Melanie Marie Novak

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I am fairly new patient of Dr. Novak’s and I have read the other reviews posted here and am perplexed by them. The office and Dr. Novak’s policy says “NO NARCOTICS on 1st visit!” I have been dealing with extreme L3-5 pain for years (it felt as if someone wrapped barbed wire around dental floss and was flossing my spine, every time I’d take a step, my leg felt as if I was filleted and hot coals were poured in) I have been getting injections from Dr. Novak and am finally getting relief! I have been told by neurosurgeons I will never get better, and Dr. Novak agrees, “but we can make life a bit easier” and she is doing that! We discuss what she can do and how it may help! I refuse (at this point) to have my spinal canal “roto-rootered” nor do I want a spinal cord stimulator! I can’t take any of the gabapentin (Neurontin), Lyrica etc due to adverse reactions, she listened and is not forcing me to “try” them again! Thank you Dr. Novak! She is allowing ME to DECIDE to decide how often I am getting injections..wow, how liberating to have a doctor finally listen and work with you! So I am perplexed to the other comments and treatment versus my experience… I have been through doctors as described by some posts and even worse; however, Dr. Novak is NOT ONE OF THOSE! After years of living with level 9 pain, and a year with Dr. Novak, who found the nerve culprit (that my previous doctor said I needed screws in my hips) I am walking with less pain (7-8) I pray all those people will find their right doctor to treat them as they deserve as I found in Dr. Novak! Many Blessings to all! I am fairly new patient of Dr. Novak’s and I have read the other reviews posted here and am perplexed by them. The office and Dr. Novak’s policy says “NO NARCOTICS on 1st visit!” I have been dealing with extreme L3-5 pain for years (it … More

The pain medicine he receives has helped him so much with day to day life.

Kind, Considerate, always listening, and helpful.

She always has her patients on her mind and wants to get them the help they need.

It's a very professional atmosphere.and Dr. Novak is very personable and listens to my needs.

Dr. Novak really cares about me and her other patients and makes sure we get the best care.

I've enjoyed my treatment here. I've had 2 treatments and both have been great.

Very grateful for Dr. Novak. She keeps me moving and gives me hope

Very helpful and very thurough

Never had a problem with this office or Dr. Novak

Everybody is nice and treats me with dignitiy

She interacts well, and is very kind and always makes sure I feel like I'm not just seeking drugs,but getting actual help for quality of life

Dr.Novak is not a good pain specialist. She made everything seemed like I was the bad guy when I was NOT! ????????????????Many others pointed that out to me as I told them what happened.. It was injections day. I was going to get injections in my lower neck. I was waiting in the room. My lower back was hurting me more than my neck. The nurse told me she could asked Novak about getting injections in my lower back. I told the nurse if she couldn't do it, I will do it in the neck. I was waiting in a gown in room. Novak comes walking in, she tells me, "I'm a complicated patient" Also was fed up with my notes that I gave to her that morning of my symptoms and complained how I saw a neurosurgeon, neurologist. etc. — IT WAS A SIMPLE YES OR NO QUESTION ABOUT MY LOWER BACK. I did not know my health insurance would not cover it. She couldn't do it. She had absolutely NO reason for her to lose her cool and calling me complicated. I did NOT do anything wrong but had a question asked!!???????????????????? She changed her mind about giving me injections on that same day. She was concerned the injections would set off the numbness. She thought I had fibromyalgia. I really do not think I do not. Due to the numbness was increasing, I was afraid it might get bad that I may become paralyzed. It's just a uneasy feeling when the numbness is not going away and it increases. It stays there. IN HER NOTES TO MY DOCTOR, she made it seemed like I was a mental in the head. Telling my doctor I may have a degree of conversion disorder that if injections do not work, I would need to see a psychiatrist. 1. A patient can be worried about their health & the symptoms that they are experiencing which it can make it difficult to focus & feel like everything is alright when it is not. 2. If injections do not work out, go see a psychiatrist? That is upsetting. I still would need treatment for my pain and numbness. It sounds like I'm a guinea pig to her. It's awful when specialists run their mouths without knowing how patients truly feel. Their pain and symptoms can make things harder for them to cope with their life. ONLY IF SPECIALISTS KNOW WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH. Dr.Novak is not a good pain specialist. She made everything seemed like I was the bad guy when I was NOT! ????????????????Many others pointed that out to me as I told them what happened.. It was injections day. I was going to get injections in my … More

Shes a very good doctor. I'd recommend her to anybody.

I think she's very knowlegable.

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Helpful, pain-releaving, satified.

Extremely friendly, very very helpful. A great experience with no problems at all.

I really enjoy the nurses and staff. Dr. Novak is very quick with herr plan and execution, but seems very knowledgable and I'm very happy.

I've been so thankful for my time with Dr. Novak

I've been very happy with my experience with Dr. Novak

Dr. Novak is very helpful and a really nice person. Plus she takes care of the pain.

I wish I would have read the reviews before my visit, Dr.Novack s bottom line is her injections is her bred and butter nothing else matters VERY SAD!!

Absoluetly excellent. I've been through a lot of Doctors and believe me Dr. Novak has help me the best. 10/10. Highly recommend.

Dr. Novak is very understanding and clear.

Dr. Novak knows what I am going through and has helped me a lot.

I absolutely love Dr.Novak..she has changed my life for the better....She listened to me and understood my chronic condition..and treated it accordingly.. .If I could give her 10 stars I would. Thank U Dr.Novak ur a life saver.

Dr. Novak has wonderful bedside manner and is the absolute best in my care. I wish I had found her years ago! I've been to so many doctors who shut me out and Dr. Novak has always listened to me and taken care of me wonderfully.

I was recommended to Dr. Novak by a reputable neurologist (that had only been working with her a short time). I did not do my research and instead took the recommendation. I'm now suffering with pain, loss of sensation and dexterity, and limited use of my right hand due to a botched nerve root injection. The anti-inflammatory should have been injected into the muscle around the nerve root but instead ended up in my spinal canal. When I woke from the procedure with level 9 pain in my left arm and no use of my right hand (initially) she sent me home with pain killers instead of calling an ambulance. I went straight to ER where I spent 4 days on morphine... and don't know that I'll ever be the same. I was recommended to Dr. Novak by a reputable neurologist (that had only been working with her a short time). I did not do my research and instead took the recommendation. I'm now suffering with pain, loss of sensation and dexterity, and … More

Went for low back and neck. Was getting shots in lower back while waiting for neck mri to come back, luckily I said something to nurse, the dr was going to put shots in my neck without even knowing what was wrong yet. Went back for follow up she didn’t want anything but “numbers for the insurance company” on pain level. Then went on to say she could do shots in my head to help with the headaches but my neck needed surgery. Ummm the same neck she almost shot up last time? Still hadn’t told my WHY. My regular doctor has scheduled me in Saginaw with a different doctor. Went for low back and neck. Was getting shots in lower back while waiting for neck mri to come back, luckily I said something to nurse, the dr was going to put shots in my neck without even knowing what was wrong yet. … More

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They are very good I know what they're doing you got me in quick and fast for my appointment

Dr. Novak is an incredible physician. She always conducts herself in a caring, professional manner. I would recommend seeing her if you are in chronic pain. She has helped me tremendously.

Great communication with Dr Novak as my previous doctors haven't been.

Dr. Novaks always willing to hear me concerns in a willing matter . She's always been there for me!

The staff and Dr. Novak are wonderful and I'm very pleased at this office and the diagnosis is spot on!

I always feel like I am being heard and my needs are being taken care of.

Still new here with Dr. Novak, but so far I am encouraged with our progress. I am excited to continue our treatment.

I have been a patient with Dr. Novak and Dr. Jagannathan for years and I am so pleased with my care. This office is very clean, respectable, knowledgeable, and they always make me leave with a smile. I will always refer friends here!

Dr. Novak is incredible, she even calls me at 7:00 at night to make sure I was doing well. She is the best.

I've been grateful that I have been able to see Dr. Novak, get my pain under control, and still be close enough to home. Dr. Novak has always been willing to work with me and g=help me function on a day to day basis.

I have been treated so well at this practice. I've been to other other pain clinics and have never been treated so well. I only wish that I could see Dr. Novak more often.

Overall, it's been a good experience! I've been coming here since 2013 and have always trusted their guidance

Everything is good and I am happy with my treatment, I just want to be seen sooner!

Dr.Novak is fair. I don't appreciate her telling me I'm a complicated patient. She would not perform injections on my lower back as much the numbness is worse below. She thinks nothing is wrong. I have arthritis. Numbness has been increasing upper & lower part of my body. That is something wrong! I tried Lyrica. What happens if meds don't help it? I may need to try injections? My lower back needs to get that care same as my neck. Numbness is a bad sign when it's not dying down even if meds approve the pain some. My lower back should not be ignored. However, I should have done all tests before pain management before getting an injection. All blood work is normal. EMG didn't pick up anything abnormal. It's all inflammation for numbness. I still need my lower back to look at. I know it's not Fibromyalgia as Novak thinks it is. I think it's just my lower back & neck just gave out the wrong time together. I still feel pain & inflammation.

Dr. Novak is an expert in her field and I'm so happy to be in ger care.

Dr. Novak listens to me always and makes sure I get the best care possible

Dr. Novak has been very thurough and listens to me when I need her to.

I've been to a bunch of dive hole doctors, but Dr. Novak is the best. I love here and her office.

I think Dr. Novak is wonderful and if ever I;m confused she is awlways able to clear things up. I think she's great at what she does.

I think everything has always gone smoothly and Dr. Novak has always made sure my treatment was the best that I could get.

Dr. Novak and everyone in this practice are excellent and I love that I have found them!

Dr. Novak sits down and spends time with me and having so much experience with this, I am so glad I found Dr. Novak

Dr. Novak has always been very accomidating and I've alwasy been so pleased with her treatment and care. The staff has been fantastic the whole time!

Every employee here, especially Dr. Novak, have always been exceptional. I'm so thankful to be here.

Dr. Novak provides incredbile pain relief! I have been so grateful with how I've been treated.

Dr. Novak has always been very understanding, and has provided me with an accurate diagnosis and is always so informative. I am so grateful for her care.

My experience has been absolutely wonderful. The staff and Dr. Novak have provided me with the best pain relief and care. I'm so glad I found Dr. Novak and Jagannathan Neurosurgery

Dr. Novak has done an incredible job with my treatment and I trust her 100% with my treatment. I'm so thankful to be a patient of hers.

This staff, and Dr. Novak have always been very good to me. The injections I get help and I will continue to see Dr. Novak.

Wished I had researched more before seeing her - went based on my back specialist's referral. She didn't listen or want to discuss with me options other that a study (guinea pig) she suggested. Worse communicator I've ever met! I'll not be going back

Dr Novak was my pain management dr for close to 12 years. I can't say enough good things about her.

Dr. Melanie Novak is absolutely wonderful. She explains everything and answers all questions, she's very nice and does a great job with injections, she has helped me so much. I would recommend her to anyone in need of pain management. So very kind, helpful and professional.

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Got me hooked on dilaudid as well as performed procedures that were not necessary

I have been physically and mentally ill from the injections Dr. Novak gave me because she neglected to tell me that I can not take my heart med and asprin before the injections also causing problems with my heart condition, the injection sites to not heal ( it's been a week they're red, swelled and some bleed), sleep insomnia, loss of appetite and many other side effects. She has a rude nasty bedside manner, lied on my procedure paperwork about how I was doing afterwards, talks over the patient when she asks questions, and is painfully rough during procedures I refuse to go back to her again. BTW don't tell her you need something for pain unless you want to be belittled for abusing pain meds and she'll say too many people people are dying from overdoses.. .. Overdoses of heroin not pain meds Imcompodent doctors!!! This is why people turn to heroin so y'all are the Charles Mansons of the medical world!! I have been physically and mentally ill from the injections Dr. Novak gave me because she neglected to tell me that I can not take my heart med and asprin before the injections also causing problems with my heart condition, the injection … More

I would provide less stars if you could give them! I was referred to her by Bronson neurosurgery, I have had issues in my back for quite some while and since I was in my early twenties prescribed some form of opiate while also gettin steroid injections and nerve blocks. After the last set of nerve blocks I had received my back was in much better condition than pain wise before so I chose to go on suboxone because unfortunately you you do develop a physical dependence on those! We’ll the first time I met her she spent no time with me but prescribed me the drug of the moment which was 75 mg of lyrica but never got it preauthorized through my insurance, then when I returned to my follow up appointment she was like a completely different person that treated me as if I was a junky because of all the medicine her colleagues prescribed me before and she kicked me out of her office for no reason not a dirty urinalysis absolutely no reason except according to her I was referred by the emergency room when in actuality if she checked her records she would have saw that it was a neurosurgeon that referred me and she was wrong, out of line and discriminating! There is definitely a reason she only gets one star and I would stay as far away from that woman as humanly possible! I would provide less stars if you could give them! I was referred to her by Bronson neurosurgery, I have had issues in my back for quite some while and since I was in my early twenties prescribed some form of opiate while also gettin … More

Went to have pain shots for my lower back due to having degenerative disk disease . Also I wanted to find out about having her switch the gabapentin she first prescribed me that is no longer working. Just before I received my shots she told me that she would not change the medicine I am on due to me being 35 and not 85 because I am over weight and she does not prescribe narcotics to younger people. Not once did I ask for any narcotics and the fact that she pointed out that I needed to lose weight was rude. She has no bedside manners, and refuses to listen when I told her I have been on gabapentin before and within for or five months it stopped working. All she could say was she could increase the dosage from 600mg to something higher (which she did not ) and prescribed Mobic. She said it was like Motrin that you take once a day. I will be calling my pcp tomorrow to see if I can be referred to someone else who will actually help with my back issues instead of making me feel like a junkie and making me have a panic attack as I was leaving her office. DONOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR unless you want to be treated like a junkie looking for a way to get high. Went to have pain shots for my lower back due to having degenerative disk disease . Also I wanted to find out about having her switch the gabapentin she first prescribed me that is no longer working. Just before I received my shots she told … More

she has done nothing but good for me. I am making appointment now to see her for nerve blocker shots in low back it hurting now but will feel better after shots.

This user rated the provider, but did not write a review

This user rated the provider, but did not write a review

Dr. Novak has no bedside manner at all. She is rude and acts as if she knows all, including what the patient is trying to express. She stood halfway out the door for 3/4 of the consultation and belittled her patient. If she wasn't the only Pain Care Doctor in battle creek, we would definitely not be going to her.