Chen, Wunian, Md - Plum Spring Clinic

I spent a fortune at Plum Spring clinic on the much discussed understanding that my insurance would reimburse me for most of the fees. As it turns out, my insurance did not cover any treatments I received there, since Dr. Sharp was listed by them as a pediatrician, and therefore had no standing with them to prescribe treatment.\r \r Sharp is also a big AA guy. After I told him that I have wine with dinner every night, he referred me to AA with no further discussion. It should be noted that he did not, however, prescribe anything for my high BP beyond more expensive treatments at this clinic, including whirlpool therapy, which upon reflection was kind of hair brained, despite the impressive cost, which was far higher than the cost of sitting in my own whirlpool bath at home. I suppose it is best to have company when putting oneself at high risk of stroke. Perhaps pediatricians are more versatile than my insurance company is admitting! \r \r The rather strange acupuncturist, Dr. Chen was very hot to sell me insanely expensive supplements which even he admitted were only so pricey because they are a part of an MLM scam. Chen did help me with my pain problems, however, although if he has a personality he's keeping it well hidden, possibly in the same secret hiding place as my insurance reimbursement checks. He also left me to dress with needles still in my body, and was quite gratified, when after about 10 sessions I alerted him to visible and significant symptoms I'd had all along that for some reason he had missed. \r \r All things considered, I found Sharp to be a cold guy, far more interested in making money than in caring for patients. Maybe he likes kids better than adults, it's hard to say, since I'm an adult, and an out of pocket one big time, since placing my health in Michael Sharp's hands, I wouldn't qualify.\r \r According to the website, Plum Spring has closed its doors. I'm not surprised or saddened by the news, but that could be all that wine. Pros: I was never left waiting around, especially at payment time. Cons: major health concerns were ignored in favor of expensive, unnecessary, and even dangerous treatments more

Things that I like: The doctor was very nice and he seemed pretty knowledgeable. I also saw an acupuncturist there and it really helped some of my chronic pains. The front office is very relaxing, too - the water fountain made me want to lay on the floor and take a nice nap. Before I came there I already had been taking a few supplements that seem to help somewhat, but I wanted to take a more ""educated"" approach to my diet and nutrition, instead of just reading random articles and things on the internet. I liked the idea of going to someone with a background in both traditional and modern medicine.\r \r Things I don't like: I was a little surprised that they rely so heavily on ""Western"" tests to recommend alternative therapies. That's not to say that lab tests, etc. aren't useful. It just seemed a bit of a contradiction. Also, I became uncomfortable when they tried to get me to buy their own supplements. I'd rather they had recommended a few brands other than their own (which they stand to make a big profit from). I'm following the other nutritional advice they have given me, and I do think I have a bit more energy, and maybe less pain (or maybe it's the acupuncture). Anyway, I'd probably recommend them to a friend, but would caution them not to feel pressured to buy their supplements. Or maybe look for a practitioner with Plum Spring's basic approach but who's willing to also recommend products sold by a 3rd party. One last note - there is one office staffer who is pretty rude and short-tempered... surprising considering what a relaxing ambience they've got set up. Pros: Nice doctors, relaxing waiting room, good acupuncturist Cons: Felt pressure to buy their expensive supplements; and one office staffer is pretty rude more

Dr. Sharp is helping us with our son. He has developmental delays and some autistic behaviors we believe are secondary to digestive issues. Dr. Sharp has done thorough testing and listens to our concers. He had helped my son to be able to talk! 2 weeks after staring a supplement program prescribed by Dr Sharp my son lost some of his major autisic behaviors and is starting to use words. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He show genuine concern for his patients and we are very grateful to have found him. Pros: Kind thorough service, beautiful office, ample parking, great quality supplements more

Doctor John Giusto is a very experienced and educated member of \r Plum Springs staff. I have been a patient of Doctor Guisto for \r Several years and have always been very satisfied with his care.\r His compassion to his patients is very rare. This is not a rush\r in the patient and rush them out type of place. \r more

After my 15 year old son was diagnosed four years ago with crohns disease, I felt the side effects from the conventional forms of treatment he was receiving to be so severe I began looking for an alternative. I am grateful to have found Plum Spring Clinic. Because their whole body approach is quite different than the medicine we are all most accustomed it took some education to understand the tests and rationale behind what they do but Dr. Sharp's patience and caring is without end. My son is listened to and has been part of his own treatment from the beginning. The nutrients and supplements he has been taking have all been tailored to his specific needs after extensive diagnostic testing of the whole body. Plum Spring offers a large line of pharmaceutical grade nutrients and supplements that I can trust to give my child (not all supplements are created equal). As his health has continued to improve the need for some of the nutrients has ended and they are altered and changed to customize to his needs at the time. My son is an active high school student and boy scout with no restrictions on his activities. A chronic illness requires vigilant maintenance and an excellent medical partnership. I feel like I have that in Dr. Sharp and Plum Spring Clinic. more

I recommend this specialty clinic to anyone. All the years that I have been experiencing pain in my legs and some stomach problems, no other healthcare provider has been able to do the things for me like Plum Spring Clinic has. From the time I started being a patient until 2 years later, I have had thorough service given to me. My husband has since become a patient. Without Plum Spring Clinic my weight would still be up, I would still be eating foods that I am sensitive too, and would have never none about my stomach acid issues. Of course everything in life is not free, but my Insurance covered a lot of the services that they offer. I so love this place ! Thank you Thank you Thank you! Pros: Serene waiting room, and providers are always on time ! more

At first I really liked these people. Dr. Sharp seemed to be a very caring person and everyone seemed friendly -- at first. The massage therapists were excellent and I have no complaints about them at all. However, the doctor ordered a lot of lab work for me that was supposedly going to provide helpful information about any nutritional imbalances or deficiencies that may relate to some of my symptoms. I didn't mind at first that my out-of-pocket (after insurance) expense for this lab work was a few hundred dollars, since based on how it was described to me it seemed like the results might help the doctor recommend some non-pharmaceutical remedies for my physical symptoms. And I assumed insurance wouldn't pay for it if the lab work wasn't ""above-board"" anyway. I tried to make it clear from the beginning that I didn't want to pay a lot of money for supplements and herbs and would rather add or eliminate certain foods from my diet to address any nutritional/metabolic issues. However, after paying for the lab work and getting the results back, I started to get a strong impression that one of their main objectives was to get me to purchase their very expensive ""custom"" blends of vitamins, amino acids, etc. After I did some additional reading it appears that these tests may not even be reliable, especially since they have you come in for the tests after an overnight fasting (of course your amino acids will be lower!). Overall I really felt like there was a scam going on with the lab work and the supplements. The one good thing is that the massage therapists were excellent!! I like them so much I gave the clinic one point, but that point belongs to the massage therapists only! Unfortunately you're not allowed to make a massage thearpy appointment at all until you see one of the doctors, and you also have to put up with a very condescending receptionist. If not for my experience with the doctors and receptionist, I'd continue going there for the massage therapy. more

My experience with this clinic has been outstanding. Dr. Sharp, the medical director, does thorough testing and individualized treatments. It is so refreshing to have a doctor actually listen to my opinion and symptoms with interest. He responds immediately to any concerns that I bring up and that makes me feel valued. Pros: Compassionate doctor, located in Southern Village, integrated treatment, welcoming ambience, ample parking more