Dr. Pao and most of his staff are friendly. Two of his staff, one, his "nurse," who checks the patient's vitals, etc. is very cordial, helpful, and approachable. The male "assistant" is equally as pleasant, helpful, and professional.
The receptionist, Pumehana; however, comes across as sympathetic, kind, and cheerful when I first called to inquire about Dr. Pao, but when I asked too many questions or left voice messages for Dr. Pao, a different person emerged.
I went in to see Dr. Pao for mid back pain from being rear ended in a three car accident five months prior, after seeing another Pain Doctor, who was not working out. At first, Dr. Pao came across as amiable, humorous; telling jokes. I only saw him for two visits.
For a "Pain Doctor," he did very little to help me with my pain. Instead, the opposite happened. He stopped my pain medications upon my first visit, cold turkey and I got violently ill.
Dr. Pao follows his "own set of guidelines" as to what a patient must display in order to qualify for what the injury is, despite what the patient has to say. He appears like he cares and wants to help the patient, but only on his terms. Because I did not come in sweating or have an increase in blood pressure, my back pain was not due to the car accident.
Perhaps Dr. Pao's specialty is for those who suffer from chronic lifelong life ending pain, because sadly, he helped me very little.
A few pluses: the waiting room, patient rooms, and office are very clean. The staff are accommodating with scheduling: fitting in appointments, changing appointments, cancelling appointments. Dr. Pao spends time with his patients; he does not designate only 15 minutes per patient like some practices. read more
