Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center 4500 Hospital Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30076

"Over the past 2 years, I have received consistently dismissive—at times medically unethical—treatment from several providers within Wellstar--Dr. Kurokawa being one of them. For this reason, I have decided to end my relationship with Wellstar as soon as I am able to find competent, responsive, and trustworthy providers via a different hospital/clinic. Not only have I directly expressed concern, frustration, and feeling unheard and misunderstood to providers, but I had verbally escalated this issue to a clinic supervisor last year all without follow-up. As a young, autistic woman with a complex medical profile, I have relentlessly advocated for myself and my healthcare needs within the WS Health system to the point of feeling defeated, overlooked, not taken seriously, and ultimately depressed and untrusting of WS’s ability to address my care needs. The final incident that contributed to this feeling of despair was my interaction (or lack thereof) with the Spine and Pain Center in Alpharetta. At my initial appointment, I shared that my constant pain had driven me to deep depression and asked for a specific pain solution while I awaited a spinal injection 4 weeks from that appointment. I explained to doctor Suley Beth (who was taking direction that day from Dr. Kirokawa) that certain pain meds had offered me immediate relief and was constantly shutdown. I left that appointment knowing that the pain would continue, but still used the meds prescribed to me with no relief. Eventually, after having contacted the clinic asking for other options to my pain and specifically stating my debilitating pain levels and impact to my lifestyle, I was ignored. Not only did I reach out to Dr. Kurokawa, but also rheumatology and neurology. For three days, I heard nothing and ultimately ended up at Emory’s ER where I was treated with the exact same meds I requested and also received updated information on a progressive issue affecting my spine and nervous system. Putting the nail in the casket, I was only informed on the day of my appointment that there was an additional fee (administrative) for my spinal procedure that my insurance does not cover. I could not afford this with such short notice and asked if Dr. Kurokawa could help me find alternative options for pain management in the interim. I was told by her nurse that she was not available, although we were technically two minutes into my appointment time. Not only did she not speak with me, but she asked her staff in an open area within earshot of other patients "why is she even here?" I would 100% discourage anyone from working with Dr. Kurokawa as she lacks compassion, ethics, and empathy and has no business working in pain management."

"I highly recommend Dr. Kurakowa. She's a very compassionate, caring doctor that cares. An excellent physician that really helped me to reduce & eventually eliminate opioids from my life after over 20 yrs of constant use. I truly appreciate all NFPSC did for me."

"Great Staff! Michelle is the kindest, easiest person to speak with. I have to also say, The entire staff is professional and attentive. I’ve received the best care here. Suffering from chronic pain, has impacted my life, and limits my activities. Fortunately, the procedures plus medication has managed my pain, so at least, I’m not housebound, and have the motivation to push myself to more tasks. If I could, I would rate 10 stars! I Truly Appreciate The Docotors, Nurses and Entire Staff Here! Blessings for All~"

"Both Dr. Ravi Dammanna and Dr. Kenneth Joel and their entire staff have been nothing short of amazing. The care and attention I have received has been excellent. The facility is very clean and updated and very spacious. The whole process of scheduling and having procedures was very easy. This is in stark contrast to my previous experiences elsewhere. Dr. Joel and Dr. Dammanna both spent a great deal of time going over my case and my concerns and have encouraged a team approach to my care. So thankful to have found this great group of professionals. One great bonus- easily accessible and FREE parking as well. KUDOS to the staff."

"I have had numerous procedures at this center. The doctors are amazing, understanding, and listen to my concerns/needs. All the nurses are extremely professional and friendly. My biggest concern is how difficult it is to schedule an appointment. The individual in scheduling never answers the phone and typically it's 3 days before they return my call. If I miss their call, it's another 3 days before I can schedule. They are always so booked that I have had to wait up to 3 weeks just to make an appointment. They really need to improve the scheduling process. Once you arrive for your appointment, make sure your ride knows that it will be a long wait. My wait has been up to 2 hours since they are always behind schedule. Again, major scheduling issues. I do highly recommend the doctors and nurses and have been always satisfied with the results with my procedures."