Dr. James J. Choo

4.3 ( 16 reviews )

Staff

Punctuality

Helpfulness

Knowledge

Ratings for Dr. James J. Choo

1
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Punctuality
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Knowledge

Do NOT and I repeat, do NOT go to Dr. Choo! I wish I had seen these reviews before I saw him! The worst experience of my life! He wouldn’t even meet with me until he put me to sleep 3 times and did an ablation on the right side of my neck. He never once put his hands on me to examine me, but was more than happy to schedule me for a procedure every other week for 3 months…WITHOUT diagnosing me with chronic pain! I was told to just take Tylenol. When I questioned his money making tactics? He refused to speak to me. All I got was a letter stating I no longer would be a candidate for his care!!!! Unbelievable!!!!! He doesn’t care about YOU. He cares about MONEY!!

Submitted Oct. 12, 2021

5
Staff
4
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

I have been under Dr. Choo and Kendra Bellamy for approx. 8 years for Neuropathy. They have tried a variety of medications to keep me comfortable and able to stay mobile. I had reached the top level of medication that Tennessee will allow yet the pain continued to increase. For years, the team had suggested adding a spinal simulator to my treatment. I had refused to consider it. When it was getting to the point of not being able to stand or sit down without substantial pain, I agreed to try the spinal simulator. Dr. Choo himself worked with my insurance company to get approval for the procedure. Why I waited so long to try this technology is a mystery! Once I recovered from the surgical pain, the simulator has worked amazingly!! For the first time in 8 years and under the guidance of Kendra I have began the process of stepping down my medication. My pain is not completely gone but it has improved by at least 90%. I am so happy tha the staff of Dr, Choo convinced me to take this step. I would encourage anyone in my condition to take the simulator step in your treatment plan! It is fantastic! It's like a part of me is missing! A bad part! My family is very happy also that they don't have to listen to my complaining constantly about my pain level. I have started an exercise program and have started losing some of my weight.

Thank you so much to the staff of Dr. Choo for sticking with me and guiding me to the best decision I have ever made.

Submitted Sept. 28, 2017

5
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5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

I have problematic lower back pain due to a missing lumbar disc. I also injured my SI joints, causing severe pain. Both surgeons I saw recommended that I visit Dr. Choo. After trying several kinds of shots in the back and hips, I went to therapy at his facility. It is unlike any other place I've been , as it is one on one therapy. It was very helpful, but I still had pain that prevented me from sleeping well, doing household chores, and from walking any distance.
I needed something more, so I started using Norco 10 mg. only at night. It has made a sign if any difference in my quality of life. I do need to be seen by a medical professional once a month to get my refills. There are drug tests at regular intervals, and I had to attend a class with a psychiatrist. Those things are a small price to pay to be able to sleep and perform daily tasks. I am not an addict and will not become one. This is a better alternative to surgery at my age. I appreciate Dr. Choo and his clinic.

Submitted Aug. 9, 2017

5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

I had severe lower back pain for years from a past surgery. All other doctors wanted to do it give me pain pills to cover up all this pain. When I moved from Colorado and met Dr. Choo it was like a miracle. He did a procedure to ease the pain of the nerves on my lower back. I now can garden, walk with very little pain. Dr. Choo is the best!! He does not believe in giving you drugs to cover the pain, he helps you to function in every day life!! Thank you Dr. Choo I finally feel like a person now. I walk with my head up high knowing I am not taking all of these drugs
from the past doctors!!

Submitted June 2, 2016

5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

Dr. Choose and ALL of his staff are very knowledgeable about all aspects of pain and the human body. I have been to another pain (supposed to have been) professional and they didn't care about getting you better they just wanted to feed you pills and get you out the door no matter how much you told them that's not what you wanted, they only cared about their dollar. I'm so glad I've found Dr. Choose they have helped me in so many ways. They care, they listen and they understand and if they dont, they will find a way to figure it out some how and they will work with you mentally and physically. I love my doctor and all the staff that he trusts to work with him .

Submitted May 3, 2016

5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

If you are looking to get relief from any form of pain, I would suggest East Tennessee Pain Consultants. Dr Choo is a great doctor who gets rid of pain. This is all without pain pills. They also have a physical therapist that can help you figure out a lot of ways to help. East Tennessee Pain Consultants is a place to get help. Living without pain is a new life for me and its drug free.

Submitted Feb. 6, 2016

5
Staff
4
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

I have been going to Dr Choo's office at least 3 years. His staff is very friendly and also helpful. Dr Choo takes the time to answer any questions you might have. He has been able to treat and help me so far without taking any pain medications.

Submitted Jan. 29, 2016

5
Staff
4
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

3 1/2 years ago I went to Dr. Choo in chronic, debilitating spine pain that limited my activity level and worse yet, my participating in my own life. The first day, not knowing what to expect, I imagined a waiting room full of droopy eyed, slurred speaking "patients" in search of narcotics for "pain". But my fears soon went away when I saw genuinely sick people who looked like I look when my pain is screaming. If you are looking for a pill mill or free flowing prescriptions for narcotics, then skip Dr. Choo and Dr. Browder. However, if you are interested in finding new ways of dealing with your pain from a psychological, physical and occupational therapy view while adding things like TENS units, and medication and injections, then Drs. Choo and Browder lead the team that can not only help you manage your chronic pain, but to get back to life. I won't call them miracle workers, but they make it easy to try different types of physical therapy and to change the way that you think of your pain. And as long as you don't give up, they won't give up on your pain. I am thankful that my PCP sent me to Dr. Choo and has entrusted my care to him and his staff.

Submitted Jan. 25, 2016

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I've been with dr Choo over 3 years. His thoroughness as a surgeon relieves the pain. However if poor results occurs, he is quick to refer to another neurologist. Doesn't like you to question him.

Submitted Nov. 20, 2015

5
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5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge

Very helpful to have a physician to treat pain in my back with more than just pills. The injection treatments are essential for managing my pain.

Submitted April 27, 2015


Dr. James J. Choo's Credentials

Biography

James J. Choo, MD is a native of Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Emory University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, and received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2004 from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. After medical school, Dr. Choo completed his residency in anesthesia at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, LA. After residency, he attended the University of New Mexico and completed an ACGME-accredited pain fellowship. Dr. Choo is ABMS board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. Dr. Choo serves as the Medical Director of PCET Surgery Center and as the primary investigator for PCET Research Center. He has also worked with state legislators, other medical providers, and law-enforcement providers with regard to pain-management legislation issues in Tennessee. He served on the Opioid Prescribing Committee for the Tennessee Medical Association in order to help craft legislation aimed at curbing presciption drug abuse while protecting chronic pain patients' needs. This committee has developed opioid "best practices" guidelines for all physicians and mid-level providers in Tennessee who treat chronic pain. Dr Choo has been voted a "Top Doc" for Pain Management by local area physicians in 2012 and 2013. The honor is published in Cityview Magazine

Education

  • University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine (Grad. 2004)

Awards & Recognitions

  • CityView Magazine "Top Docs" 2012, 2013

Insurance accepted by this Doctor

Other patients have successfully used these insurance providers, please call the Doctor's office to find out if your insurance plan is accepted.
Blue Cross / Blue Shield