I have been a pain patient for over 25 years now. After reading the comments about PCET I was dismayed. Not with PCET, but with many of the comments themselves. I was a patient when there were no PCET's ANYWHERE in ANY state. Imagine being in agony and no where to go. And I'm talking real agony that consumes your every movement, moment, and thought. You consider suicide because you can do nothing more to claim back a life you once had. I remember those early years of drug trials, mental health, orthopedics, neurology, physical medicine an more as an inpatient at a military hospital and the time it took away from my family. It took 3 years to come up with the appropriate medications. It took 18 months to learn bio-feedback to the point where it made a difference, which I use to this day. Multiple test and over 40 surgeries. I still endure both to this day because I am not only in constant pain, but am chronically ill. I am so very grateful for the PCET team. Yes, sometimes the staff is short, they have bad days with ill patients. But there are those who have jepordized my care and well-being, and all of us who truly need care, for their own addictions/purpose. The state of TN have put a very stringent process in place for the right reasons but with the wrong attitude. We are not all addicts and we are being treated that way by policy. If you are really unhappy about any pain management issues here in Tennessee, ask questions and find out how you can make a difference not only in your own life but maybe in the lives of a lot of patients who feel their voice isn't heard because of the deaths of so many who overdosed either accidently or because they had a problem with medication/addiction. Not all of us should be treated in the same fashion. What worked in the care of a patient shouldn't be mistreated and dismissed by a policy that now treats everyone exactly the same and, uses a (What I believe is) misguided equation for medication control. Your doctor is no longer your doctor to a degree in Tennessee. He is held now by a law that the Health Department in Tennessee has put into place to try and save lives. There is only one problem with that concept. We are not all the same... As for PCET, I am sincerely grateful to have a place to go which continues to help me have a life to live. Thank you Doctor Browder and staff!!!!!!!!!

Submitted Dec. 27, 2016

I have been a patient at PCET. I have never showed up short on my pain prescriptions, never had a problem with a drug screen. Most recently there was a problem with the drug screen, which I knew would be done, and have no knowledge of where to get such a drug. I was discharged for narcotic pain relief. I did appeal the decision as the medication that showed up can show a false positive. I wasn't called back for a retest on that same day or given any chance for a retest or blood work for a more accurate test. I have ask to have meds reduced and ask to be taken off Klonopin due to a fhorrendous and they offer no assistance. However my primary care physician is helping me with the withdrawal of Klonopin as it takes at least 6 months to a year. Otherwise, I would have had the same reaction as my friend. I didn't want to be put back on the narcotics but my character has been assassinated by PCET has been assassinated by by PCET and my life put in jeopardy. Dr . Brower's staff (as patients rarely see him) has helped my chronic pain for 14 years. I don't doubt their knowledge if pain control but they know nothing about withdrawing a patient from medications provided by them. They need further education as to withdrawing such strong medications. They out my life in jeopardy by their lack of knowledge. To remove a patient that has asked to be taken off meds has no right to a safe withdrawal. Their "disciplinary board," makes the "firm" decision at which point you are on your own. You are not allowed to ever mention the situation again to any of the staff. As a patient of 14 years. They would not admit to an error in testing , which can happen, I was "disciplined" and it was over. They will allow me to continue to be their patient but I must have any treatment they tell me to and it must be at their facility. I would never return to PCET as a patient or any other reason as they are not fully trained in pain management, or will admit to an error in their office. No one is perfect and they need to admit it. As I said, I wanted to come off the meds, but not in ICU on a ventilator. I fully researched the withdrawal side effects and expressed my concern, didn't ask to be put back on meds permanently, just to be taken off properly.

Submitted Oct. 8, 2016

The wonderful thing about Dr. Browser is that he experiences chronic pain himself, so I feel much empathy from him in his treatment of me. My experience with him (excellent) and the PCET has been wonderful in that my quality of life is better. I believe his philosophy in the treatment is pain, at least from my perspective, is to treat me with as little medication as necessary, but enough (along with other treatment modalities) to improve the quality and function of my life, which he has done.

Submitted July 18, 2016

I have been a patient at Pain Consultants of East Tennessee since 2003. Without their expert care and help with pain control, I would be bed-ridden. I will never be pain free because of the damage from my accidental fall. However, I have good quality of life thanks to Dr. Joe Browder, Darren and Brandi. I respect the integrity of Pain Consultants and I know that they monitor my care closely. Likewise, I follow all of the rules and I am grateful for all they have done to help me maintain the level of quality of life I now enjoy. I highly recommend this practice, but don't expect miracles, they can only help if you cooperate fully with their recommendations and procedures. Thank you, Pain Consultants of East Tennessee.

Submitted July 11, 2016

Have had an excellent experience every time I have been there.

Submitted July 1, 2016

I have been seeing Dr. Browder for about 15 years now. Yes at times I have had to wait a little longer then I would have liked but for the most part, my appointments have gone very quickly. I can truly say that He has put me back on my feet several times, and helped me to have a normal life. I have had eight spinal surgeries, and lived in pain for many years. Without Dr. Browder's help, I could not have the quality of life I enjoy. I have had many lumbar injections done but he is the only Dr. I would ever let do them again. As he told me, I came there to get out of pain not be put into more pain. I just went through the spinal cord stimulator trial, and it worked great. The whole experience was made better, by the staff he has working for him. I look forward to having the permanent stimulator in place. Thank you Dr. Browder, and thank you to your staff, for the help you have given me. May God bless you for the help you have provided me.

Submitted Feb. 5, 2016

I have been a patient of Dr. Browder for several years and have a EMT background and live TV production. I HAD severe sciatic nerve trouble from a L5 bulging disc. Dr. Ragland one of the top Neuro Surgeon's in the country, Highly recommended Dr. Joe. Boy was he right, thanks to Dr. Joe and the staff at PCET, I am able to work regularly and with a minimum of pain and no surgery. His injection techniques are perfect. Anyone who says different did not do their home work as they were suppose to do. If you did not notice Dr. Joe suffers every day with severe back pain, so chose your words better before you criticize him. At least he tells you up front what he can and cannot do. That kind of honest bussiness is sorely lacking in America. God Bless Dr. Joe Browder

Submitted Nov. 19, 2015

I have been seeing Dr. Browder going on 4 years. Dr Browder was recommended by my primary physician. I have found Dr. Browder to be an extremely qualified doctor who truly cares about his patients. Coming from Illinois I have found Tennessee's prescription laws to be overly restrictive for people who have chronic back pain issues. I wish to thank Dr. Browder for his professional medical services.
Mak S. Pudinoff

Submitted Oct. 6, 2015

I have been going to PCET for a very long time. Things have changed a lot over the years. The nurse practitioners (nps) have been given an awful lot of responsibility for your care. You rarely see a doctor (md). Most of the nps are caring, but one or two are a little abrasive. One told me once that if the medicine wasn't helping, she would just stop prescribing it for me! You must follow the contract to the letter or you will be dismissed. Dr. Browder has mellowed over the years and is quite kind and caring. He has a very difficult job to do and tries to do it with the least bit of disruption to your care. He seems to genuinely care about us but he still has to follow government regulations. That's the part we don't like but have to understand. Overall, I don't like going to a pain clinic, but if I have to go, I'm glad it's this one. I just wish the staff were a little more warm and fuzzy to the people who are genuinely in pain. It's insulting and demeaning to be treated like drug seekers.

Submitted Oct. 4, 2015

Always is very clear about what the procedure is and staff also advises of possible side effects and when medicine might take effect. Procedure done without sedation, and Dr. Browder explains what he is doing every step of the way.

Submitted Oct. 2, 2015