Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in 3 Neurosurgery clinics in Philippines

My first visit to Manila Doctors Hospital was a positive experience, surpassing any hospitals I've encountered in Cavite. The facility even boasts its own food court, which aligns well with contemporary expectations and technology standards. However, in contrast to this modern amenity, the appearance and condition of the doctor's rooms left something to be desired. It felt as though they had been frozen in time, reminiscent of the 1990s. Small room, ventilated, yes, but crowded outside.

I don't know if all hospitals have become like this after covid, but at this hospital you will feel that everyone... from doctors, nurses down to their janitors have become unsympathetic towards patients and is only working for their own gain and the hospital is just making money. This hospital is not in the top 5 but it is still expensive. The price paid was not worth it, a life was lost and relatives had trouble from emergency room until claiming of the death certificate. Service wise, it was terrible. Emergency service where patient felt neglected. Companions also can't enter until 12 hours later you will know that patient couldn't breathe anymore (because patient practically had no immune system) and needed to enter the covid ward. Emergency nurses and doctors are digusted at the patient. A patient having more than 10 doctors and those are consultants. Diagnosis and Prognosis were unclear. Doctors who tend to pass the blame to the relatives ("Weren't you informed?"). Medical staff basically aren't pro-active and you have to ask every single thing. Interns who do not know how to talk to patient and relatives ( who would tell you to get the item needed and hang up on you) and are practically robots or who are doing things by the book. And then, you would just hear from other people, "Oh, we have that service." or " We have that item, we use it for..." but we never had these service. A patient who could still walk into the emergency room became bedridden and degraded into a vegetable in a month's span. Death certificate was problematic as the doctor didn't train the doctor in charge on what to do and numerous revisions done added insult to the grieving family. The medical abstract was a pain to obtain and didn't contain the detailed explaination as to what happened to the patient at the course of the confinement. Also, reading said document felt like it was written by a failing medical student. I personally do not recommend this hospital. Their on duty nurses ( probably the same as anywhere) are by orders and do not have compassion or sympathy for the patient. Their on duty residents are disappointing and felt if there is no physical problem seen then there is no problem... likewise executing traits of no sympathy to patients.

Giving 3 stars because we had a mix of good and bad experience at this hospital. This is our hospital of choice, atleast if you compare them with Chinese Gen or Manila Med, I can confidently say that they are better. Our outpatient experience here was very good. From HMO office, Lab, Nurses, Doctors and their secretaries, all gave us a pleasant and warm service. We always go back here for our outpatient medical needs. Their facilities is good and the vibe is almost similar to Medical City. It's a different story when my partner had to rush his mother to their emergency at the wee hours. Their staff posted outside the Emergency Room were bad discriminating profilers. They gave warm assistance when you look rich or arrived with a private car. But if you look poor, they will just stare at you. We arrived on their emergency room using a barangay ambulance. My partner is wearing his everyday home clothes, shirt with holes, shorts with holes. It is a an emergency so ofcourse we didn't have the time to dress up. When we arrived there, no one came near to us, to assist us to unload the patient. The guard just stayed at his pedestal, unbothered by the ambulance siren. I was the one who even grabbed a wheelchair from their door to the ambulance. Maybe they thought we are just a barangay health worker or "tambays" because of our clothes and it is okay. Until, I witnessed how they assisted someone who arrived on a Toyota Fortuner. All of the staff including the guard went to the Fortuner to assist that patient. The guard urgently grabbed a wheelchair and they are all energetic. Very different when we arrived on a barangay ambulance. Inside the ER, my partner told me that their behavior changed when they found out her mom (the patient) and him are platinum members. They were all of sudden fast, caring and attentive. They probably got surprised how a beggar looking guy with holes in his shorts is a platinum plus member. This will still be our hospital of choice despite that incident because of proximity. Although, I hope that they give the same treatment to anyone regardless if they look poor or rich.

The worst hospital ever. Staff is great but the organization is all about profit. We could’ve been discharged by 11AM. We followed up multiple times. We had to wait til 5PM for someone to show up and check on the patient. Billing said we had to wait til 7PM to pay so they can account for the “necessary” charges. They want to keep you here, I’m telling you. Obviously, the longer you stay, the more you need to pay.

Very good experience with AHMC. Doctors were great and knowledgeable. Nurses are approachable and patient. Their room rates are also worth it.

I had a positive experience at this hospital. The guards, nurses, and staff were all very accommodating, and I felt well taken care of. The ER Doctor was particularly impressive, as they took the time to explain everything in detail. However, there were some drawbacks. The ER bed areas were a bit small, with only one chair, no table, and limited space to walk around. This made the waiting area less comfortable than I would have liked. Nevertheless, it was still a good experience.

Why does a hospital labeled "World Class" provide an ultrasound schedule a month later? This issue isn't recent; they could have addressed it by adding more machines to handle the patient load. St. Luke's moved Maxicare to their HMO Concierge, despite the limited space in the small building. Only a few individuals can enter the office, leaving others waiting outside in the sweltering heat.

The service when checking in is quite nice and welcoming, unfortunately, for me it's downhill after that. Very very noisy nurses, it takes minimum of 10 minutes before a nurse comes to my room after pressing the red button because my dextrose kept beeping since it was almost empty. this happened several times. What if it was an emergency?!

I’d say majority of the staff are very well mannered and trained. Everytime I ask anyone that works there some information, they guided me immediately. I’d say the art building though is a bit old and dirty but the main building is pretty clean and sometimes confusing to navigate. Better to bring in cash or card because unfortunately their gcash doesn’t work. One of the downsides in some of the services here are usually packed with people so best to call in advance. I do love the service and the professionalism but this is definitely a very expensive hospital. Besides all this, there are food places inside where they serve really good food.

The hospital staff needs to improve their compassion and empathy towards patients and their families. The customer service and facilities are below par. A dignified and respectful treatment should be provided to every individual, regardless of their social status. The families of ICU patients should be given a proper place to rest while waiting for updates. The hospital should convert dead spaces into lounges or waiting areas for families. Despite the high fees, the services, facilities, and staff attitudes do not meet the expectations.

I had a terrible experience with the gay cashier and fat male bodyguard who were assigned at that time. The guard shouted at me because I asked him for the second time the cashier's office since his instruction at first was unclear. When I went upstairs, that gay cashier was soo rude! He got annoyed because I did not tell him right away that I would be using GLs. He insulted me by saying "Di lahat ng patients dito GL ang binabayad". I apologized patiently and told him that IT WAS MY FIRST TIME THERE. Yet, he was still frowning. HOW COME THIS HOSPITAL HIRED THOSE AGRESSIVE STAFF? I just controlled my anger and emotions since my father had to undergo a surgery at that time. I didn't want to stress him and my mother. On the other hand, the doctors were kind and approachable. I hope this concern will be raised, anyway.

Pretty much go there monthly to buy my maintenance medicines from their pharmacy. Waiting times can be long with their new July 2023 procedures where the 4th floor pharmacy only takes cash and card sales. The 1st floor only takes GL transaxtions and only entertains cash transactions at 4pm daily. Senior discounts are applied for 30day supplies only. 😑

AVOID THEIR ER. They will give you test and procedures that has nothing to do with what you came for. Pregnancy Test and CT Scan for cough and sore throat?! Come on! Stop scamming people! If you really must visit them, always ask and check first what they want to do. If it's irrelevant, just SAY NO! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

My relative was confined in this hospital for four days. In those four days, her doctor only visited her twice but charged us P8,000 as PF. Nurses only came in when called--via phone because the nurse call button was cut. We were monitoring our patient's fever ourselves. I've reviewed the bill and there were questionable charges as well like gloves, tape etc. It's not as if the nurses finished all of those supplies but we were charged for the whole amount nonetheless. This would have been okay if the excess supplies were given to the patient upon discharge. ER charges were unreasonable as well. There were only three patients when we came in yet the whole process of admitting the patient took 2 hours, meanwhile incurring more and more charges in the ER. But the worst part of the experience was requiring the patient to have a companion for the purpose of having someone actually take care of the patient. Doesn't that negate the purpose of going to the hospital? You go to a hospital to get medical treatment and care. But it seemed like we were only there for the convenience of having labs done and having IV fluids--which to be honest can be done at home--because the actual care of the patient came from the companion. In effect, companions need to miss work to take care of the patient. For as long as the patient is confined, they miss the opportunity to earn money--which they need in the first place to be able to pay for the high hospital bill. It's an oppressive system. This set-up would have been forgivable if companions had a comfortable bed if they are required to be with the patient 24/7. But no, they are only given a plastic chair. And even if we get the private room, a companion is still required. People go to private hospitals for better service, but it seems like the only difference between DLSMC and a public hospital is that this hospital has aircon. What a waste of hard-earned money.

Amazing and professional Doctors, Nurses, and Staff. They really value their patient's well-being. Kudos to everyone. Godbless you all! Special thanks to Dra. Mary Grace B. Rojas. Very compassionate and responsive to my queries.

Better triaging system in ER than other hospitals like Asian hospital. The staff in ER have truly taken care of us. The room (regular private) is also very clean and frequently being taken care of by the housekeeping. The doctors and nurses are also very accommodating and have truly taken care of us during our confinement. Please continue to be a patient centered facility.

Felt like we were in a Hotel than a Hospital because of how clean the building is and the staff were very courteous, friendly and accomodating. Even though we went there for a walk in accommodation, the service was fast. Parking was a bit confusing though, so glad there were signs in every corner that guided us to B4.

The hospital itself is organized and beautiful, the nurses and staff are nice and attentive to my inquiries. While waiting the hospital offers snacks and drinks like water, coffee, and some juices. Place is clean The toilets are clean everything is good. You can't say bad about St. Lukes of course except for the price LOL😅. St. Lukes no.1