Pan American Pain Institute

Sandy Souza

Dr.Grizales has been caring for my mother for the past 10 years. I honestly do not know how she would have survived with our him. He is an excellent pain management doctor. His staff is kind efficient and very helpful.

Kathleen Vilmure

I have been a patient of Dr. Dario Grisales for many years, even before he founded the Pan American Pain Institute, going back when he was the partner of Dr. John Barsa at Tampa and Brandon Pain Management Centers. He has helped me live with my multiple chronic pain conditions for a long time. I believe Dr. Grisales is an exceptional doctor and a very decent human being. He is both a pain management specialist and an anesthesiologist. His practice is the exact opposite of what most people think of when they hear "pain clinic." It is absolutely not a "pill mill." He treats you like a person and he really does treat your pain and make your life better. Dr. Grisales considers all the treatments that might help, whether it means different kinds of medication, procedures, devices, alternative therapies or seeing other specialists. He stays up-to-date on medicine and the law. Despite the "opiate epidemic" and then COVID-19, Dr. Grisales did not let his patients down. The office makes their policies very clear up front. Patients have to abide by laws regarding pain management just like doctors do. Laws and prejudiced attitudes sometimes make it harder for people to receive treatment for chronic pain than for other medical conditions. This is unfair, in my opinion, but it is just a fact of life today, not the doctor's fault or the patient's. There are lab tests and visits that have to be done at specific intervals, rules about refills, etc. There is considerable paperwork that has to be completed, and it can all be time-consuming. There is nothing we can do about it but go along with it. I drive 40 miles each time I see Dr. Grisales because I value him as my doctor. I have talked to other patients who come from much farther. A lot of pain patients cannot get treatment anywhere, let alone treatment by someone as conscientious and experienced as Dr. Grisales. If I could change anything about the way things are done at this office, it would not involve the actual medical care. I would make the waiting room larger by adding a few more chairs, maybe add a few parking spaces, and I might have the nurse practitioners do less of the documentation on the computer because I think sometimes this can slow them down and take them away from treatment. However, the medical assistants and scribes are always very professional and thorough. There is just a high demand on everyone, and we are fortunate we can even get treatment these days, let alone from someone as good as Dr. Grisales. A lot of people can't. The biggest complaint I hear from other patients is about "the doctor running late." It's true, at times there can be significant delays even though everybody shows up on time, and it can be aggravating. It can't always be prevented due to emergencies and new problems that arise once a patient ends up in the exam room. When your turn comes, you are given as much time as you need without being hurried. It is worth it. And to be honest, although nobody likes to be kept waiting, I think a lot of us patients are either disabled or retired anyway, and we can wait if we have to. Consider the alternative--What if we didn't have Dr. Grisales at all? A few other things that this clinic does right, that make a difference to me, besides the actual medical care: The staff are great. The office is clean and comfortable, It is in a safe location. The exam rooms are private, and the office keeps your information confidential. They are open earlier and later than many doctors. You don't have to go to a hospital for procedures; they have all the equipment on-site. The staff understands insurance. They treat you with courtesy, not suspicion.  No one is standing around gossiping. If you have to leave a voicemail, someone gets back in touch with you. Everybody is not just bilingual; they are fluent in English & Spanish. I wish I didn't have chronic pain, but since I do, I'm grateful to have such a good doctor.  I recommend the Pan American Pain Institute.

Robert Hatfield

Before seeing Dr. Grisales, I went to several doctors that thought they could "fix" my abdominal problem and alleviate the pain I had from previous hernia surgeries. No one was successful or helped me until I saw Dr. Grisales. He has done several abdominal nerve blocks which helped me and has further recommended a "Stem Wave" procedure which I plan to have. His office staff is wonderful and his assistant Michelle is very caring and thorough. Sincerely, Robert Hatfield

Zoe V

Don't come here unless you want to wait almost an hour to see a doctor. Last appointment I went to I had to ask to be seen after 45 minutes of waiting and then another 15-20 min to see the doctor. Horrible customer service, no attempt at apologizing, explaining or reconciling. First few appointments were timely and then just started going downhill from there. Waited to write this review to see if it was a temporary problem but it is not. Not sure if they are understaffed, just consistently behind schedule or just don’t care. Been this way the last few months I have come. I understand waiting for a doctor but it’s getting ridiculous. One thing I can say is the doctor does take his time talking to you, does not rush you.