Desert Pain Institute is FANTASTIC! Went in in extreme pain and walked out a pain free patient. They were very caring and professional. I was treated with dignity and my experience was great. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who has back pain or sciatica pain. I have told everyone about it and I am a very happy patient. Thanks to all the doctors and staff.

Poor return calls by staff. If at all. Complications from a pain pump that abscessed open , not their fault, that required the pump to be removed. My dad developed a huge hematoma in the space where the pump had been. Calls were placed into the DPI to report the issue by dad and his PCP office with no return calls to either!! My dad’s PCP had to arrange a direct admit to the hospital post calling a friend of his who is a general surgeon. Post 3 days in the hospital and a placement of a wound vac for a wound the size of deflated football, literally, that will require the vac for 3-4 months plus likely 1-2 months to completely heal. This could have been avoided by an initial drain tube post removal of the pump. That may not be protocol but maybe it should be. The not returning of calls has not been a new issue. Years of experiencing this issue prior, this is the reason my dad did not want to go back to DPI until the realization that other physicians did not want to do the removal, then it became a dire situation. Sorry for the graphic photos, but pictures are worth a thousand words.

Terrific place! Great doctors and staff! Definitely recommend!

I highly recommend this practice!! I had tingling and numbness down my left arm which was very concerning. Once I determined that it wasnt a heart attack I made an appointment to see Dr Hurst-Wicker. He was very knowledgeable and quickly determined the cause. After getting a MRI to confirm his diagnosis he started me on medication and physical therapy. After several weeks without significant improvement of my symptoms he performed a cervical epidural. I was very nervous since I had never had one of these before. He did a great job and the procedure went smoothly. Within 1-2 weeks my symptoms were gone! It has been 2 years now without a return of those symptoms and I am so relieved. I would definitely return to this practice if needed.

I was seen in very prompt time! Everyone was so kind and friendly! Such a pleasant experience!

Dr Hurst-Wicker is a wealth of knowledge and his concern for his patients is evident. Desert Pain Institute is the place that can help. They are accustomed to treating patients who feel like they don’t have anywhere else to turn for relief and they will do everything in their power to keep you comfortable. I recommend Dr Hurst-Wicker highly!!

I have been with DPI for four years. They are caring and NOT a med clinic. They want to get to the cause of the pain and not just relieve the pain. If the can find the cause of the pain and fix it, it is better than being medicated all the time. Love them. Maggie is the sweetest MA I have ever met. If you are just looking for drugs, keep looking... If you want CARE call DPI!!!

Let me start by saying how great their entire staff is! Tina, Cherly, Stephanie and the ladies at the front desk are all so helpful and caring, they really try to make you feel welcome and comfortable! Dr Ruskins is absolutely hands down the best Doctor Ive ever had he takes the time to listen and seems to genuinely care about his patients. He has excellent bedside manner. I would highly recommend this Desert Pain Institute.

I was referred to this clinic in April by Ortho AZ (Dr Behrend). I have still yet to be seen. I have called sometimes 3x per week to leave a message (since no one ever answers). I call at 3:30 pm and listen to the recording say they are closed (SMH). I have left messages with the answering service that they forward calls to, I have gone online and filled out the request for contact 3 different times. My next step is to show all my documented attempts to Ortho AZ maybe they will stop referring people there. It’s so ridiculous that they won’t even call back but they will hop on google reviews quick to welcome positive feedback.

I have never been offended in my life, I dont get offended very easily. I had an appointment to at 12:55, was originally scheduled with Dr Hurst ended up seeing Ruskin! The mistake I made was giving the MA my medication list, I forgot how the world judges those who need opioids to function in life! I hate that I need them to function from day to day! I am in constant pain, the burning sensation I experience is like the pain of the muscle breakdown one experiences while working out. Ruskin made up his mind about me before he even walked into the room, I was judged by a piece of paper that had my list of medications, shame on him, I pray he doesnt ever treat anyone else the way he treated me, 1st thing he said was, you sure are on a high dose of oxycodone, not, what kind of pain do you experience, where is it at! He was looking in My joints, other words, in my bones, the only join/bone that hurts is that of my right arm, since its broken, its my soft tissue that hurts, my muscles in my back are constantly burning, the meds allow for me to live at a 5/6 with pain meds, without them in am at a 8/9! my skin feels like I am standing next to a fire, at the point of blistering! I have 2 lesions in my spine that have caused my spinal cord to be exposed! My back cramps, I am on Baclofen and Lyrica, one is for the nerve pain the other is for the spasms, each of those offer a little bit of relief, the opioids helped get me to the 5/6! Ruskin made up his mind about me before he even walked into the room, I understand, the world has caused him to become hard thinking everyone is out to get meds, forgetting there are those who need them, he didnt even offer anything else as a solution, he told me to go back to my original pain Dr, he was trying to get rid of me from the start! I do not recommend Ruskin, I cant even call him a Dr, that would mean I repected him!!Update:. I should have added that I have Multiple Sclerosis I was told a pain doctor was who I needed to see, my last Dr was an internal Medicine Dr, was allowed to give me pain meds. He didnt even question why I didnt have a blood pressure reading. Last reading I had was 150/90 all caused by the pain I am ALWAYS in! The name I used is Stacy Wissman birthday is July 10

I don’t often complain, but after a year and a half of being treated and desert pain institute I feel I have to share my experience. At first it was great. I had an xray done and dr. ruskin created a treatment plan that took me from a 10 on the pain scale down to a 3 or 4 in the course of a year. I was told that surgery would be considered if I was still in pain. I told them that I was still in pain and wanted to talk about surgery. Dr. Ruskin said my diagnosis was completely different from the original diagnosis despite an xray scan and the fact that hes been treating me for the original diagnosis. I ignored that because he did make my pain go down a lot and hes a professional so we did another office procedure which helped temporarily. I called the same week, as instructed, to tell them how my pain was. That was three months ago and I have never heard from them. Granted there is a pandemic going on, but to never call back or answer their phone seems unprofessional to me. It was always a hassle to get in contact with anyone from their office and at this point I believe they do things by the seat of their pants. I would rather go to a doctor that has better communication inside and outside of the office with their patients.

I have a back full of metal from scoliosis fusion surgery and needed warm pool therapy. Desert Pain owns the pool next door. I was referred there for warm pool therapy for 93 degree temp water. One of the heaters has been broken for a long time and the water is cold. The pool is also full of sand and dirty and in vast need of repair. Such a bad reflection on both Desert Pain and STI. I am unable to do therapy in a cold pool and no one seems to care.

Front office staff (Sherri) is very rude. Speaking to CUSTOMERS like that is unacceptable! You work in CUSTOMER SERVICE, learn how to speak to people. My Father however is very pleased with staff actually performing his procedure.

Dr .Hurst-Wicker /Understanding and patience with pain and clients is a quality he exudes .I drive 45 miles to go to the clinic and have at least gotten to the point were my pain levels are managed which is life changing .Ive recommended the Practice many times to many people. I have a small part of my life back , and thanks to a open understanding doctor will still search out possibilities to correct my spine and injuries , They dont give up which is what I prayed for

I have been a patient of Dr. Ruskins for several years and I have never been disappointed with the care Ive received. He is very knowledgeable, professional and caring. Hes always taken the time to answer all my questions and anytime Ive called with questions, he has always returned my call. The injections Ive received for my lower back pain, shoulders and knee have helped tremendously, relieving all pain. Hes a wonderful doctor!

Very efficient. Hurst-Wicker is very thorough and multi-modal in treatment planning. Injection procedure patient-friendly.

After going through a variety of surgeons, a physical therapist and a chiropractor who really did nothing for me, Dr Boyd did his quick assessment, prescribed a treatment, mandated physical therapy in follow-up, and was responsive to continued problems. I believe I probably wont be 100% but since I was in pain of one sort or another for most of the day before going to him, unable to walk more than half a block, he has been the catalyst for a huge improvement.I highly recommend him.

Excellent Staffing & Good Pain Management Specialist. Dr. Eric Boyd, Practitioner Doug Lucas & Medical Assistants Are Good. They where very good at one time. But we parted ways based on my personal disagreement on treatment issues & they seemed feared to treat my wife & Doctor Boyd claimed she had no issues. We have recently found out different & that she will require 3 Surgeries & is now in treatment at a better Pain Management Facility. Im a bit concern about my own treatments that I received from them, based on the miss diagnosis on my spouse. My best suggestion, shop around before being treated by this facility, get a second opinion on treatment plans.

This office does not accurately invoice and has no clear policy for payments that they adhere to. The office staff and Dr are in it for the profits only, do not expect to be treated humanely at this office, just another number.

Thoughtful and through. Good follow up after my procedure.

Holy bananas, all other doctors offices stand up and take note - this THIS is how a professional, well considered medical practice should operate. I spend a TON of time at doctors offices. My second job is running my not at all healthy 86 year old Mom from doctor to doctor to doctor (yes she is singlehandedly keeping the medical industrial complex going!) So I think I have a fairly solid foundation from which to judge the good, the bad, the wholly (ahem, Paul Sraow, looking at you!) incompetent and everything in between. If only Desert Pain would expand and add every other type of practicing physicians to their practice I would move in next door. The front office staff are fast, efficient and friendly. The front office staff in the clinic are fast, efficient and friendly. Gabriel is fast, efficient and super friendly (and adorable) and Joan is the best and understands people in pain! We have never waited more than a few minutes, either our first time in the door or any subsequent visit. Older people want a little more time, a little more consideration, they dont want to answer as quickly and efficiently as possible, they want to give you a little story with the answer. Naturally this drives me around a bend because I have heard it all before and need to get back to my actual paying day job. But not the nurses and staff of Desert Pain, they take their time, they listen, they dont rush my Mom. Dr. Boyd is THE BEST! To have a physician recognize the kind of pain my mom is in and take their time and not be dismissive, that he chats with me as well and that he is not put off by my Moms age, weight, deteriorating condition or any of the rest of it. AMAZEBALLS! And hey, is your person in a wheelchair or uses one to get around when out and about. OMG the entire place is set up with wide doors and automatic door openers and and and!!! Youd think with the aging population and how many elderly we have in AZ this would not be such an amazing find, but it is! Need a follow-up appointment? You dont have to go back out to the busy front desk, the nurse makes it for you right there in the exam room. Holy smokes! I cannot say enough good about this building (how many handicap spaces do they have out front? not the usual measly 2 but like 8!), the staff, Dr. Boyd. Do you have pain? My apologies BUT GO!!! They are amazing!

Dr. Eric Boyd gave me my self esteem and worth back with the treatment of my medical conditions and pain control. But he also touched my heart because he is a very kind, gentle and reasonable person. The staff including physical therapy are all just as great. I felt like they looked at me not my disability. I am greatful for the years of the greatest care I have ever had. Relocated to Tucson....gotta start over. The good news is my new Dr knows Dr. Boyd and that gives me hope. My name at the time of services is Yvonne Morgan.

I just love my therapist both PamsThey are both trying so hard to helpThis senior citizen. ..alll with muchDignity , compassion & soooo muchCare. They seem to really care thatWe gain strength & stability in ourOwn particular situation.Thank you for all you do to help us.Diane Boone

My experience with DPI was so positive that I have changed my insurance for next year so I can return. Both Dr Hurst-Wicker and Doug Lucas were just outstanding. They are skilled and caring and kept my back pain under control through 2015. Then my insurance didnt cover DPI last year. I am eager to get back under their care. Their entire staff are helpful and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone with chronic pain.

Takes forever to get information, not the most pleasant clinc to go for medical treatment. A patients health should always be a priority not the their wallet.

Ive had an Open Discectomy in 2007, and a Laminectomy in 2009. Pain management is no stranger to me for almost 10 years, nor Addition because these Drs get everyone doped up then cut you off.. Unacceptable. A recent injury put me back in the hands of of this circus, thinking Im in the best of hands I went in for the first Epidural injection and; Absolutely Terrible! I felt every second those needles were in my back but Paid for sedation? I asked what they can do different, I was told to find another Pain management Dr since they cant accommodate. Well played! $250 deductible plus $158 for copay.

Very disappointed, I went there for back pain, which I have been almost everywhere (chiropractors, specialists, physical therapists, etc) for over the past five years. After getting examined by doctor Hurst-Wicker he told me I needed an MRI before he could do ANYTHING for me, but assured me they would send the order through by end of the day, and i will get a call to schedule the MRI after the order is sent. 5 days later, still no call. So I call and have to leave a message with his main medical assistant, and got a call back the next day. In the rudest tone Ive ever heard, she told me that they were still waiting for the insurance to go through. Not only was the attitude unnecessary but with BlueCross BlueShield as my insurance, there is no way that the insurance is the only thing to blame for waiting over a week to schedule an MRI. After a long consideration, I will not be going back, I would rather find a doctor with a pleasant and personable medical assistant.8/23 just an update, she STILL never sent the MRI through

Dr. Naveen Reddy, MDis not at this location he is atApex Pain Specialists2705 S Alma School Rd #1Chandler, AZ 85286

I called and met with quite a few pain management centers before deciding to have my spine denervation completed here with Doctor Cho. I dont like any kind of medical procedures; but the staff and Doctor Cho took their time helped me through the process. I would recommend her to anyone trying to regain their life by controlling their pain.DC

Extremely rude and immature staff. Go anywhere but here!

Went here for an epidural to relieve lower back pain. Wound up with a hematoma on the spine and subsequent emergency back surgery. This could have resulted in permanent paralysis. 3 months later I am still recovering from surgery!!