Amanda Sparks Bushnell, MD

Amanda Sparks Bushnell, MD
Sparks Clinic 109 International Dr. Ste. 240 Franklin, TN 37067
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Consumer Feedback

(28 Reviews)
Service
4.5 star average for Service
Environment
4.5 star average for Environment
Expertise
4.5 star average for Expertise
Staff
4.5 star average for Staff
Recommended
5 star average for Recommended
Value
4 star average for Value
I saw Dr. Sparks in May of 2014. I told them when I made the appt. that I could not afford the $12,000 TMS treatments and asked if Dr. Sparks worked with patients w/medication, too, and I was assured that she did and was very experienced with different treatment options. When I saw her, she asked me a few questions, then told me that no prescription would work for me and that TMS was the only option she could offer to treat my depression. She encouraged me to let them submit the $12,000 treatment to my insurance, which denied it. She spent most of my visit showing me promotional materials for TMS, including flip charts. She also used the "F" word in talking insurance companies, which I thought was unprofessional. A nurse swabbed my mouth because the visit was supposed to include "genetic testing", but I never heard from them again after my insurance company refused to pay for the TMS treatment. I sent them a registered letter to ask for a refund of my $300 payment for this initial visit since I received no benefit from it and did not get the care I asked for, and I never heard back from them. I continued to experience severe depression for another couple of months until I saw another psychiatrist who simply prescribed Prozac, which has worked beautifully for me.

Dr. Sparks may have been a legitimate psychiatrist at one point, but from my experience I'd say that this practice is all about getting $12,000 per person from insurance companies for the still experimental TMS treatments, which most will not cover. I would caution anyone who doesn't have $12,000 to spend to avoid this practice. And I'd still like my $300 back!
by Valerie P. xxx.xxx.182.48
January 16, 2015
I am so impressed with Amanda's knowledge and evaluation. She was able to dial me in in just two visits. Trying to communicate my feelings, moods, thoughts, and patterns were very difficult to voice, but she was helpful and asked all the right questions, gave helpful scenarios and options to clarify each emotion and thought. She drew diagrams of how my system works to show why she chose one treatment over another. She had me give a saliva sample to have tested so that her diagnosis was confirmed by my DNA. Having my doctor know my DNA brings such comfort when prescribing medication it also allows her great insight to the whole me. You'd think in this day in age ALL doctors would/should know their patient's DNA when dealing with medications and the mind.
by One very Pleased Patient xxx.xxx.177.206
December 04, 2014
There is no question that the office is clean and the staff friendly. When I initially went to see Dr. Sparks is was for depression. I was looking for medication as I had been diagnosed several years prior. The first meeting I was presented with TMS which is a magnetic treatment. That is apparently the office specialty since I was presented with the "hard sell" -that this could be the answer to my problems and may not need any more meds after that. It is $12,000 many insurances do not cover it and you need to pay out of pocket. One of the people administering my treatment (as I found out later) was their accountant whom they trained on the machine. I was also asked to take a genetec test to see what meds would work on me and also told that TMI could also be used to treat other ailments. As I sat there for a month for 30 minutes each day of treatment, I was privy to all sorts of events in the office and their lives. It was very unprofessional and I felt very uncomfortable in the office. I felt like I was an opportunity to make more money for them instead of a patient seek help. OI would not recommend them to anyone.
by unhappy patient xxx.xxx.24.145
June 06, 2014
Does this provider remember you and your circumstances at every appointment?
Yes
Was the temperature in the office acceptable to you?
Perfect
Do you feel that you made progress during your sessions with this psychiatrist?
Yes, I've noticed an improvement
Were you glad that you had the appointment with your provider?
Yes
How would you rate your experience with this provider?
The best
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.242.133
May 30, 2014
Does this provider treat their staff well?
Very! I've never seen an employer treat their staff better
Was this provider's office easy to locate?
Fairly Easy
Does this psychiatrist offer flexible appointment times?
Yes
Did this psychiatrist use excessive foul language?
Not at all! They are always respectful and courteous!
by suzyrph xxx.xxx.69.251
January 03, 2014
Was this provider late to your appointments?
Not at all, I showed up early and they were ready to see me
Did this provider have an entertaining selection of waiting room magazines?
Absolutely! They were very entertaining!
Does this provider maintain a professional appearance?
Absolutely! You can tell that he/she really makes an effort to look professional
Would you refer a friend or family member to this psychiatrist?
Yes, I'm going tell everyone about them. I absolutely love this place!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.192.161
December 11, 2013
Does this provider offer any coupons, discounts or promotions?
Not that I have seen
Was this psychiatrist's office clean?
It was satisfactory
Does this provider leave you on hold for a long time when you call?
No, they are really great about answering the phone right away
Did this provider seem well-trained and experienced?
Absolutely, they were an expert!
Was this psychiatrist friendly?
Very! The most welcoming office I've visited!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.239.199
October 28, 2013
Was the waiting area spacious?
Yes
Did this provider thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of your treatment?
Yes, I felt informed when I left
Did this provider listen to your input and concerns?
Absolutely! This provider always listens carefully to what I have to say!
Did this provider seem up-to-date with the current advancements in their field?
Yes, they were informing me of new advancements that were extremely recent
Did you experience unnecessary pain during your visit?
Not one bit! I felt much better when I left!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.14.24
April 01, 2013
Amanda is flexible and will work with you regarding your economic constraints. She nailed my symptoms immediately and put me on the right antidepressant, etc.
She has a very good sense of humor and her personality is not what you expect from a Psychiatrist.
She is genuinely interested in helping you.
She spends time with you.
by Carolyn Harper xxx.xxx.106.88
March 05, 2013
Were the staff members able to answer your questions?
Every time I asked the staff a question, they referred me to someone else
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.244.89
February 11, 2013
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