Dr. Akshay Garg - Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center

"I've actually never written a negative online review of a physician, but I really had an unpleasant experience with this practice. I was referred to this practice by my physical therapist, and even though I was already seeing a different pain management practice, I figured it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. Everything about this initial visit felt very odd to me, and honestly, more than a bit belittling. I understand that physicians can have different opinions about conditions and treatments, and that is to be expected. But this encounter was quite odd - Dr. Garg, to my understanding, flatly contradicted many discussions I have had with both my neurologist and internist (in fact, I called both my neurologist and internist within 48 hours to discuss what had happened to make sure I wasn't completely misunderstanding what had transpired). I ended-up going back to my other pain management practice the following week. I had a very productive conversation with that physician about next steps, we agreed on a course of action, and I'm moving forward on that course of action. My takeaways from this experience were as follows: -I don't say this lightly, but I honestly was made to feel belittled by Dr. Garg. I'll assume that was not his intention, but that was the impact. By the time someone is coming to see a pain management doctor, they are not doing it to pass the time. I left the appointment feeling as if I were a hypochondriac who had noting better to do than fill my day with pointless physician visits. That is not the case. -At the conclusion of the appointment (which billed my insurance at almost $700 for 15 minutes, although that is of course not the negotiated rate with my insurer), I was left with absolutely no clarity as to what he was actually saying. Was he saying he flat-out didn't believe I had the condition my neurologist diagnosed me with? He referred me to a different neurologist, so I'm assuming that means he didn't agree with the diagnosis? The point is I don't know - and I should have been clear on that point. Was he saying there was nothing he could do for me (nerve blocks, etc.) until he felt like there was a diagnosis he agreed with? Again, I don't know. There are obviously many great reviews here, and that's great, I'm glad this practice is working for a lot of people and providing pain relief. Not every physician is a good fit for every patient, and that is fine, and that is the way of things. But my experience unfortunately was not good. I think a touch more empathy and far better communication would have solved the problem."

"Dr. Garg's front desk personnel were very professional and helpful. I arrived early and asked if it's possible to be seen earlier and while not expecting it, the staff checked and helped me out. Dr. Garg had great bed side manner and my interaction with him was both pleasant and professional. I would highly recommend him."

"Excellent in all respects. Answered my questions and helped find the best solutions to my issue, beginning with the least invasive, PT. He goes beyond his specialty and looks at the whole patient, even helping me with how to sleep thru pain. I appreciate his outlook and care very much. I've seen 4 doctors over the past two weeks with a herniated disc and I feel Dr Garg best explained process for healing this and is there for assisting in recovery. Lucky to have found him."

"Dr. Garg and his staff are top notch. The entire medical and office staff are courteous and competent. Dr. Garg listens to you, answers all of your questions and provides understandable information needed to make an informed decision. He is clearly advanced in his field and administers spinal injections painlessly and effectively. No hesitation from me in highly recommending this practice."

"Dr. Akshay Garg and his entire team are great. Dr. Garg listened carefully to all my concerns and never once showed me that he was in a hurry to get to his next patient. He took time to explain what was causing my back pain and the different treatment options. I also liked his conservative approach to treatment and the confidence he gave me in my recovery."

"Had my first spinal cortisone shot and am beyond impressed with this doctor and his staff. He was careful to do a pre-shot appointment so I was fully informed of the procedure. The procedure, itself, was basically painless with excellent post-shot information. Will have a follow-up appointment to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection. He is thorough, and his staff is very friendly and courteous. Highly recommend this practice!"

"I had one meeting with Dr Garg. He examined me and seemed very knowledgable about my condition and treatment options. Everyone I dealt with in the office was pleasant and efficient. We decided against a treatment at this point. I would definitely recommend him."

"Beware of all these 5 star reviews, which I'm HIGHLY suspicious of. This guy not only invalidated my pain, he performed an extraordinarily painful, uncomfortable, and terrifying procedure, which did nothing to treat my pain. What I actually needed was surgery, and he didn't catch that. I'm here now because I'm looking for a pain management specialist again for a hip injury, and this website comes up as the absolute top doctor in Montgomery County. All 5 star reviews, and hundreds of them! Slick website, "Washingtonian Top Doctor" awards year after year. Here's a little secret: doctors can use 3rd party services with incentives to get patients to give 5 star reviews, and the Top Doctors thing is a popularity contest, not based on patient feedback."