Kaiser Permanente Chronic Pain Clinic

I wanted to see a doctor about a hearing issue. I was told that the first step is always a hearing test. (Something I did for free over the internet) I agreed but said I also wanted to see a doctor. When I checked in I asked if I was going to see a doctor today. I was told yes. When I saw the hearing technician for the test I asked again. He also told me I was going to see a doctor.
After the test he told me I had to schedule another appointment.
This kind of experience is what I have experienced before. Out of 4 visits 3 were way below my expectations. One visit was almost a good experience.
In general I see a big difference between seeing a specialist compared to Kaiser.
Specialists who own their business are more interested, more professional and have more initiative. At Kaiser my experience is that of apathetic employees, sloppiness and lack of personal interest. I can’t wait to change to a different provider.
I definitely do NOT recommend Kaiser. I think its the wrong business model.

I am absolutely appalled by Dr. Mckeladze’s lack of professionalism. As one patient below put it, he has the bedside manner of a mortician. He has no business working with those who suffer from chronic pain. His lack of sensitivity and unbelievable arrogance left me feeling more frustrated and alone than when I walked in. He doesn’t take the time to understand your pain (he didn’t even examine me or ask more than two questions) and makes rash conclusions based on two minutes of meeting you. In addition, his office is a complete disaster. I was interested in exploring the options the clinic has to offer, but I want nothing to do with him. I cannot believe he’s the chief of the dept. As soon as I’m able, I’m getting out of Kaiser. It’s a nightmare.

As far as treatment at Kaiser goes, this is the best department I’ve seen. The doctors actually understand the physiological and psychological effects of chronic pain, esp migraines. The group headache classes were very helpful — informative and supportive while providing gently and understanding accountability for people managing headaches. The multi-​disciplinary approach to pain makes a huge difference in treatment — it’s not all about taking pills. :)
I traveled in from the East Bay — Bart to Montgomery and take bus #38L from Sansome/​Market. It may take half an hour or so depending on traffic to get up to 4141 geary, but with a Clipper card and a good book, the trip is no problem.
French campus has cafeteria with reasonably priced sandwiches for lunch, and there are other places right by for lunch. Not too far from Ocean Beach and Lands End.

the chronic pain clinic at Kaiser tries to make a difference. I did learn some useful techniques but over all, since they can’t really do much for me I am kinda marginalized. The main pain Doctor, Dr. Bundy, was fabulous! He retired and was replaced by Dr. Mikeladze. Dr. M is a lot like the Navy doctors I learned to fear in the Marine Corps. Their attitude was that if you’re there you must be a malingerer. To their credit they tried to help me but in the end, all the pain meds only made me unable to function. So it’s either the pain or the meds. I want to live life so it’s the pain. Dr. Mikeladze has the bedside manor of a mortician and never once asked me how I was feeling and discussed what was happening to me. 2 stars are too much but Dr. Bundy would raise it to 5 if he were still there. No help, no joy.

The doctors and nurses don’t really care about their patients. They are very impersonal with you, and you don’t really get the feeling that they want to help you. It seems like it is just a job for them. They aren’t friendly and it seems that the doctors and nurses are burnt out and have had too much on their plate. Everyone is better off going somewhere else and seeing someone that truly wants to help you then rather than having the unfortunate doctors and nurses that have an institutional-​like demeanor and attitude towards patients.

It is so hard to get service in Kaiser. First, you go to physical therapy and this older PT gives you the same treatment plan because she forgets what she told you last time. You tell her the pain is still there but she doesn’t seem to really give you good treatment advice. Then you try acupuncture treatment. At the orientation, they tell you that it is possible to get regular treatment but they really only give you 3 – 4 treatments. If you tell them the pain is still there (although it’s a little better) after 3 – 4 treatments, they tell you it’s probably not working and they can’t do anything more for you. If you say you’re improved, then they say you’re well and you don’t need anymore. In other words, you’re not going to get anymore treatments although my acupuncture friend in L.A. say you need frequent and regular treatments to see a difference. Kaiser doesn’t really want to see you because your co-​pay doesn’t really pay for their time and your monthly premium is already paid. They’ll be happy for you to leave their system since chronic pain patients are a financial drain to them.

I have suffered with chronic back pain since I was 7-​years old. As I am getting older, the pain has been getting worse and the medications I have used in the past are not working unless I overdose myself on them.
At the suggestion and referral of my Internist, I had a 6-​hour evaluation today (included was an hour lunch period) with three different individuals as well as an x-​ray technician (who was wonderful).
#1) Was the physical therapist Penny Szblove
#2) Staff Psychologist, Chris Gilbert, Ph.D.
#3) Georgi Mikeladze, M. D (a third generation physician).
Everything regarding my pain history was discussed. Then after lunch, I met at a round-​table forum with all three, To discuss my condition, a change in medication and the future of my pain as it relates to future treatment (which will include a 2-​hour 10-​week class meeting with other sufferers where we will be provided with various techniques to assist the reduction and/​or management of pain as it relates to each of us: exercise techniques including stretching, psychological management and more).
Today was the first day in my life I feel I will no longer be dictated to by my pain.

Here’s their direct number 833‑4414. So you can really yell at them when you’ve hit that wall. I hate Kaiser sf.
They make you go to a class to learn about you your pain before they will treat your pain. Does that make any sense to you… because it doesn’t to me.
I got through the red tape though and so can you. It take some sad faces and batting of eye lashes and some digging through medical records. But once they pull their heads out of their asses and the blinders come off, some of the people that work there are not that bad. You can get the minimal medical care that you need for the moment.
I’m a little less dead today than I was yesterday.

Honestly, if you are seeking treatment or support for a mental health issue, going here will probably only exacerbate your existing condition. First it will be impossible to get a response once your GP refers you. Then, there will be approximately 97 phone calls back and forth just to make initial contact, since they NEVER answer the phone. The upside is that you will have memorized your Kaiser patient number by call #34, so you won’t have to frantically dig through your purse or wallet the next 50 or so times you have to call and leave yet ANOTHER message on their damn machine.
Once you get a real, live person, you will only be disappointed by their complete uselessness. They will give you the wrong information, they will not apologize for their toolish nature, and they will probably make appointments for you that you do not need. If you are smart enough to ask to speak with a professional, the buttboy they have answering the triage calls will act all offended that you are questioning his knowledge and authority.
If you have anxiety or panic disorder, this whole process will have you reaching for the Ativan and Xanax (or alcohol) like never before. You will be in tears, you will be shaking with rage, and you may even eat a whole chocolate cake to soothe yourself. Most likely, you’ll just take another Xanax and drool at your desk until someone calls you AGAIN, apologizes for buttboy’s stupidity and gets you all set up with the TWO appointments and classes you must attend (even if you are a professional in the mental health field yourself) BEFORE you can even get an appointment with a doctor.
Seriously, if I made more money, I would by-​pass these people altogether and pay out-​of-​pocket for a system of care that was designed with MY best interest in mind. For the time being, I’ll just keep popping my Xanax and go along for the ride.