropped and no longer serviced. The reason given was something to the effect that the laws required the drug to be administed within 72 hours instead of 30 days. Thankfully by reaching out to the head nurse, I was able to receive a little guidance on who I might consider for my future pain management needs and for assistance on having my records sent to the new facility; however, that didn’t resolve the fact that I was scared to death that 1. Other facilities might not want to deal with Intrathecal pain pump patient especially if the laws had changed as they said. 2. I was in pain and would [possibly have to live in pain once again for the rest of my life. 3. Who would refill my pump before it alarmed or would I have to endure going thru withdrawals 4. What would I do if no doctor would take me.
I’m extremely hurt that more notice wasn’t given, that more options or recommendation were made available in the letter on future pain management facilities, that Dr Mahendru didn’t reach out to the pain management community to advise that his patients would be seeking medical assistance thereby facilitating the transfer. Medtronics, the manufacturer of the pump, was not even notified that he was dropping all Intrathecal pain pump patients at the time I phoned them for assistance and clarification of the new law.
In my search for a new doctor, I have had to endure being accused of being personally dropped by PSA. Many physicians are skeptical when pain patients switch doctors and are not receptive to being helpful. It’s hard to give an accurate, clear picture of one’s medical history that can span 10 – 15 years of various treatments, procedures, complications, and successes.
When seeking a pain management facility, it’s like seeking a spouse. You need to find someone that is compassionate, trustworthy, loyal and committed. I’m sure they had their reasons for discontinuing the service; however, this breakup was extremely difficult for me physically and emotionally. Fortunately, I think I finally found a doctor today that will work with me to get me back to being comfortable.

I was sent to this location on May 5, 2010. My surgeon sent me to get injections on my shoulder. I was to be sedated because of my extreme fear of needles. When I showed up here they told me they don’t sedate and took me into a room. They layed me on my side and stuck needles in the front of my neck. When I was screaming and crying and coming off the table the dr told the nurses he needed help. They held me down and one nurse held my arm and put an IV in. By that time I was historical and I felt instant pain in the middle of my back and am now on SSI because of what they did. When I told my surgeon what they did he said that wasn’t the orders he sent over. He didnt know why they did that. He said if I wasnt going to get surgery, then there was nothing more he could do. He sent me back to my primary physcian. I live with this pain everyday of my life. Don’t go to this facility! The only reason there is one star is because I couldn’t post without choosing 1 star.

If I could give zero stars I would. I was completely honest with the PA with everything and she told me she couldn’t give me any help today and buy pain meds off the street. I was shocked what she told me this place needs to be shut down

Resinding my second star.
First, I have received a letter that Dr. Manees is no longer with CTPI, and he had the best manner of all the doctors. I wish I could find out where he went. But thank heavens I already am somewhere else.
I found another pain management doctor and practice. The doctor is wonderful, I have needed to see a PA and the PA is wonderful. Even though the practice is HUGE they all make sure the paperwork is interactive and everyone knows what the other has done. I have recently had 2 nerve blocks, both have been at one of their surgicenters and I have found it to be staffed efficiently without any of the problems I sometimes experienced at CTPI’s «sister» Surgicenter located on the first floor. NO billing problems whatsoever. Finally, a procedure that actually caused me pain done by CTPI was done by a doctor at «this other practice» and I have had no problems. We discussed in great detail how we should do it and why – something that never happened at CTPI – injections or blocks were just done without explanation, even by Mahendru.
I just followed up and paid a balance due I had with CTPI and mentioned I was no longer seeing anyone at CTPI, and I just got «oh, I see.» I guess they don’t care they lost a patient.

I called this office when my MRI revealed a bulging disk was the cause of my sciatica and numb right leg. When I explained I was leaving on vacation, they worked me in the NEXT DAY.
The front office was clear about the financial obligations. They used my insurance and calculated my portion accurately.
The «back office» was comprised of caring competent practitioners. The procedure was only a few minutes long and my symptoms were completely eradicated.
As a nurse, I was impressed at the efficiency and gentleness of the whole clinic.
4 days later I was skiing down the slopes in Colorado with more energy and balance than before. I have already referred a dear friend with a similar problem to the clinic.

I have to rescind my 3 star review, I have found a pain doctor that actually cares about my pain issues, and has staff that are competent. What a contrast it is when you find a good office, after you have been to a bad one.
Since then I was referred to a different doctor in the group and thought well its a new location and a new doctor new start right? Just as horrible, and worse since I can’t actually locate someone to give me directions to the stupid building they are in. The doctor I saw was nice, but it doesn’t give me any confidence that they won’t screw things up (like they did when I first saw them for cervical (neck) injections).
Seriously find a good pain doctor, do NOT go to this group.

I’ve spent 47 years dealing with a severe disability and just when I had pretty much given up hope that a doctor/​clinic was in business that truly cared about their patients, I discovered Dr. Manees at PSA (Pain Specialist of Austin). Starting with the staff (Deserie, Gus, etc sp?) they treat you as family and they really do care. My man Gus has taken care of me for over a year now and I dare say he brings his best every time he enters the patients room.
Deserie and the other ladies are consummate professionals, thus allowing the office and processes to run smoothly. I have complete confidence in the entire staff.
However none of this matters if you don’t have a «real doctor». Frankly, I shudder as to where I might be now if Dr. Manees wasn’t taking care of me. Professional «bedside manner» along with a strong personality that is part friend and part counselor; «Doc» exudes a confidence that comes across as solid and not cocky or bossy. He is without a doubt pursuing his career with a passion for helping others and not about the money. He deserves every bit of income he receives but I assure you he (and the staff) are worth ten times their income.
Go visit these fine people and see for yourself why they deserve all the accolades…
You will agree with me and be a lifelong client/​friend!!!
Jerry aka Krip
@crippledshark

Do not come here. This office is run poorly and the staff is incompetent. Also, make sure to read the reviews for Pain Specialists of Austin and the filtered reviews on this page.

CHOOSE A DIFFERENT PAIN CLINIC! This is the most unprofessional, unorganized group, medical or otherwise, I have ever encountered. I have yet to have one prescription called in on time. On the third time this happened to me, even though I had called and had them promise me they would fulfill because it was a Friday and I was anxious of their history, I was left to the point of almost going to the emergency room because I had no pain meds. Thanks to a friend, I borrowed some hydrocodone and made it through the weekend. When I called, they didn’t give a damn I was left in that situation. The fifth time my prescription wasn’t filled, even the Walgreen’s staff was rolling their eyes about the incompetency.
Another time, I was experiencing severe muscle spasms. I called on a Tuesday afternoon, got passed around to finally get an answering machine. I left a message crying in pain for someone to call me back for something to relieve my pain. I NEVER GOT A CALL BACK. I called back on Wednesday morning, still in pain and now furious because no one cared. Was transferred around a got another answering machine. Still no return call. On Wednesday afternoon, I called again. I told the receptionist she was NOT putting me through to another machine. A nurse came on the phone and was the most indignant person I have ever dealt with in the medical field. She said someone had called me back Tuesday afternoon and left a message which was absolute bs. (Even if what she said were true, wouldn’t a caring pain clinic follow back up on someone so obviously in pain?). She said she was calling in the prescription (oh boy, here we go again!) and promised she would call and let me know the order went through. To no surprise, no call and it wasn’t until I contacted Walgreen’s did I find the order was ready.
More recently, I have been having significant pain in my upper arms and can barely raise my arms to brush my hair. Having explained my issue for two visits now, my doctor (Dr. Clark — will get to that later) finally ordered a MRI for me. Austin Regional Clinic (ARA) called on the morning I was scheduled and said it hadn’t been approved by insurance and I needed to call the doctor’s office to get it authorized. Called on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and explained what needed to happened. Now on this, and every call after, I asked and was re-​assured that someone would call me back to confirm it got approved so I could re-​schedule. Needless to say, no return call came Wednesday. Monday, I called again. Same explanation, same result — nada. Called on Tuesday — same thing. Called Wednesday. The person the Tuesday conversation told me to call was non-​existent. Now I hear this was approved on MONDAY!!! Then I get put on hold for 10 minutes and all of a sudden I am talking to ARA. No followup conversation to say they were transferring me or, God forbid an apology… just a transfer and I had to figure out who I was now talking to. ARA went ahead and scheduled me again but said the approval still wasn’t showing in their system. Should it be this hard just to get a MRI scheduled???
Lastly, Kristen P. discusses Dr. Tameta Clark. I knew something was always really off-​putting with her and Kristen’s comments hit the nail on the head with all her mannerisms. I feel she doesn’t even care if I get relief or not.

Do not come here. They will scam you any chance they get.
I went to the South Austin office aka Pain Specialists of Austin and paid the initial fee of $ 250 (self pay) in October 2011. After discussing my issues with Dr. Manees who was nice, sure, I went on home after taking a urine test. Few weeks go by and I get a bill from the lab saying I owe $ 1000 for a urine test. Err skuezzzz me?! Call up the office and the billing woman says she can’t help me for that’s how much it costs. Call the lab and the lady says whoops sorry, made a mistake, it only cost $ 20 and PSA should have sent me the correct bill. Never got it. A week later I get another bill saying I owe hundreds for a steroid shot I supposedly did in my initial visit. Had to call them again and all I got was a measly apology. Well well, go back to the same doctor to follow up on my MRI results a month later and the office visit costs me $ 75– nothing was done. Doctor didn’t even show me my MRI, he just read out loud from a piece of paper what another doctor diagnosed. 3 months later I move out of state. Now 7 months later I get a nice call from a collectors agency saying I owe $ 75. SURPRISE! They did it again! Now i have to waste my precious time dealing with bull crap.
They will bill you multiple times to squeeze anything they can out of you. Don’t use pain specialists of Austin, nothing more annoying than dishonest people who work for a dishonest company. Lord knows how much they eat from your insurance companies.

I was referred here for my pain from my 4 degenerated discs. I never saw Dr. Mahendru in the office, it was always the PA, Patricia. I had injections, but they never kept me out of pain for more than a week or two. And they cost hundreds of dollars. The last straw after never seeing the doctor was that they wanted me to start taking methadone and I was not okay with that. They told me methadone or nothing — they weren’t willing to let me try anything else for the pain. I’m not willing to put that terrible drug in my body! Thanks for nothing.

I saw Dr. Viji. I had an injection in my neck for my arm pain, which did not work. The second time I was scheduled for the same procedure. Because I had no changes after the first injection, he gave me an injection in my elbow instead. I had no improvement. I chose not to go back not only because the injections did not help me, but because I am still paying the bill. My biggest issue is with the charges. They said it would be a certain amount out of pocket, and then billed me for hundreds more that the insurance did not cover. If I would have had any idea I would have not had the injections done. Make sure you know what your TOTAL out of pocket will be before having procedure done.

I went to the Pain Institute for over a year and never saw Dr. Mahendru except to get injections that never worked. I would have liked to see the doctor, not just a PA every single time. I am now searching for another pain management clinic that will work with me better and not try to shove Methadone down my throat.

I’m torn about this review — while the spinal injections I was given there seemed to work to some extent, and I found Dr. Mehendru and his surgical staff to be very nice, I was VERY disappointed with the office operations and finally discontinued going there altogether (in the middle of my treatment) because of those frustrations. (This will be long, bear with me)
Before the first procedure, I called a number of times because I needed to know how much my insurance would cover and what I would be expected to pay up front on the day of the injections. Despite repeated (and increasingly panicked messages), no one called me back until 4:30 Friday afternoon (my appointment was 8 AM the next Monday) and even then they just left a message saying THEY had questions for ME. I showed up Monday completely blind, and was handed a bill for $ 600.
The injections went well, however, and I DID feel some relief. Dr. Mehendru and his surgical staff were extremely nice and the procedure went off without a hitch.
Second procedure was a little more complicated — I had to see a PA before they would schedule the appointment, and I left that appointment thinking the 2^nd procedure would be the last and expecting that the pain relief from it to last 6 – 10 months. Not sure if this was a miscommunication or what, but you can imagine how upset I felt when I was told, in the recovery chair, that, no, this was yet another diagnostic procedure, and despite coughing up another $ 600, I could only expect relief to last 1 – 2 weeks.
He also scheduled the third procedure for two days later, which was insane because HOW am I going to come up with another $ 600 or MORE in two days? Impossible. I insisted that the appointment be delayed, but felt a lot of pressure to keep it within two weeks. Still not sure why.
When the pain came back in a different place (and was WORSE) after the 2^nd procedure, I was skeptical about the third procedure, and frustrated with the whole process. I called the clinic with some questions, but after two messages no one called me back. Finally spoke with someone on the third call, who told me the doctor would NOT call me back, and if I had questions I should make another appointment with the PA and the doctor would «try» to be available during that time to talk to me.
Look. I appreciate that you’re a good doctor and very busy. But if you can’t take the time to make a 10-​minute phone call to me, to answer questions I have about a procedure YOU pressured me into, injecting NEEDLES INTO MY SPINE, then I just don’t want you to be my doctor.
So I quit. Still feeling pain, no idea what to do, but I won’t be going back to Central Texas Pain Management. Hate to give a bad review, because he and his surgical staff DID seem very nice and competent — but the rest of the BS was a deal-​breaker for me.
:-(

I was referred to Dr. Mahendru by my neurologist. I have chronic headaches and needed to try occipital nerve block injections. I can honestly say, I’ve never been afraid of needles, but the thought of them being in the back/​base of my head made me a little nervous. My blood pressure was a little high when I went in, though the staff assured me that it was probably due to the stress of the injections I was about to have.
The staff was so nice and so patient. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have these injections. I was ultra impressed.

If you’ve got any sort of chronic pain problem (other than the person who plays their music too loud with the bass too high who lives on the floor above you), these guys can fix it. Dr. Vivek Mahendru is the head doctor at the Central Texas Pain Institute.
When my orthopedic surgeon first referred me to a place that ended in «pain institute» I can’t exactly say I was excited about it. However, three epidural steroid injections later, my lower back pain has improved significantly.
I’ve never had a long wait in the waiting room. It is hard to get an appointment if you suddenly have pain and need to get in. They book several weeks out in advance. However, if you are living with some sort of chronic pain, it’s worth talking with Dr. Mahendru to see how to manage your symptoms — without having to resort to surgery.