Dr. Fuller-Hines is compassionate, professional, and skilled. We truly value her care…read more Unfortunately, her office manager and some of the front desk staff fall far short of that same standard. They seem to lack basic courtesy and empathy--something that should be fundamental in a pain management practice. My husband, who is in his late 70s, suffers from debilitating chronic pain. He is not on any opioids; his treatment involves steroid injections and other medical therapies. At his most recent appointment, on October 20, he hobbled to the desk to check in. The receptionist "slammed" open the glass window separating her from patients. When he said "good morning," the receptionist didn't even look up--just said curtly, "Name?" After he gave it, she told him he was ten minutes late and she'd have to check if the doctor would still see him. He was surprised. Like many patients there, he struggles with mobility. He calmly replied, "You don't have to be rude. I'm only ten minutes late." The receptionist maintained a gatekeeping attitude, then returned to say the doctor would see him--but there might be a one- to two-hour wait. Given his pain level, that wasn't feasible. When he expressed that he couldn't wait that long, the office manager stepped in and told me--his wife--that his "behavior and attitude" could get him kicked out of the practice. To be clear, my husband never raised his voice or acted aggressively. He was polite but clearly frustrated, as anyone in severe pain would be. His visit was meant to review MRI results showing a new issue requiring attention. Instead, we left feeling humiliated and dismissed. I tried to de-escalate, suggesting he wait in the car while I stayed inside, but his pain became unbearable and we ultimately went home. The receptionist handed me a printed slip with a new appointment date in December. After 15 years of accompanying my husband to countless medical appointments, I have never encountered staff so condescending and devoid of compassion. Dr. Fuller-Hines deserves better representation at her front desk. Her professionalism and care are exceptional--but her staff's lack of basic respect and empathy is unacceptable, especially in a clinic serving patients in chronic pain.

To begin, I will state that Dr. Hines is FANTASTIC & obviously cares for her patients. The…read morereception staff is always very kind & respectful as well. This review is for Saree Allen, who I am apparently stuck until she leaves the practice, which thankfully is soon. I also want to make it clear that I am not a patient who uses any pain meds, so this review is not being written by someone who is angry that they can't get opioids. This review is written by someone who doesn't understand why the level of care is so different between the two providers. Saree sloppily & ineffectively administered my second set of trigger point injections, the needle not even hitting the trigger points & causing additional, increasing pain that lasted for almost 2 weeks. Dr. Hines did my first set of injections. She took great care, the needle actually hit the trigger points, providing great & lasting relief. Saree rushed & just poked spots with the needle, not actually hitting any trigger points, taking about 5 minutes to administer them, when it took MUCH longer for Dr. Hines. Insurance only allows so many injections over a period of time unless I pay out of pocket, which I can't afford at this time. Not only did she carelessly & incorrectly administer the injections, she wasted the injections, as well as my time. When I expressed disappointment over having to wait even longer to get treatment for something that I had discussed with Saree on a previous visit, due to having to wait until after my thyroid was removed (even though I understood why), Saree proceeded to give insensitive & unwelcome advice on how to get over my "depression" due to this, which included "going out & finding friends". I did not come here to get mental health treatment, especially from someone who is clearly NOT a licensed mental health professional. She spent a large amount of that appointment giving me depression tips that were obviously gleaned from the internet, as well as relaying her personal experience with depression & how her tips helped her, despite knowing nothing about my situation, as well as knowing that I receive care from actual mental health professionals. I left that appointment feeling aghast at her audacity to force that advice on me, while basically ignoring, minimizing and invalidating my physical concerns, which is why I was there. I am under the impression that she thinks my physical issues are all in my head, as if someone who struggles with their mental health could never have a legitimate physical concern, or the ability to know their own body. The next appointment, which was 11/08/24, was the last straw. I waited for an extremely long time in the waiting room, then again in the exam room. I waited for at least 30 minutes in the exam room, which was stressful because it was hard to drown out the person in the next room, whose pain, sorrow & desperation in their voice was upsetting to listen to. Once she came in, it was all about Saree Allen & her agenda. She did not want to hear anything I had to say. She obviously wanted to get my appointment over with ASAP. I wanted to discuss some things that were written in the notes from the health portal. She was impatient & obviously irritated that I was asking these questions & very on the defense. She interrupted me with the assumption that I was complaining when I simply wanted to know why a few things were in there & how it related to the conditions I was seeking help for. She clearly had no interest in the fact that I was trying to better understand my conditions, yet after the discussion about the notes, she hypocritically tells me how you have to advocate for yourself when it comes to the medical system. She also told me that she refused to amend anything in the notes, before I had a chance to ask. Her impatience throughout the entire appointment was palpable. She again tried to advise on mental health issues, when I am simply trying to find out why my ankle is burning & I have to limp while I walk. I made no mention of my mental health. I don't understand what her problem is. She tried to leave the room several times, clearly trying to cut my appointment short, even as I was mid-sentence. At the end, as she was AGAIN trying to leave the room, I asked if I could get help with making sure my carpal tunnel braces were being worn correctly. She said she didn't have time but would send someone else in, who proceeded to tighten my braces to the point that my wrists hurt & my hands started going numb, then shrugged their shoulders and told me I had to wear them that way despite the fact that they were obviously so tight they were compressing the nerve even further. I am told that I have to have one more appointment with Saree and then I will see Dr Hines again, but I might just decide to wait until I get in with Dr. Hines again. I'd rather prolong my suffering than have to be treated this way again.

I am a retired urologist with homes in Florida and North Carolina. For 7 months I was like a one…read morearmed man and it turned out I had what is called "adhesive capsulitis". I more or less could not use my left arm. I had feared I had a torn rotator cuff and thought I needed surgery, but I was wrong and that was not the case. I finally got an MRI and I found out I had a frozen shoulder and not a torn rotator cuff. My Florida Orthopedic Surgeon shoulder specialist in Florida recommended physical therapy but I was due to be in NC for the Christmas holidays. A friend in NC recommended Nestlerode and I had 3 sessions with Mic and one session with Emily, as Mic was out of town for the Christmas holiday. Mic helped me understand my problem and after the four sessions at Nestlerode, I am back to normal with a full range of motion of my arm and shoulder. PT is in my experience about half doing the exercises and half understanding the problem in the first place. Mic was a fantastic teacher. My Florida shoulder specialist has turned me loose and told me to let him know if I need any more help. I did not need any more PT in Florida. Courtney was the face of the organization on the phone and she was excellent in scheduling and answering questions. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone in need of Physical Therapy in the Elizabeth City area. Gary L. Berger, MD

Upon encountering issues with my knees and experiencing lower back problems, I self referred to an…read moreamazing Physical Therapist, Dr. Travis Nestlerode. Having worked alongside him in a rehabilitation setting, I can attest to his high standard of professionalism and extensive background in research. Dr. Travis was able to facilitate a thorough evaluation in my home which was extremely convenient! Additionally, he provided me with information to improve my body mechanics, posture and a personalized strengthening plan. I was also impressed with Dr. Travis' quick response to my inquiries and treatment needs. I mean, who wants to wait a long time to get help when they are in pain? He is a personable, down to earth person whom I am glad to know. I will continue to utilize his services in the future. You will not be disappointed!

I had SUCH an amazing experience at Coastal Rehab. The staff members made me feel like family and I…read moreactually looked forward to my PT appointments 2-3 times per week. They also really worked with my schedule so I didn't have to miss too much work. I would DEFINITELY recommend Coastal. My ankle is almost back to normal thanks to them!

From the owner: Come to us for complete physical rehabilitation. At Coastal Rehabilitation, located in Elizabeth…read moreCity, NC, you will get all the superior care you need. We are independently owned and we look forward to serving you. For over 35 years, we've been helping patients to get back on their feet. We offer a variety of exceptional therapy programs, including: Sports medicine rehab, Neuropathy programs, Pain management, Hand rehab, and Fitness Center. Coastal Rehabilitation also features an outpatient physical therapy facility, as well as a home care agency. As long as your rehabilitation is medically necessary, we're here for you. Whether you've suffered injury from sports or at work, we're at your service. Call Coastal Rehabilitation to schedule an appointment.