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Dr. Karen Nelson, MD

Dr. Karen Nelson, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine*

Dr. Karen Nelson, MD is a pain medicine physiatrist in Anchorage, AK. She is affiliated with Alaska Native Medical Center.

2.1 Star Rating
Based on 7 reviews 2.1 Star Rating (7 reviews)

Southcentral Foundation

4320 Diplomacy Dr Ste 3181 Anchorage, AK 99508

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Compare with other Pain Medicine Physiatrists

Compare Dr. Nelson with our nearby Pain Medicine Physiatrists at Alaska Regional Hospital.

Make an appointment at Alaska Regional Hospital today at
(907) 205-4869.

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Dr. Nelson's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Nelson

2.1
7 ratings, 4 with a written review
5 star
29%
29%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
71%
71%

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Felt very uncomfortable
Said she could not help me because I was in pain all over I was in a major car accident keep insteading that I better pick out pain med or muscle relaxer that I can take I told her what I already was prescribed makes me dizzy and I live alone had drive myself she told her nurse give her a pain shot walk out of the room I felt very uncomfortable
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Apr 21, 2025
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Clearly Not Paying Attention
She told me she could not see any cause for my pain. Then two months later I went to an orthopedic surgeon who said I need my knee and both hips replaced. Then saw a back doctor who told me i have severe spinal stenosis and scoliosis. Dr. Nelson told me I don’t have scoliosis which I have had since childhood. She couldn’t pull up my films while in the appointment with her. So she must have winged I think.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Sarah Nelson – Aug 12, 2023
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She was always late, rushed, and distracted. She often urged me to do the research because she did not have time to answer my questions. She required a lot of paperwork before each appointment which she never referenced. I always left feeling defeated and frustrated.
What went well
  • Office environment
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jill in Missoula, MY – Aug 31, 2016
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Dr. Nelson interrupted me throughout my appointment. I felt that she wasn't interested in what I had to say about decisions about my healthcare. Her manner is abrasive and brusque. She even called me by the wrong name as she had another patient's chart open on her laptop. Dr. Nelson is new to Alaska and to my primary care clinic. I hope she changes things to better serve Alaska's patients.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Stephanie in Anchorage, AK – Jul 08, 2016
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Know Before You Go

About Me

biography

Dr. Karen Nelson, MD is a pain medicine physiatrist in Anchorage, AK. She is affiliated with Alaska Native Medical Center.

  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of Va Medical Center

    Residency Hospital

  • University Of Texas Health Sciences Center At San Antonio Long School Of Medicine

    Medical School
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

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Locations

Southcentral Foundation

Anchorage Native Primary Care Center4320 Diplomacy Dr Ste 3181 Anchorage, AK 99508
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:15am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:15am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 9:30am - 6:30pm
    • Thu: 8:15am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:15am - 5:00pm
  • Directions
(907) 729-3300
See all Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctors in Anchorage, AK