Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) in 66 Spine surgery clinics in Americas

I have had the best service from all of the staff at Trillium Spine Centre. I needed acdf (anterior cervical disectomy and fusion) and was referred to Dr. ALSHARANi. The surgical procedure was described to me and she made sure I understood and had no questions. Although my surgery presented with challenges Dr. Alsharani did an incredibke job. I haven't felt this well in years. Would highly recommend. Thank you.

Dr. Duncan was thorough and pleasant. He willingly answered questions, offered his advice and was a pleasure to meet. I felt no rush and no pressure and was satisfied with his professional opinion. Thank you, Dr. Duncan.

Saw Dr. Bhatia and he was excellent. Unfortunately, the support staff is horrible. They don't know what service means let alone service in a healthcare environment for humans. I am sure animals are treated better than they treat their patients. Avoid them at all cost.

Hosp de la familia (Terror story) Hospital de la familia : Do not go here unless you want yo die!! My experience at the hospital : Right as we walked In they take us into a small room asked for the money! Our money got taken, immediately . I mean as soon as we walked in $5,950 +580. We were sent to the waiting room, the fear kicked in immediately as we were left in the waiting room watching this woman Maritsa leaving with our money. I was in tears ! Scared out of my mind thinking we had just been scammed! Soon they came to get us to bring us into room 212. The dresser was old and faded , so was the blanket and the dinner tray. I was so terrified that every time they took my blood pressure it was extremely high! My blood pressure continued to be high as Martiza kept getting defensive, talking over us and defending her unprofessionalism and her greedy actions . She did not try to be sympathetic or understanding. She made sure to talk over us, making sure we didn’t get heard , and that only what she wanted to say and wanted done being the only thing was being accomplished. My constant fear of being scammed I asked for receipts for all the money that had been given to her, she was annoyed at the fact, and stormed out! I was taken to a room where more test were done . The surgeon came in poked at where he wanted to work on. They wheeled me into the operating room. I woke up with no surgery done at all! When I woke up I was asked by a man in the operating room with a terrifying look on his face if I couldn’t remember what happened? I told him no! The other doctor in the room with the almost same look but more of fear & concern, said SO YOU REALLY CANNOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED?? Once again , I told him no, I wasn’t being told what happened instead they all were terrified!! I was wheeled back into the room where my husband was waiting for me. There my husband asked me if I knew what happened? I told him no, but he had the same look of terror in his eyes. He then told me I had died . The surgeon told the nurses to get him where he proceeded to tell my husband that there was a complication and that my heart stopped after my larynx closed on me and that they had to preform chest compressions and that I was brought back and was stable , that as soon as I could get enough of the anesthesia to ware off , I would be brought back to my room to him. They then told him they only got to make the holes for the operation but no operation took place and they could not operate due to the “ complications “ They brought me back to room after that my surgeon Dr. Sariana disappeared completely! We never saw him again. There was another surgeon called in and he was the one we delt with . The consultation service group disappeared with my money . Sent me charges that now doubled my original quote. Now I have no surgery and my money’s been stolen due to their negligence. But I’m being charged due to the hospital not wanting to discharge us and said we must stay a extra nights here! Even though we wanted to leave we were told we would not be able to be discharged until the surgeon discharged us and he refused to do so and left us there accumulating charges for extra nights. When I was finally discharged the nurse said they had destroyed the vein where I had my IV and said no fluid was even going in anymore it was just all accumulating in my body. I was able to make a stop payment for the cashiers check that the consultation company wanted to keep even though they didn’t preform my surgery. They kept $850. Dollars I payed them in cash . But now they are charging me for the hospital stay I didn’t have a choice on, and I want the hospital to know that this whole experience has been a night mare. These people that you have working in your hospital are scam artist and I hope you think twice before you let portofino consulting do this to any other poor women who put their trust in this company. Please reach out to me and let me know what you plan on doing about this company’s terrible service, bill and what’s going to be done here.

I came to this hospital in October 2021 to get a tubal reversal. We made the decision to go to Mexico for surgery because of the cost compared to the U.S and I don’t regret my decision! It was clean, professional, and comfortable. The doctor who performed my surgery explained everything to my husband and I thoroughly and even showed us pictures. Although I do recommend taking someone with you if you can, who is bilingual because some of the nurses and I had trouble communicating since I don’t know Spanish, luckily my husband does and was able to translate things though. Maritza was the person who facilitated the appointment and was very responsive, she even met us at the hospital on a Saturday (the day of my appointment) to check us in. Most importantly though my tubal reversal was successful! I’ve had an hsg procedure back home in San Diego which confirmed this. I have not gotten pregnant yet though but I’m hopeful it will happen soon.I just wanted to share my experience to any other person it may help.

I highly recommend anyone who is thinking of having a sort of medical procedure this is the place to have it done. I am over the moon with how well I was treated by not only the nurses and hospital staff but Dr. S, Dr. Mariana, Penelope and Maritza were exceptionally wonderful to work with. I had weight loss revision surgery and could not be happier. I will be going back at some point for plastics. Thank y’all for being so good to me and my mom.

If you have the opportunity to be treated at this hospital MISS IT!! The service leaves a lot to be desired, admission, cash and public relations are extremely inefficient, they do everything wrong No They are empathetic with patients and do not provide solutions of any kind. The facilities are being remodeled and they have no qualms about drilling you in the Head at 2:00 am, they have no respect for the patients nor do they give a damn about their peace of mind and rest. Terrible service!! In addition to their times being ridiculous to deliver an account, register and charge you: more than 8 hours and they can't do it!!!

Without a doubt, one of my worst experiences, from the hospital...everything is super neglected and mistreated, even the staff, especially the person: ROSARIO LAGOS, she is supposed to be the head of public relations, she was asked several questions and she never knew how to answer adequately. a person who does not have tact or sense to be a head of public relations, the hospital should pay more attention to the people it hires in its positions, not just out of friendship, handing over positions with great positions to people who are too big for the position…. Do not waste time and do not contract the service provided by this hospital, TAKE THE ANGELES DEL PEDREGAL HOSPITAL AS AN EXAMPLE

My experience with the doctors, anesthesiologists and nurses was very human. Super nice and attentive nurses. They were always on the lookout. The doctors are very professional and explained everything to me in detail. Those who complain about the insurance and that the income is late. You should see this with your manager, but it is normal, even upon admission, they mention that the insurance takes 4 to 6 hours to respond and this has nothing to do with the hospital.

of the best clinics in Bogotá.

Design and sophistication for the Health of Colombians!!!

Have been passed around from test to test for 3 months trying to get clearance for surgery without any treatment for my condition. Seems like all they want to do is test and not treat problems. Impossible to contact doctors offices by phone. Ordered tests without telling me. Asked for referral to hand surgeon and they sent me to shoulder specialist. Asked for referral to ear doctor and they sent me to throat doctor. Did multiple tests on heart and all good but they are ordering more tests. Think they are more interested in generating revenue than healthcare

My first bad experience, I have been admitted here several times and my stay had always been good, until today that I already have 6 days admitted with my son here we had a double room where the first nights I was touched by very decent and respectful people, the last two nights I have been touched by a couple with their son who leave the light on until late at night, they spend the day in phone calls and with a very inadequate tone of voice, the husband stays to sleep and has an awful snoring because those that are very difficult For me and my baby to have rest time! I talked to the manager who didn't do anything, I don't talk to people or take the delicacy to even see if she could move us to another room I don't care if it was with another person maybe they weren't as indecent as these which the sick people have told her that please if they can keep their composure and they don't even change! The truth is that I would have liked to have another person to help me and be more condescending with the situation, because I have seen empty rooms since last night even double, but according to the person I spoke they were not available! I'm still here and I can't take a break! As a hospital you need to put some rules like do not let man stay at least in double bedrooms, do not permit loudly noise in the room and for the residents on the rooms to keep respect to others and peaceful space appropriate for recovering!

My sister had surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Her surgeon called me at 11:14 to report that she was out of surgery, and that the recovery room staff would be in touch when we could see her. I did not hear from the recovery room, so I called them. The desk clerk rudely told me that the nurse would call. It is now 2:50 - almost 4 hours since my sister left the OR, and I still have not heard a thing from the recovery room nurse. It is inexcusable to treat family members in this way. In addition - they have a one way texting app for communicating with family members - useless, apparently, because they don't use it. I understand nurses can be extremely busy, but it only takes seconds to communicate to worried, waiting loved ones.

While I appreciated the procedure being done my beef is this places billing department only affords you 6 months to pay your balance. So even tho I have insurance through my place of employment and reached my déductible prior to surgery, and even though I have been making payments monthly for the remaining 20% ... if my balance isn't paid in full within 6 months their "policy" is to send it to collections. Now I was offered 'financial assistance' IF I submit two or three years of taxes, plus several paycheck stucs. (So basically all of my personal information) which is not only time consuming but also invasive. I'm just a single gal trying to make ends meet. I needed the surgery to prevent further complications down the road so I elected to have it done. Perhaps I missed information prior to getting the surgery? But I NEVER thought that even though I am paying monthly a fair amount towards the remaining balance that I would STILL be threatened with having it go to collections. And just for that reason I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone. Period

The Nurses, CNAs, PTs, & Staff were all AMAZING!!! My mom had knee surgery a week ago and our experience there was great!! Everyone was kind and helpful from admission to post op. I can’t remember everyone’s names but I did take some down! We loved how kind and helpful her nurse Kaylani was!!! The most important part to us was having a Spanish speaking nurse on staff. My mom only speaks Spanish and it was so comforting to us knowing at night she was left with someone she could understand and communicate with! Thank you to Josephina and Nasthja for taking such good care of my mom! The physical therapist, Ruth is incredible!!! My mom adored her and made us feel confident about taking her home!! Special thank you to KASS, CNA!!!! She provides excellent patient care. Spine and Joint hospital provided quality care!

Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital gave me outstanding service and care during my stay. I would also like to thank Dr. T, his wife Kate, and Dr. Kralik for their great skills and knowledge. I'm so thankful my wife and I found these skilled surgeons. I'd also like to thank the nurses and staff who took care of me while there: Debbie, Cathy, Karen, Deanna, Becky, Dickson, Katherine and Veronica! Thanks again. My drive from Lake Havasu was well worth it!

Dr. Bartlett and his staff were timely, professional, and courteous. The procedure was performed flawlessly and he kept the mood positive and humorous.

Want to give a shout out to the nurses and staff on the 17th floor. I was briefly there this past Thursday to pick up my uncle Juan who received treatment. It felt very welcoming and calm on the floor. I am assuming that they were nurses (I apologize if they’re not) as they were sitting in the central location and also running around taking care of patients. When we asked for a wheelchairs, they processed the request with a smile. One of the folks even asked how my day was going and asked about the Buffalo Bills. I know this may sound small but it’s the little things that can make a difference. I had some anxiety coming to visit and was exhausted from my 8 hour drive to get here, but all that went away when I entered the 17th floor of this hospital.

The nurses, admin team, patient care team I have no complaints about. I dread thinking how the doctors here have handled my Dads care since the very beginning of his AML diagnosis in April. To begin when he was initially admitted, he received his chemo and was discharged with oral meds that he was told to keep taking upon going home. Doing some basic internet research we discovered he was taking the meds for 20 days longer than he was supposed to. We had a teledoc visit with his doctor, she described it as a “misscommunication” and that he indeed took it weeks longer than he was supposed to. Also during this period, he was doing outpatient in New Jersey and never had any follow up from his doctor until weeks after discharge his initial diagnosis. I do not think this is standard. He was discharged with no Oncology follow ups scheduled or anything. When we finally did talk to his Doctor she said to move to a clinical trial that had not been successful on anyone, nor was it even available. She gave him more chemo that did not make any progress towards treating his disease. To say she was hands off is an understatement. I personally messaged about clinical trials that had success with patients with similar diagnosis and subtypes. We were told to reach out to hospitals that had them while she continuously kept stringing my father along without any real plan besides what was already not working. I asked about transplants she said it could kill him, now they have no viable plan as the chemo and lung issues (related) are too much to overcome. I continue to seek treatments for him. In short, I feel like we experienced a 1980s treatment plan, with no creativity or critical thinking applied to treating my Dad. He is a number to (most) of the doctors. They also will scheduled him for blood transfusions once a week on outpatient when he got them daily in the hospital. Extremely frustrating. Their bedside manner was also… abysmal. Offered little hope this whole time and didnt give confidence to other centers that would have been more capable in treating him. I would not recommend MSKCC and wished he went somewhere like Mayo or MD Anderson. Maybe they can be helpful for more straightforward treatment plans, but my Dad has a very rare subtype that made it complicated. Several doctors come off as thinking they are the end all be all of what is known about my father’s disease. Newsflash - we’re all capable of reading studies that show efficacy of treatments but your heads are too far up your own you know wheres to listen to family. They also give off a vibe of thinking they are the Almighty as well and it breaks my heart to see how they spoke to him and how it affects his mood, graces, and personal outlook.

My experience with the staff was a very special and good one of course there were a couple of not so greats but as a whole I totally appreciated the experience and staff!

My wife and I welcomed our first child with John Hopskins and we were treated exceptionally. Our stay lasted 6 days. Nearly every member of the staff seemed to truly believe in the work they were doing and it instilled confidence in my wife and I. The student nurses were very helpful and what they may have lacked in experience they made up for in drive and enthusiasm! Two of the nurses, who helped my wife in labour, even visited us the next day to congratulate us and check up on the status of our child. It did get busy for the nurses the last few days and we would love to have seen more lactation specialists on staff available to help us but after this incredible experience I will certainly encourage my wife and other parents to include John Hospkins in future family planning.

We had a very nice experience here. Dr Kuwera and staff took perfect care of our toddler. He was competent, thorough and friendly-explaining everything as he went. It’s a large hospital, but with many helpful staff stations throughout, it’s easy enough to find your way around. Must register before entering, which ensures safety. Very thankful for wonderful healthcare.

I had a cardiac ablation done by Dr Blatt and the experience was excellent. From the moment we walked into the hospital and the information gentleman took us to the surgery unit, the intake gentleman, without exception every person we came in contact with was friendly and helpful. My nurses were all exceptionally great. The hospital's sophistication, cleanliness and features were top notch.

On 11/7/2023 During my 5 hour stay the dr and nurses gave me a horrible experience. My monitor was going off for a good while because I had a high heart rate and no one came to check until after 5-10min once the beeping got louder. After couple hours passed and I really needed to urinate, I wait to see if anyone would check on me because I know how busy the hospital gets and after that waiting for a long time and trying to wave down nurses who would just look at me and walk away or say we’ll be there when we can. Yet I seen them just hanging out talking in the hallway of the hospital from time to time. My curtains weren’t closed all the way hence why I could see what they were doing. I ended up urinating all over myself because I couldn’t hold it anymore and I wasn’t able to disconnect myself from my Iv and the other monitor with my blood pressure heart rate and the sticky stuff attached to my body that looked almost like an ekg machine to monitor me. I had to sit in my own urine for about an hour or so till someone came to check on me, I have never felt so neglected in my life. They offered me some wipes to wipe myself and some of the hospital underwear(not real underwear) they had also left a syringe w/o needle on the bed I was laying on. Then upon discharge they gave me my paper work went over everything briefly and disconnected me from the Iv but not the monitor and I was still connected so I had to disconnect myself and take it off. The dr stopped for literally a few seconds saying your labs are good and left. This was my worst experience ever!!

Front desk at the ER the lady where the "red star is" very disrespectful. The RN Kristy I had her today room 29 at the ER nicest person ever, she was great, attentive, respectful, explained every step, overall I felt cared off even though it was just a stomach pain. Thank you Kristy. 😊

Easily the most efficient medical facility I have ever stepped foot in. Everyone is friendly and professional…the campus is a very nice place to spend time if you have to spend the whole day for a bunch of testing. Food service has recently been revamped and has dramatically improved. When you consider the volume of people seeking specialized medical care IN ADDITION TO a very active ER, I find it is nearly miraculous that I have never waited more than 15 minutes past my scheduled appointment time to see my Dr, and that is coming twice a year for the last 7 years. Not once…

Amazing experience at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville!! After three trips to our local ER all resulting in an undiagnosable abdominal pain and seeing literally one dozen doctors, we were blessed with a referral to Mayo Clinic and my husband was healed!!!!! No more prescriptions! No more weight loss! No more issue! They found the problem on the first visit, had it removed three weeks later and no more pain praise God!!!!! Thank you to the entire staff from the gentleman at the entrance with his cheerful greetings to the kitchen staff who keep even the most grumpiest of patients happy and fed we appreciate all of you there at Mayo!! Thank you from my family to yours!

The ER/ED staff is dismissive, taking forever to treat patients. I have been sitting in this damn hallway for 5 hours. Yes they have ran tests, no medication to treat any of my symptoms. Trying to discharge after doing nothing… Had to CRY to the doctor about how I felt my care wasn’t up to standard and then she eventually gives me meds. Mind you. After 5 hours. Thought Mayo was one of the best hospitals in the south. Will never be back.

Dealt with this hospital for several years. No matter what day or what doctor I've always been left with the same experience; cocky doctors playing God with the absolute worst bedside manner. Never again.

My husband was a heart transplant patient here. One time they failed to give an accurate report for him to adjust his warfarin accordingly. Subsequently he suffered a stroke and had to have intracerebral hemorrhage surgery. My husband overlooked a lot of things and this hospital had the nerve to kick him off the transplant list. They called an old number and then said that since they couldn't get in touch with him he was non-complaint. I gathered so much proof to show that they were the ones who made an error. I got all the phone records and proof that we updated his information but it was evident that they just wanted to get rid of him. I wanted to sue so bad but I left them all to God. You should have been in that break up meeting. By the grace of God he got his transplant at an excellent hospital in CA.

Lynn at the gift shop was extremely helpful and made ordering flowers a seamless process. She was so kind and patient too. Thank you Lynn!

We were at Vanderbilt before transferring to Mayo. This has been an amazing experience! It’s like it’s a requirement is to be super nice; Vanderbilt, not so much. I would recommend anyone to come here, and I’m so glad we chose to switch. The doctors, nurses, and even the staff (cafeteria, welcome center, etc) were by far nicer than Vanderbilt. They are so knowledgeable, thorough, and patient. Very impressed!!!

The Mayo Clinic is such a special place! It’s a medical facility that could also be a museum of art museum, history, and architecture. People travel from all over the world to be treated here, but what makes it truly special are the compassionate, skilled, and dedicated employees. I stood outside the Mayo Building and watched bus after bus pull up to the staff entrance - and watched countless everyday heroes get off those buses and go to work performing “miracles” at a place that provides hope to people who need it most.!!

I had 7 uterine fibroids removed by Dr Khan. Well done. No complications. After six weeks I was back in gym doing great. Dr khan is the best. Great doctor. Nurse Logan day shift and Susan night took good care of me.!!

This hospitals hiring practices are down right racist the hr department is deceptive and i see why this campus has a high turnover rate. If you are a person that speaks up for yourself and don't fit the so called culture don't apply you won't last long they will gaslight, be dismissive and show down right racism in you're face. Look at the rating on culture look at the rating on mangement?. People of color be Forwarned

This review is more from an employment perspective and how the hospital operates behind the scenes. There’s a reason why UCLA is popular… they have money, mostly state of the art equipment, the hospital is clean and well designed but what happens behind the scenes is just plain scary. I worked here for about 3 years and was regularly dealing with high school drama, backstabbing colleagues, and abusive management. When you’re working somewhere that has a reputation, everyone will try to throw you under the bus in order to lift themselves up in front of management. Lies, deceit, manipulation, etc. UCLA is no exception and they did nothing to prevent this. I’ve worked for 4 major hospitals and UCLA is low on that list as one of the worst hospitals I’ve worked in. The culture here is very toxic and I know a handful of people who have also quit for similar reasons to the ones I cited.

ER -great Nurse-amazing Clean hospital -great One problem they are here to make money. All three doctors didn't review meds. I complained about side effects. They don't care. They take 10min and they run away. Complete fraud!!!! Doctors upstairs do not take time to study and you can't locate them. They hide!!! This is not right. doctors need to be available all the time on each floor!!!! All doctors are new. No experience

Very positive experience. Dr Davies was extremely professional, listened to my concerns, reviewed and explained the MRI and dedicated the necessary time without being rushed. Very pleased with him and all his staff from scheduling, checking-in, radiologists, nurses and doctor assistant. 👍🏻

Went in for a full left hip replacement with Dr Jacob Drew. My interactions with him and his staff were always positive. He took the time to explain the procedure and answer any questions that I had. He even called to check in the night before my surgery. I would highly recommend him for anyone needing a hip or knee replacement.

Great Doctor and Staff to work with. Removed my cancer and still cancer free 3 years later. Extremely helpful and has answered all my questions and then some. She is a doctor who actually cares about her patients unlike my PCP . I would Highly Recommend Dr Megan E. Anderson and her staff.

I found some english speaking doctors here and they have an international office to help you translate if you dont speak spanish. Thank you very much Carolina 🙏

Horrible! Dont go to this clinic. The most unfriendly employees I have experienced in this Hospital. Yes I do speak spanish but once I didnt understand smth the lady just ignored me! Errors start already in front of the Clinic. Apparently they don't know the difference between a Swiss flag and a medical (red!!!) cross. So my question: is this a Swiss Clinic??? Of course not...

My mom got a well planned surgery in this Clinic. Excellent outstanding service what a relief. Fast service, very diligent and well trained all staff. Great place to get well and get some recovery. If you get sick go there you will be fine quickly. Do not visit Los Nogales clinic or La Colina. Marly is the best! Thank you all for your service! Mom is doing great. The doctor was very profesional!

Excellent...!

3 days waiting in que for gallbladder surgery to be scheduled! Why does the patient get to wait? And why doesn't the clinic approach and explain what's going on to the patient's children.?

Customer service people on their cell phones while helping zero people in the que. The pictures say it all. Look at the customer service people chatting on the phone and the video board showing zero people in the que.

Bad bad. The treatment is derogatory towards low-income people. If you want to receive good treatment, dress well and show that you are of good economic standing. And if the patients are "eps" things get worse.

I like how you treat me here at the clinic.

Good attention

All staff member needs an urgent training to learn the meaning of empathy and serve to patients.

The best in town.

Omg I had to walk to the nurses station for everything from a blanket to medication. They have no tv in the rooms. They take for ever. You have to wait 6-8 hours to get something done. Just go to a regular clinic in Barranquilla they are not as nice but they get things done.

An amazing facility with an amazing level of care. Better than any US or German hospital I have ever been in. The office of international patients is very professional and thorough. Dr. Taboada is very thorough and professional. I can't recommend this hospital enough. Super experience.

I came to see if giving birth at Serena del Mar was an option. When I was given a tour of where the mothers and babies stay it was great. I was told to male an appointment to be seen by an obgyn so that they would have a history of me. The nurse took my info days before my appointment but apparently never followed through with setting up my profile. I showed up for my appointment and was never told who I would be seen by. Dr Maria Fernanda Toro Wils was upset that she had to wait on me because the staff had not created my profile. I finally went into my appointment with the doctor and she scolded me and told me she had no time we had to rush. I told her I did not understand whybinwas being treated this way when her staff was a mess. She told me she always does 40 minutes and she dedicated about 20 minutes if that. I left there feeling so upset and totally changed my mind about having my baby there. The treatment from Dr. MARIA Fernanda Toro Wils was terrible. I would not recommend her or her staff in a million years.

They neither answer their phones nor respond to emails seeking an appointment! Terrible customer service. I communicated in Spanish as well so not a language issue.

Malpractice. My grandmother was left to die. After an isquémic stroke. Proper measures were not taken within first 6 hours. Instead of ICU, she was put in a regular room. Nurses shifts had no records of prior shifts. Avoid at all costs.

I was supposed to have surgery in this clinic on 10/17/22. I arrived around 10:30 at the O.R floor, 4th floor in the building, and no one was there. The reception desk was dark with zero employees. While I sat waiting for someone to show up I looked at my paperwork handed to me at check-in, when I realized they had me as a Colombian citizen born in Barranquilla. I'm a U.S citizen. The address, phone number, and emergency contact provided by me earlier had been overlooked and ignored. I went downstairs and corrected it. Finally, the nurse showed up; she was a nice lady. There isn't anything negative to say about her. Around 3:30 a nurse assistant brings a wheelchair and wheels me into the OR. My surgeon, Dr. Carlos Cala was running late, she said. The O.R had a two way-in, bidirectional, restaurant style, swing door with small windows. At his point I had not been sedated, medicated, nor given a relaxant to prepared me for the cultural shock I was about to experience. There was, right in the middle of the room, an overwhelming sight of a surgical bed dressed in brown sheets ready for a bloodbath; and a dented, shallow bucket, right at my feet. The pan was wide enough for my feet to fit in. The N.A explained to me that she was going to bathe me with antiseptics and soap before surgery. I followed her with my gaze, noticing a disturbing sight of two soiled, worn out, filthy, and grotty, styrofoam coolers. There they kept the antiseptic and soap warm that she was about to use on me. She asked me to stand in the pan facing the door and those swinging doors started to open and close while medical staff came in and out. I was naked and a swing away to be seen by everyone sitting at the desk just outside the OR (recovery area). Then, as I’m looking around in dismay, I spotted a recording video camera IN the OR. All the feelings of humiliation, indignity, disrespect, and violation of privacy took over me at this point. I complained about this to the NA and she called the floor manager. The manager explained to me that the video was for liability reasons and to cover their backs, privacy wasn't a concern to them and video recording was a common practice. I requested an appointment with the clinic’s director and It seemed as if I threw a stone in a hornets nest. The floor manager called the anesthesiologist, Dr. Bernal, and he asked me what was the problem. All of this time I was still naked. I tried to explain to him that I felt my privacy was not being respected as I had never gone through anything like I was experiencing at that moment before and his replied was: “you should go back to the United States and get surgery there.” I don’t know what was more upsetting; the fact that this doctor represented COLOMBIA so poorly, not aspiring to anything beyond mediocrity as a professional, stepping over his Hippocratic Oath, and having a condescending tone towards a CUSTOMER (I’m a paying client in a private clinic, I reminded him), or the fact that his lack of character, dignity, and vulgar behavior, were an irrevocable proof of his unprofessionalism. When did lack of HYGIENE and violation of privacy became a common practice in healthcare?! Both, Dr. Bernal and the floor manager, proceeded to tell me to calm down and that if I wasn’t ready for surgery I could reschedule. I kept saying that I still was interested in an appt with the clinic’s manager. The floor manager kept hinting that there was not going to be a surgery if I insisted to see the director because that meant I was upset, while Dr. Bernal kept using my request as leverage pertaining to the final success and outcome of the surgery. Again, all of this time I was naked. Because I didn’t shut up and submissively obeyed, the surgery was canceled and I was scorted out of the OR while the nurse assistant was making signs behind me at everyone we were passing by (medical staff, patients, and their families around) that I was crazy. I did speak to the director days later. Even though he was nice, I opted to have my surgery elsewhere. Avoid at all cost unless you're dying.

Good service but they would have bigger watings rooms...