Dr. Michael John Schiesser, MD

Basically doesn't believe your pain is as bad as it is. I was employed, had a social life but his concern is to get you off of his service so you're no longer his concern. I've had multiple procedures, physical therapies and then some... now I'm miserable. Does he care, not in my opinion. Bp 200/100

Please do not waste your time here. There are some amazing Pain specialists who genuinely care within the Seattle area, Dr. Michael J Schiesser is not one of them. Before I begin to dignify my findings within this review I would like those reading to know that I had alerted Dr. Schiesser that I had found another Primary Care Physician & Neurologist through Swedish Medical Center and was waiting on a new referral from my Primary care physician for a new Pain Consultant. When I shared this information with him, he visibly was distraught and asked, "Why did you not consider me?" I was dumbfounded & stunned by his reply. Why? Because you treat me as though you are disgusted with me as though I am an inconvenience - germ. Of course I replied that it was only out of respect that he was not chosen to smooth the situation over and appease his ego. As others have commented during my many visits, he treated me like a Cop - His over all attitude & posture is one of an Attorney with… a Prescription Pad. He is questionably uptight and has even lost his temper a few times with me. On my last visit while he was going over my chart, assessing my medication - counting visits, prescriptions, he seemed a bit confused and distressed. With a smile on my face I simply asked him if phoning the Pharmacy would help him. He looked at me and sneered, "Don't tell me how to do my job! I do this all the time." He then proceeded to blame me for his inadequacy. He does this with his forced soft voice but it is obvious underneath he is both pride filled, anxious and defensive. He reminded me of a young toddler throwing a mild tantrum. His behavior was unprofessional to say the least! *In the numerous visits I had with him, he never once asked me about my pain or how I was doing; he never once took the time to ask me about my illness.* When I discussed with him that the pain had increased over the last 2 weeks, he completely ignored me. Instead his focus is on *HIS* "plan", HIS involvement both within Evergreen & any government affiliations he may have in regards to pain medication management. He is much more concerned that each and every single pill is accounted for than the over all welfare of his patient. He is simply Damage Control for Evergreen Health. I am on a very small does of pain medication; so small that other doctors have revealed to me that I do not necessarily qualify for a "Pain Contract", however when after many months of being on this low does I came up 1 & 1/2 or 1 &.5 short of what I should have. He quickly let me know of my failure, almost with pride and then requested I fill out some legal document agreeing that I failed and sign it or he would not be able to fill my medication....my Goodness - 1.5 pills? Are you serious? He then told me he could give me a week's worth of medication if I agreed, but needed to talk to another individual before any decision could be made to continue my pain medication until my doctor could begin to prescribe for me. When I made mention that the law is far too rigid and draconian; that is impossible to succeed and follow; that people are imperfect, he rose up out of his chair in defensive posture and announced that it was *HE* that came up with the plan! *snaps whip* First he tells me that he has no authority to give me my medication due to my failure of being less than perfectly accurate with my medication, then he tells me he is the author of this Pain Management Plan. It seemed to me that he just did not want to help me; he could care less that I was in pain. All that mattered to him was that *HIS* plan was followed with absolute accuracy. Seems like he needs to shine to those who may deem him or his plan important in the political world. *N. Salute* I filled out his form but would not agree that I was abusing my medication. I was 1 & 1/2 pill shy after many months. I could have dropped a pill on the floor or misplaced it. His response was that a child could have found that pill and eaten it and died..... "really"? .... there are absolutely no children in my life - not at all. He then wrote me a prescription for less than what I was taking each day and only a weeks worth. This means I will be going through painful horrible withdrawls for weeks after my medication is gone - not to mention all the increased pain. I highly doubt I can see my new Pain Consultant prior to the end of my medication. The sad part about this is, I just began physical therapy (thus the increased pain) and have 3 very important Doctor/Neurologist appointments scheduled the following week that I doubt I will be able to attend due to the withdrawls I will be going through. Michael J Schiesser, MD's ego is so large, there simply is not enough room in his office or within his heart for that matter for a concerned patient who needs his help. Thank you Michael J Schiesser, MD.

I've had the misfortune of being a chronic pain patient for nearly a decade so I have an extensive history with physicians and pain doctors. Prior to the appointment, I'd made the error of reading some emotional, negative reviews so I was both nervous and skeptical about seeing Dr. Schiesser. However, it only took moments for me to realize that he'd taken the time to review my medical history and see how complicated it is. He was very considerate, professional and helpful. Which is not always the case, even with some of the other Dr.'s I've seen who have glowing reviews, so I guess it just depends on the patient and the situation. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised! As the new medication laws have made us true pain patients lives more difficult and we often feel that we are under a microscope with physicians we forget that they are held to a more strict standard in treating patients and that they also must justify their treatments. So, I am just grateful that he took the… time to look at my history, not just the person in front of him. Since physically, I APPEAR to look just fine when sitting in a chair and have had Dr's state so to me in the past, which obviously means absolutely nothing. To future patients reading this, please just try to find the patience - though I know its difficult when we are in a lot of pain - and be honest. I trust that you will find Dr. Scheisser to be helpful to you as well.

I have severe pain and was referred to Dr. Schiesser. I was angry and in so much pain my first visit but Dr. Schiesser did not give up on me. He has given me back my quality of life. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. He not only cares just about helping me control my pain but also about my entire being such as a missing son I recently found. I have been able to be open and honest with Dr. Schiesser and he has never judged me. I recommend him to anyone who has acute pain problems that are out of control.

I was refereed by another doctor for PAIN MANAGEMENT. I have never seen such lazy,passive, uninterested and incapable staff in my life and unfortunately due to my poor health, I have been seeing many physicians and their staffs on the weekly basis.

Dr. Schiesser and his staff treat patients as humanbeings first. Knowledgable, compassionate, a great communicator and listener. All the qualifications one hopes for when looking for a physican you can trust with your wellbeing.

Kind and very well informed