Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment in 2 Neurosurgery clinics in New York City

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.

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!

Couldn't visit my grandpa in the emergency room. I drove an hour to get here and then they tell me there is a 2 visitor limit. There is little to no reception in the building so I couldn't even get in contact with who was in there. I called into the room and when I asked about someone leaving she pretended I didn't even talk to her and went mhm mhm and hung up. I love hospitals that won't let a grandson see his grandfather in the ER

I am deeply thankful for the exceptional care and attention I received during my recent visit to the emergency department at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The doctors and nurses demonstrated genuine concern and provided excellent care for my difficulty swallowing, gastric issues, and rapid weight loss. Their professionalism and compassion made a significant difference during a challenging time. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire medical team for their dedication and outstanding support. Thank you for helping me through this health concern with such skill and kindness.

During my dad's ICU stay at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the nurses provided outstanding care. They kept us informed and made us feel safe throughout a traumatic time for our family. The level of expertise, compassion, and seamless coordination between day and night shifts was remarkable. My family and I will be forever grateful for Nurse Bryan, Katie, Kayla, and Lauren from Unit 3B.

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. 😊

You will roll the dice with anesthesiologists at this facility. I was "assigned" Dr. Traylor. A freakishly large, imposing and intimidating man with zero resemblance of care or compassion. I'm sure he chose this field because no one would EVER seek his services. His patients haven't a choice. He suggested a female doctor. Best suggestion he's ever made. In walks Dr. Sarah Cocoma complete with a raging eye infection. This woman SNUCK behind my bed, DISTRACTED me and FORCEFULLY shot VERSED in my IV. It burns given gently. To render me unconscious, without asking, warning or care. Filthy conditions in every area including the elevators. Stay away from the trauma this place leaves behind. You've been dutifully warned.

The worst communication. Terrible gaslighting. The INEXCUSABLE FILTH in this facility. It was everywhere. The waiting room, the bathrooms, the hall was littered with garbage type red biohazard bags. Even INSIDE my Operating Room...garbage on the floor. When I objected to what I was seeing, they promptly canceled my surgery. I couldn't get out of that place fast enough...but not before one last gross show of filth, the floor of the elevator was littered with 2x2 gauze pads...soaked in something orange. I quickly pointed it out to my husband so he can see for himself what I was trying to describe. He quickly understood as an employee's foot was standing over some ofthem. My biggest fears were handled BEAUTIFULLY by this pre-surg staff, they are willing, if able, to accommodate women patients with women doctors/ residents...they allow small gestures of modesty and that is commendable. And just so you know...all those personal questions they ask you? And all the personal questions you ask them? EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU...as there only curtains for privacy. HIPAA laws must be out back on a smoke break with the 3 janitors this place employs. 2 thumbs down and shame on you.

Had a good experience. Brought my father in law into Rush to be evaluated from stroke he had 3 weeks ago. They had him in a bed in less than 30 min. He was admitted and put into their stroke rehab program in less than a week.

Last summer I ended up in the ICU for 6 days with a pulmonary embolism. All the staff were wonderful, especially the nurses who changed my chux pads. Multiple doctors came to talk to me about my options, and I felt reassured that I was in good hands. I was put in a catheter-directed thrombolysis study. My medical team explained the procedure in ways that my oxygen-deprived lungs could understand, and before I knew it I was rushed to the OR. My follow-up care at MGH has been exceptional. I see a cardiologist and hematologist regularly now, but I am grateful to be alive thanks to the wonderful staff at MGH. You all rock!

My wife was operated on 10/19. Our stay from then on and through the weekend was the best hospital experience to date. We especially want to comend the staff. Our nurse Lauren Schmidt was the happiest and most cheerful which flowes right to the patients making us feel great. All the staff was great.

Boston was going to be just a port of call on our cruise, but we had a medical emergency while we were here. We spent some time in a very busy emergency room, but they got us in for surgery within 24 hours. All the medical professionals who helped us were kind and very informative and caring.