Pearl Health Center

Dr Howell is amazing. I am a beginner at running but managed to tweak my knees to the point of not being able to even walk with out pain. I heard about him through another runner and he was able to diagnosis my condition almost immediately. Turns out my glute, IT band and hamstring were to blame..my knees were fine. After about 2 visits I was able to run again. Now I go as needed, he is able to fit me in at short notice and his treatments are very effective. In addition I have a truly odd neck, many other chiros have not been able to adjust it, but Dr Howell got it on the first try. I'm really glad to have found him...plus parking is a breeze. more

I just wanted to thank Dr. Howell for all his help getting me back to exercise and work following severe neck pain and tightness from a car accident. Dr. Howell got the pain under control within 2 weeks and started me out with exercises and stretches that have helped maintain my posture and strength over the last 4 weeks. I have recomended all family and friends that need help to go see Dr. Howell. more

STAY AWAY!\r My husband went in with severe intestinal pain. He has a prior diagnosis that has a social stigma. That was all she focused on. She ignored his current symptoms and DID NOT LISTEN to him at all. She suggested he go in for a psych evaluation!!!! He then went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with severe colitis. We were both stunned. So much for alternative health care that is supposed to be more patient centered and wholistic. If you have a have a pre-existing condition I recommend you go anywhere but here! more

I would suggest avoiding this place at all costs. A year ago my husband went to the doctor that used to be there for a check-up. The billing department billed his insurance for a different provider there, not the doctor he saw, so the insurance did not pay the claim. It took message after message to the billing dept to get them to finally bill the insurance correctly (they never answered the phone). After they billed the right insurance and we paid our small percentage, we never heard from them until 6 months later when my husband received a message from the billing department that they had sent him 7 bills -- we never received one -- for a very small sum of money and were referring the bill to collections! We had already paid the amount they were talking about months earlier. So now they are damaging his credit over an amount we already paid after all the hassle we already had just trying to get them to bill insurance. Additionally, my husband tried to call the doctor (who he had established has his primary) when he had an important health question and the doctor had left the practice months earlier! No one even bothered to send a letter. With all the health care choices in Portland, I'd recommend staying away from this place. more

This is by far the best primary care clinic in town -- there's no other clinic with such a variety of providers. The service is exceptional (the staff upfront is fantastic, and always smiling). They remember your name, unlike most other stop and pop clinics that see you for seven minutes and show you the door!\r \r Shari House is considerate, and most importantly, she's honest. Where else can you see a provider for a half hour? The real benefits come when you start seeing other providers who are aware of your health and take a holistic approach to solving your problems.\r \r Plus the space is fabulous -- for sure a place one can feel comfortable and relaxed. \r \r \r more

I have never had a more frustrating experience with healthcare. I am normally not one to write negative reviews as I feel like mistakes happen in life and sometimes they happen to you. I would be willing to overlook one or two mistakes, but not mistakes from start to finish. When I showed up the nurse that called me back called me by a different name. I was the only one in the waiting room so when I told her that wasn't me she left and came back promptly to call me. She had no file on me, asked me if I was a new patient, and when I said I was not looked confused. She asked me some questions in the exam room, told me to put on a gown and then left. I waited for 45 minutes before Shari House finally came to see me. She let me know that my wait was due to the fact that no one had told her I was there. If I were a doctor waiting for a scheduled patient I might go ask if my patient had arrived??? I don't know the ins and outs of being a doctor however so I was willing to let all of these things go eventhough I was frustrated. The visit just continued to get worse though. I've seen Shari five or six times in the past yet she had no record of me on hand and she asked me if I had ever been in before. I understand that she sees lots of patients in a day, but having seen her multiple times over the years it was frustrating that she had no recognition of me. After the pap she told me the other nurse would be in to take some blood work. I waited for ten minutes and left, because I'd been waiting far too long already. I told the receptionist I had to go back to work and that since my pap was done I wasn't that concerned about the blood work. As if all of this wasn't enough...now they can't find my lab results. I called once and spoke with someone who said I'd get a call back right away about the issue and now I've called and left messages and have yet to get a return call or explanation to remedy the situation. The disorganization is intolerable and the lack of concern for me as a patient is intolerable as well. It's not an easy task to go in for a pap and the last thing you want to hear is that you were forgotten or that your results can't be located. My recommendation is to not visit this clinic. This many mistakes means something is seriously wrong and your healthcare should be in the hands of people who care. more

I have been seeing Dr. Howell over the last 3 weeks to try and reduce the constant neck pain and tightness that I have with work. I noticed immediate relief following my first treatment and continual improvement following the next two weeks. I now have no pain and only occasional neck tightness with a stressful work day. Dr. Howell has also given me the tools to help with posture at work to help reduce my neck issues and ""maintain our progress"". I highly recommend Dr. Howell and will refer all friends and family to him. more

I dont know what the reviewer below is talking about. I have been seeing shari for three years now and there is nothing fake about her service. She is one of the most genuine providers I have ever been to. She goes out of her way to prescribe me medications that will save me money. All I pay is my copay. She is always available to me when I call her with questions and can usually get me in the same week if I need to come in. Not to mention that instead of sending me in for expensive x-rays, (which my insurance charges me a fortune) when I strained my back, I went to see the chiropractor and for a fraction of the price I was treated within a couple of weeks. Now that is service! more

I used to absolutely adore this clinic, however, recently they became another clinic ""OUT TO MAKE A BUCK"". I went in for a physical where they sent out for my test results. They asked me to ""come back"" to talk about my test results rather than sending the results to me via mail like other clinics. Little did I realized they charged me $210 as ""new office visit"" which should have been free. All Sheri did was tell me my test results came back negative and I'm in good health. When I received my $210 bill I told them I would never have return for 'follow-up' visit if they were going to charge me. They didn't care and promptly sent my account to the COLLECTION AGENCY. Sheri is good at coning people with her nice charm and pretence to care for people while she's ripping you off behind your back. BE CAREFUL ON WHAT SERVICES THEY ARE CHARGING YOU FOR....MORE THAN LIKELY YOU'RE PAYING LOT MORE THAN YOU REALIZE. There are other great clinics around Portland who really care. Don't let the ""charm"" of this clinic FOOL ANY OF YOU. You should only pay for services you actually obtained. more

I have never had any Dr. take the time with me that Patricia Brandon did. I have never walked into and out of a New Patient exam feeling more like there was someone out there who cared how I feel, how sick I am. \r I would recomend her to all. The clinic is clean, and pretty, the staff is kind, and calming. Even the girl who drew my blood took extra time to make me at ease.\r \r Over all? A really first rate medical office.\r \r more

I went to the Pearl Health Center recently to see a chiropractor for my shoulder. When I walked in I was immediately greeted by two young ladies, Sarah and Jennie I believe. They were extreamly helpful and very nice. I didn't have to wait long for Dr. Zander which was also a plus. The treatment I received was Amazing! He is extreamly knowledgeable and it is obvious that he is concerned about his patients full recovery. I would recommend Dr. Zander to anyone and everyone looking for a Chiropractor. more

I have seen Dr. Howell for chiropractic care for the past few years. He is always attentive to my concerns and has good solutions. Unlike other chiropractors, He doesn't encourage patients coming in more than needed for adjustments or physiotherapy and focuses on getting patients on the road to health with stretches, exercises and other recommendations. more

On 7/20/10 my daughter and I went in to get travel immunizations for a trip to Africa. Our appointment was at 0800. At 0800, the doors were still locked. As we waited, at 8:03, Jenny (the receptionist) rushes across the street and opens the door without any acknowledgment that we were there. Once inside, after disarming the alarm, she walked away without even asking us how she might help or direct us. As this was a first visit, we were unsure where to go. So we sat in the waiting area at the top of the stairs as several people mulled around. Nobody asked how they may help us. After about 10 minutes of waiting, we asked and were directed around the corner to meet the same lady who had ignored us initially (Jenny). Once we were seated, my daughter was taken back almost right away to see the FNP (and owner) Shari House. In my daughters words, ""She went into extensive details about various vaccines and provided me with written information, since she claimed it was her legal requirement to do so. Throughout our conversation, she referred to her legal obligations to do or say certain things numerous times. She was also extremely repetitive in everything she said, making it sound as if she were speaking to a child or someone incapable of grasping the simplest concepts. I completely felt as if she were talking down to me"". As a result of the high pressure sales pitch and being told that ""if, not vaccinated, I was even scratched by a rabid animal that I would die"", my daughter consented to the rabies vaccine. She was told that it was a series of 3 shots and when she asked how much it was, was told $ 219.00. It was only later, after my daughter had left that I discovered it was $ 219.00 per shot. This clearly was a important fact that Ms. House failed to mention. This deception, coupled with the rude receptionist, the high pressure, and Ms. House's refusal to do anything with the billing for the first rabies shot that she administered to my daughter clearly shows this is not a clinic that is professional or safe. more

I had been having reoccuring shin splints consistently following any walking or running for the last 2 years. A friend recommended that I go see Dr. Howell at the Pearl Health Center. I have always been a chiropractic skeptic and never would have considered going to see a chiropractor for shin splints but thought I would go because my friend insisted he was wonderful. Dr. Howell was professional, knowledgable, personable and most importantly, by the next day my injury felt dramatically improved. I felt that I was given individual attention and was able to to get all of my questions answered. I will definitly be back....I am a believer now! Thank you Dr. Howell! \r I had some questions on statements from my insurance and was able to contact Dr. Howell directly in which he resolved quickly.......... Pros: Free Parking, Great Doctor Cons: Doesn't make house calls more

After having knee and foot pain while building up for the San Diego Marathon I thought my marathon training was over. After visiting with Dr. Howell he immediately set my mind at ease with what the problem was and how to treat it. He discussed many options to maintain my fitness and numerous home treatments to aid with the treatments from his office. I was back on track just after two weeks of treatment and ran a personal best marathon in San Diego. If you have any running injuries I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Howell. Thank You Dr. Howell Pros: Free Parking lot in Pearl District more

Dr. John Howell in the Pearl District has eliminated my neck and upper back pain and also got me back to running curing my knee pain. Dr. Howell was different in all other Chiropractors that I have seen. Adjustments along with his specific muscle work and exercises/ stretches have kept my neck feeling great. I now only have to be treated 1x/month to keep my neck mobile and the specific exercises/stretches have kept me pain free. \r I also found out that Dr. Howell specializes in running injuries and gave me a great training plan with some specific rolling exercises to decrease the pain and get me back to running - Pain FREE.......\r Thanks Again Dr. Howell, I can't tell you how many people I have referred to the clinic. Pros: Great Building, Convenient Location more

I finally found a great chiropractor in the Portland area in Dr. John Howell at The Pearl Health Center. Dr. Howell was able to treat my neck pain immediately(with adjustments, massage and physical therapy) and then we were able to get to a successful maintenance plan focusing on postural exercises, stretches and routine visits (4-6 weeks) to maintain the progress I have received in the clinic. I have been pain free for 4 months now and owe it all to Dr. Howell. I would highly recommend Dr. Howell to all friends and family and he has even helped decrease my knee pain with running. Pros: Free parking in side lot Cons: Can be busy during lunch hours more

Poor Medical Care: I saw Sheri House maybe four times. The first time I saw her, she prescribed me blood pressure medication. The next time I saw her, she asked why I was taking it. In a single visit, she instructed me to double my dose of one antidepressant for two weeks, and then to halve the dose. When I asked why, she was extremely condescending, and told me she was the medical professional and that I should trust her. On each visit, she suggested a completely different course of action, even when my medication was working well. I finally began seeing a psychiatrist, and he was utterly bewildered by the advice and prescriptions she had given me. Disorganized: My psychiatrist called the Pearl Health Center to okay a prescription. When I went to collect it, they told me that they couldn't release the prescription because my psychiatrist had said he was a chiropractor. They finally eventually gave me my prescription. Apparently someone had screwed up when taking the message. Billing: When I began going to the Pearl Health Center to see Sheri House, she was listed on my insurance's preferred provider list. So I was surprised when I started getting bills for services my insurance should have covered. I contacted my insurance company (Aetna), and was told they had no record of her. I then contacted the Center, and was assured that this was a common error on Aetna's part, that Sheri was indeed a preferred provider, and that they'd take care of it. They didn't. So I spoke with them again. They told me the same thing. Again, they didn't take care of it. On my third attempt, I was told that the problem was resolved and that my bill had been covered in full. A few months later I received a notice that I was being sent to a collection agency. I called them yet again, and was told they had no record of this whole fiasco in my account notes, but that they'd look into it. I'm still waiting to have the issue resolved. Pros: convenient location, pleasant lobby Cons: billing screw-ups, unreliable medical information more

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 more

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. more