The Spine Institute

"Simply because I’ve disagreed with my last spine doctors scheduling department and front desk for changing a day I planned to see dr Chang, now this institution is not accepting me. Since Dr shawchuk is close friends with dr Chang this facility will not be accepting me as a patient. I’ve gotten zero injections from Chang or help other then conformation of my spondolothesis and herniated disc both on my l5. Me and changs front desk assistant don’t have the best relationship and I rather not keep showing up at a facility where I’m forced to deal with her. Dodging an unnecessary argument has now costed me from being seen here simply put. Hopefully the next spine facility I speak to doesn’t have connections with mr chang now I understand how they’re all connected"

"I was informed that I could not be seen due to an outstanding balance. I immediately offered to pay it, but unfortunately, the receptionist declined to accept my payment or give me the amount owed. She claimed that it was written off. I think it's quite unreasonable as I am suffering from serious severe spine problems and willing to pay all owed.I am confused and disappointed by their refusal to accept payment and see me. I would have liked to resolve this issue without further disruption to my healthcare. No empathy, no help, and no resolution. I couldn't even get a referral to see another provider."

"First, I would like to say that the front desk workers were kind and informative. I had never been there before and they gave me a clear direction of where I needed to go. Second, I was uncomfortable with the fact that both the PA and the Dr. asked me separately if I wanted to be wearing a mask, and to remind me that I didn't need to. I wouldn't be wearing it if I didn't want to. I told them I work at the health department, and I work with COVID. They seemed weirded out by this. It was a small annoyance but it set the tone for the appointment. Third: The doctor then begins asking me very unrelated questions - How old are you? 26. Am I married? No. Are you single? Uh, yes? I didn't know why these irrelevant questions were being asked. Also, if you have my file and read it, he would know, right? He then asked me about my job and if this was a career or job I wanted to keep, if I was going to school, etc. I said I don't know (frustrated at the line of questioning that had nothing to do with the injury currently stabbing through my left leg). He said that I should consider a line of work that doesn't include much heavy lifting. I said, meaning what? He said well you shouldn't be lifting anything I'd say over 5 pounds. He then went on to explain my herniated disk using his hands to explain. I asked if I could see the x-ray, and that I haven't been shown anything, just an MRI report. Fourth: He takes me into the hallway and already on a nearby monitor is my x-ray. Not on a locked computer, just open and up. So anyone could see it. This should be a huge red flag to anyone in health care - you need to protect patient information. There was a list of patients' names on a monitor next to it that had MRIs. This is totally unacceptable. I shouldn't have been able to see that. While he is explaining my injury to me, and how bad it is, I begin to cry. I am 26 and have never even broken a bone. I have been in more pain than ever, and he says "sorry". Then, I guess his time with me was up. We talked for maybe 10 minutes to decide whether or not I should have surgery - because he doesn't think a steroid will help. He leaves. The PA stays and lets me take photos of the x-ray and MRI after he scrolls to find my name in the long list of patients. He explains more about what that surgery would be, and says we can get started on the surgery date request since he knows workers comp can take a long time. I hear a woman from far away say we need them to approve it before I can get a date for surgery. He parrots it to me and I say, oh, okay. I don't know how this works, the whole thing has been stressful. He says I can go, and I limp out across the building - another thing that bugged me, I wasn't told where in TOSH this institute was, and walking is painful, so I had to wander around and ask. Please give that information over the phone when someone makes an appointment, where to park, stuff like that. I cried in my car for a few minutes and then headed home. I did NOT feel "cared" for. I do not want to go back here, but unfortunately I may have to due to worker's comp. Update, changed from 1 star to 4: The doctor called me and explained to me that the questions asked are common for new patient intakes. He apologized that I was uncomfortable, and that was not his intent. He was sincere and I very much appreciated it. He said my issue is common and others doctors can easily help me if I so choose."

"My case is not simple, however the pain is debilitating. It affects all facets of life; mental and physical. It is therefore unfortunate that I didn't find an advocate here at this clinic. I don't know how I could've expressed my horror at a life with such pain better. Their apathy was astounding. From making appointments to leaving the office, I really felt alone in my fight."

"I have been going to this office for herniated discs and sciatic nerve damage since I was 19 years old. I was very scared the first few times I came in but Dr. Fogg was so kind to me and was able to perform a very successful surgery to get me back on my feet. When Dr. Fogg retired 13-14 years later, I was scheduled with Dr. Clawson whom was able to perform yet another successful surgery. These are wonderful doctors and they will take great care of you. The office staff is very kind and will do their best to get you in."