Dr. Aaron Douglas Nelson, DO

This is not being submitted as a “self verified patient.” This is Dr. Aaron Nelson, and I attempted to contact vitals.com to request some ability to respond to this review. I have not received any contact from them at this time, but I would like to respond to the post concerning my removal of my mask during a visit which was posted by my patient’s daughter. I would have preferred to get the feedback directly, and give the following response directly…but unfortunately, anonymous online posting has far too often become the norm in our era. To my patient that day, I was very saddened to hear that was what you experienced during your visit. I truly wish you had let me know you preferred I not. If there was something that I had done or said that would make you feel you could not speak openly with me, I would welcome the feedback however you would choose to deliver it so that I can improve. I very much treasure the doctor-patient relationship and believe it is based on trust and… communication. To offer what little explanation I can, the large majority of my patients express being glad I asked about removing my mask. They have expressed they are better able to hear me, and feel better about being able to see my face during their visit. When patients respond that they prefer me to not remove my mask, I am happy to honor their wishes. I NEVER instruct patients to remove their own mask, I do my best to maintain distance during patient interview (except during physical exam), and use so much hand sanitizer that my staff makes fun of me. I remember your visit well, and had given my best effort to give you good care. Your regimen included a combination of medications that have significant danger if mismanaged. I did my best to ensure that we reviewed “the four A’s of chronic opioid therapy,” and speak with you openly about options when you mentioned that your medications make you sleepy. I do hope that you will reconsider your declination of my recommendation that you have Narcan at home as a precaution. Accidental overdoses from opioids, by definition, are the result of something no one had ever intended. All of us are people and could make mistakes, even your daughter who you had indicated was a nurse and handles your medication. I was concerned about the cases where pharmacies have accidentally dispensed incorrect medication, medication was separated into the incorrect pill organizer slot, and thousands of other unintended medication mistakes that can happen. As I shared with you that day, I have entered the prescription for Narcan and hope you will change your mind. I certainly understand if you would not want to see me again, and we will be happy to facilitate you continuing your care with another provider in our practice. Given the level of upset and concern that would make your daughter accuse me of malpractice for having removed my mask, I would recommend you request telehealth visits, which we are happy to offer. We even have contact free options available to our patients for submission of lab studies or paperwork. Best wishes, always. To the poster of that review, You are a nurse who has such COVID hypervigilance that you brought your 89 year old mother into an office visit instead of requesting a telehealth visit, who has an 89 year old mother with a high risk opioid regimen and no Narcan prescription at home, and who is such an advocate for patient safety that when you have knowledge of a physician who has “crossed the line of malpractice,” you take important measures such as posting online instead of contacting the State Medical Board. Well done.

My 89 y/o mother saw Dr Nelson for the first time. During the office visit, he asked her if it would freak her out if he removed his mask. She said, well no but she did not tell him that she preferred he did not. She was quite upset when she got to the car as she felt that she had no choice. At the height of COVID and the mortality rate for elderly, his actions cross the line of malpractice.

Dr Nelson has outstanding technical skill as a pain specialist, and as a result, has provided better pain relief than any other pain specialist I’ve seen. The skill he applied first was keeping his ears wide open when we talk. His treatments always have the duel purpose of immediate pain relief and diagnostic testing so that each session provides a roadmap to improve his choice of techniques for future treatments.

Doctor Nelson has changed the quality of my life. No one will be taking his place at the VA I will pay out on pocket for his unique skillset. HE IS TRULY AMAZING

Have been going to VA for number of years and getting CRT scans etc. and finally was sent to Dr. Nelson..who recommended a Pain Pump...was taking Pain Pills for years, now coming off the pills..Great Dr.