Marina G Protopapas's Online Review Report Card

Disappointed frustrated and extremely shockedBefore I wrote this bad review I have called and left several messages for the doctor Marina Protopapas of Spine Pain Centers to call so that I can discuss my frustration but she has ignored my calls and left me with no other option but to write my frustration.After few months of trying to get an MRI order for the one that it was expired due to pandemic finally after the register nurse’s zoom call conference call my MRI order was renewed.Doctor’s office called when they received the MRI report and scheduled a visit on the day of the visit I went there an hour earlier but I was there more than two hours when I was called in after half an hour wait in the room to my surprised I was intruded to an ill prepared Doctor MALHOTRA when I stated that I am Doctor Protopapas ‘patient he stated that he is the one to take care of me. He stated that I should see a surgeon without any explanation otherwise I couldn’t walk or could be disabled when I asked what is my problem or where is my MRI report he was clueless he didn’t have the report nor a computer so that he can show me when he noticed my frustration he left the room and came back after an hour with the copy of the MRI report. I was more frustrated when I asked him that I had the same issue 10 years ago and doctor had injected cortisone shot and I was good for almost 10 years he had no clue that is why I left the office frustrated and not wanting to waste any time with a Doctor to be who is clueless . Now I should wait another six months and schedule an appointment while I am in more pain and suffering.

As a caregiver for one of your patients Im trying to get my family member to go with someone else. Why cant you plan ahead at all instead of the last minute requests for tests to be done with no time for patients or their care givers to plan? Why is everything so last minute with no appointments ever starting or ending at the scheduled times? Give accurate times in advance.

Dr. Protopapas is by far one of the most effective physicians I have ever seen. Her treatment prior to my first back surgery surgery some years ago was marked by kindness, consideration, and unsurpassed technical expertise. The 1 star review she received (above) is ridiculous; better that she should advise a patient she could not treat his condition than to engage in a procedure, knowing in advance that it would not help.

Dr. Protopapas has been the most effective in dealing with my severe spinal issues. She pinpoints the exact locations to inject to relieve my pain. She has managed to postpone a cervical surgery for over 3 years, almost completely eliminating my pain. I highly recommend her practice. The whole office staff is kind, caring, and very professional.

Dr. Protopapas is great I’ve seen her on and off over past several years for sports related injury issues. She’s extremely knowledgeable compassionate and on her game. Would highly recommend her for those with chronic pain spine issues.

I agree with all the other reviews where the wait is horrible. What is the purpose of having an appointment if you are waiting for half hour to an hour. Then they put you in a room to wait another 15 to 20 minutes. If you are not able to see Dr. Protopapas the wait is not worth it.

Terrible wait times for every appointment. Twice I was not advised that an appointment had been canceled until I left work showed up at the office and checked in. Office does not communicate well. For instance I was told that one appointment would be a checkin without injections when in fact the appointment was for injections. Although in need of back care steroid injections I had to leave because of the disarray they operate within. Strongly recommend going somewhere else for your care. There will almost always be tons of patients often older ahead of you. They may doublebook but I dont know. Expect 3090 minutes of a wait. If 1 star was an option I would give it.

I’m not just a number.

What a disappointment! After waiting 2 months to get an appointment to see Dr. Protopapas, I was expecting more. She told me that because I had too many trigger points, she would not be able to do anything for me. I was expecting her to come up with a treatment plan but she just told me go to the rheumatologist or another type of physician and take fibromyalgia medications (effective in only 10% of the population) with terrible side effects. Since then, I have gone to another doctor who prescribed physical therapy, trigger point injections, and a psychology referral, and I am finally starting to feel better. Don't be fooled by a doctor's fancy schooling that they have the knowledge base to treat your disease better. It is better to find a doctor who is willing to work with you rather than brushing you off.

My husband went to Dr. Protopapas 4.5 years ago for a herniated disc in his lower back. At the time of first visit, my husband could barely walk. Dr. P. fit my husband in after seeing his condition and after the first visit he felt 75% better and after second visit, he was back to 99% I went to Dr. P when I was told I had a pinched nerve in my neck. Xray and MRI supported that I had degenerative bone disease. After several months of PT and nerve meds, the pain still existed. I told my primary care and nerve specialist that the shoulder was rubbing on another bone or muscle and that it continued to hurt. She was the first Dr. to listen and after my first my relief was amazing. I am hoping my second visit will be the magic touch for me as well.