Washington University Pain Management Center

"Dr Bakul could not do anything for my pain. Did not seem to care or want to spend time researching problems. $400 for a doctor appointment to tell me my test was negative and he couldn't do anything."

"Was told as the care giver I couldn't come back due to possibly fainting over the procedure, proceeded to watch them let other patients have guests walk in with them stating at one point "only one guest per patient". Was also told to walk out of the doors into the lobby waiting room to pick up said patient, and told care was flat out denied. Do not go here."

"1. Showed up for a 1:30 p.m. appointment at 1:15 p.m.; Waiting room was not crowded, only one other person even in the seating area; 2. At 1:35 p.m. I was taken to a patient examination room and then interviewed by a nurse re, medical history, nature of complaint etc.; 3. After nurse left, I sat in the examination room until 3:00 p.m., finally got fed up and left - never saw anybody after the nurse who did the intake; 4. Was never informed that the doctor was running late; 5. Was never informed that a medical emergency had arisen; 6. When I walked out of the examination room, I noticed a number of doctors and nurses all standing around talking and/or staring into computer monitor screens - absolutely no urgency or signs of concern; everybody just kind of standing around taking it easy; 7. Received a call from the doctor's office the morning of my appointment, advising me not to be late, the doctor would not see anyone who was more than 20 minutes late for their appointment (I had never been there before - no history of being late for appointments)"

"Robert A Swarm MD is my pain management physician who I first sought his opinion in 2013. I respect and trust his medical recommendations for my pain management 100 percent. He is extremely intelligent, professional, and I feel fortunate that I was referred to him by my Neurologist, Barry Singer, MD. Dr Swarm listens intently as I share my concerns, then analyses my input, and with much indept thinking and judgement, together we agree upon my plan of treatment. He is a caring, compassionate individual and has brought relief in my level of discomfort. The staff upon entering the door welcomes me with friendly warm smiles and each are organized and willing to take the time needed to get me registered and await my visit. The Residents have been meticulous in their history intake, supervised procedures, and the Nurses are well educated and make me feel comfortable and are easy to establish rapport. Each of them appear calm, decrease any fear level I might display and are skillful and professional. They help to lead the team and go beyond what is expected of them to make sure I am safely and well taken care of. I have had the pleasure of meeting with the Nurse Practitioner who is exceptionally well educated and listens, reviews my history completely including my tests and provides guidance and gives me excellent patient care. The scheduling staff patiently obtains my next appointment and reviews any orders for my tests. When needed, I have phoned for assistance and have been taken care of immediately or in a timely manner. The environment of the entire area is clean and that staff will glance up at me from their work and return a smile. Thank you, Dr Swarm, and thank you to all staff members. Blessings, LJ"

"I've been seeing pain management at the Washington University Pain Management Clinic for 7 years. I cannot say enough good things about their program. The physicians are caring, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. The staff are warm and always make you feel like you are the only patient that is there. I have never had a bad experience. I have recommended them to family and friends and will continue to do so."