Pearl Health Center

07/17/08

Amazing Chiropractor

by HealthyLifePDX at Citysearch

Because of the close proximity to my office I decided to try the Pearl Health Center, where I saw Dr. Zander. He treated long-standing conditions that no one has ever been able to do anything about before (problems with my feet and ankles) and after seeing him a few times I was able to get back into running and softball. I see him now not only for continued therapy for these problems but also for general health, which I never knew chiropractors could help with (he got rid of my headaches!)

The location is great and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The clinic definitely feels like a healing environment. I would absolutely recommend the Pearl Health Center and Dr. Zander to everyone I know!

• Pros: Great service, ambience, location
• Cons: Parking can be challenging if there is an event in the pearl.

10/21/09

I Feel Much Better!

by jamborie at Citysearch

Admittedly, I was a little taken aback after my first appointment with Dr. Zander when he simply interviewed me about my symptoms and told me he wouldn't actually adjust me until my next visit.

But I’ve had to rethink my initial assessment after seeing Dr. Zander a total of 4 times. The chronic pain in my hip has completely disappeared and has been gone for a month now. I'd been to chiropractors a handful of times before a friend recommended Dr. Zander and most of them give you 10 minutes of their time, a generalized crack, and hustle you out. I’ve never had success with them in the past.

I believe Dr. Zander’s success lies in his thoroughness and interest in tracking down the root of the pain. He's knowledgeable and seemed happy to answer my questions in detail. He is earnest, friendly, and a good listener. And he doesn't appear to have a trace of the cynicism and condescension you'll run into sooner or later in health care. Most importantly, he represents the kind of practitioner we could use more of: one who investigates and treats the source of your problem(s) instead of trying to smother the symptoms.

I can't speak to the Pearl Health Center overall since my only experiences have been with the front desk, who are not very helpful, and Dr. Zander, who is. I recommend Dr. Zander to anyone who is frustrated by chronic pain.

• Pros: Good Chiropractor
• Cons: Weird Reception

08/06/09

Worst Health Provider Experience Ever

by bhb1982 at Citysearch

I had been in to see this provider before and thought I knew what to expect and thought that I could trust that my health was a priority to my doctor at Pearl Health Center. Turned out that was not the case.

I've been on a medication for about five years now. I was leaving the country for vacation and needed to refill my prescription. My insurance had changed as I had switched jobs so I could no longer see my former doctor.

The doctor I saw at Pearl Health Center (who had seen me multiple times over the past few years) "didn't believe in" the medication I had been on for the previous years. She refused to prescribe it.

The issue is that suddenly stopping this medication can result in seizures, tremors, muscle cramping among others. Again, I was leaving the country in 2 days.

She was rude and condescending and in my opinion put her own beliefs over my health and safety. I ended up walking out of the room and leaving. I had never even thought I'd do that in my life.

I quickly made an emergency appointment with my former doctor, paid full price as they were no longer under my insurance plan and they took care of me.

About a week later I got a bill from the Pearl Health Center for $190.

A horrible, horrible experience.

06/26/09

Was very rushed...

by scottpdx78 at Citysearch

I had been feeling sick for a while and made a next day appointment at the Pearl Health Center to see Dr. House, whom I had never seen before. I was the only person in the waiting room when I arrived. Dr. House left me waiting in the examination room for almost 20 minutes and when she finally came in, she quickly checked my ears, nose and throat and then said "well I think it's allergies." She then closed my chart and told me to get an antihistamine. I felt like she was rushing to get out the door. I had a few questions about my symptoms which she answered, but they were short answers as I could tell she wanted to get done so she could leave.

I said very kindly "there was one other thing I wanted to ask you about quickly that is unrelated..." and she cut me off and said "Actually, no. You can't. I'm behind schedule today." I was kinda shocked that she would say that. She then continued to basically lecture me by saying "well if there was something else you wanted to discuss, you should have let them know when you made the appointment so I could allow more time."

Now, keep in mind she kept me waiting for 20 minutes and when she finally did come in the room, so spent about a whole 5 minutes with me. I was so upset by this that I had to speak to the office manager to tell somebody about the way I was treated. I felt rushed, not heard, and unimportant.

The office manager sat down and spoke to me. She was very kind and even offered to waive my copay for me on my next visit. But honestly, the whole experience has left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don't want to go back there again.

• Pros: Office Manager very professional.
• Cons: Dr. Shari House

09/29/08

A great clinic

by treetopportland at Citysearch

I am writing to recommend the Pearl health Center, it has taken some time for me to find a doctor and healthcare that fit my needs since moving to Portland. Having different types of doctors under one roof has worked beneficially for me and I can say I've never felt better about my health.

I agree with a majority of the comments I've seen about the clinic , the staff has been very friendly and helpful and the location is perfect. The charges for a doctors visit were less than what I have seen for other doctors in Portland which is great for the Pearl District.

Alternatively, Ive never had a problem finding parking there. I've been lucky to find free parking in the building parking lot or there are plenty of metered spots on 9th. I am very happy with my personal experience and the care I have received and have recommended the doctors there to several of my friends. I also enjoy a slice of pizza right at hot lips after my doctor visit.

• Pros: Parking, Service, close to Hot Lips pizza

07/24/08

twisted knee

by ryoukiddingme at Citysearch

I was in real pain when I found Pearl. I had twisted my knee and the doctor at the emergency room had told me that my injury was difficult to heal and that I might need surgery. I went to Dr. Zander and with his care and advice I am 100% now. Thanks Dr. Z!

07/21/08

Human Kindness!

by POSADAE at Citysearch

I wanted to write this review due to the fact that the way Dr. Zander treated me brought back to mind feelings that are sort of going out of style in today's society.

You see, I am from a generation probably older than most of you reading my review, a generation when human kindness and good service had priority over the so mechanical business models and the poor - and mostly fake - employee public relations guidelines of today?s world.

I miss those days, but you perhaps don?t know what I am talking about. So let me tell you what it means: I found in Dr. Zander human kindness and respect, a genuine willingness to help, and the precise professional expertise to make me feel like I was in good hands, that I could trust him, and that he knew what he was doing. The result of all that was that a pain in my shoulder that I had for over two months went away after the efficient treatment by Dr. Zander.

I thank Dr. Zander for the dignity with which he treated me, and congratulate Pearl Health Center since, obviously, they know how to chose their people and professionals.

07/17/08

GREAT Chiropractor

by 4boys1girl at Citysearch

I have used Dr. Zander as a chiropractor a few times. He treated my chronic neck and back pain, which is now gone... the same pain that I had been going to another chiropractor for a while to alleviate. A friend suggested I try Dr. Zander. He was very knowledgeable, professional and thorough. Rather than just alleviating my pain temporarily, or prescribing medicines to mask the issue, Dr Zander cared about the underlying reasons why my pain existed and was interested in solving the overall health issues that had lead to my pain. I was amazed at how he was able to help me. I would highly recommend Dr. Zander to anyone I know.

04/16/08

Great New Chiropractor

by Mandolin29 at Citysearch

After being in extreme neck pain for 6 days I finally broke down and tried the new chiropractor at the Pearl Health Center. Dr. Howell immediately set my mind at ease letting me know that all I had was some muscle and joint problems. After a thorough history and exam Dr. Howell explained what was wrong and the treatment he wanted to perform. To make a long story short I walked out of the office feeling 100% better. After 3 more treatments I was completely healed then Dr. Howell showed me some exercises and stretches to avoid any further neck problems. This is the best chiropractor I have ever seen and would recommend him to all my family and friends.

• Pros: Friendly, knowledgeable, location

04/02/08

Great Chiropractor

by Shirley26 at Citysearch

After having severe neck pain and headaches I didn't know where to turn and asked my physician what to do. She told me to go see Dr. Howell the chiropractor at Pearl Health Center. After a thorough exam Dr. Howell was able to explain the problem I was having. I felt much better following the treatment and only needed 2 more treatments to eliminate all the pain and headaches. Dr. Howell explained specific stretches and exercises to me that would help avoid any reoccurance. I returned one month later with knee pain from running. Dr. Howell immediately set my mind at ease and reassured me that I was not harming my knee with running. After a few visits some exercises and stretches I was able to run my first marathon -pain free- 5 weeks later. I recommend Dr. Howell to all my family and friends.

• Pros: Free parking, great location, amazing building, great staff, knowledgeable Dr, Tx hours