I don’t know what happened to their Mercy values because they sure don’t have any in the ER. Never met so many individuals who hate their jobs as much as these people. I was sent by my pcp to the ER for a CT scan because the clinic does not have X-ray or CT capability. In triage the staff acted like they were annoyed to have to see me. I asked for a mask becuase the box was empty. Two patients were coughing and vomiting and she said I’ll get to it when I have time. Now mind you, I have not been to an ER in over ten years because I don’t waste that kind of time unless I’m forced to. I couldn’t walk without excruciating pain. I imagine it is a pinched nerve, but becuase I couldn’t give them an accident time they have now coded it as chronic. Chronic would mean I have had this problem ongoing. I clearly told them it started less than 24 hours prior. Next time I guess I need to lie and make up a story, becuase that might have changed the outcome. The man that took me to the room asked me to change in to a gown. I did, and was folding my clothes and putting my water bottle into my purse when he walked back in. He said what are you doing? Not exactly sure what he thought I was doing, but by his accusing tone I think he thought I was going through cabinets. I worked ina hospital you moron. If I was looking for drugs they wouldn’t be in the room. So now I’m beyond irritated at the stupidity of the people I’ve encountered thus far. (Now remember I went to the office where my PCP is first. I was sent to the ER. So now I’m mad at the APRN that was working at the clinic for sending me to this hell hole because she was uneducated and incapable of helping me, becuase she could have sent in the order for outpatient CT, but that would have required her to actually work.)
Now back to the MERCY values. A nurse cane in and she was sweet, polite, empathetic and could actually see the pain I was in. I spent about less than a minute with her. By now I have been in the ER for over two hours. The doctor finally comes in. He didn’t examine me. Simply asked a couple questions and said he would order the CT. CT staff were excellent. When they had me lay flat on the bed I was screaming in pain. They were very kind and considerate and helped me in every way they could. So now back to the room. Doctor finally comes back in and tells me I have degenerative disk disease, but I would need to see neuro and have an MRI. Okay! I have had a history of back surgery 15 years ago. I know I have degenerated disks, but that’s NOT WHY I AM HERE. I can barely walk without a screaming in pain. I explained that you could actually feel the spot on my back where whatever it was causing this pain was. He then tells me that I don’t need emergency surgery so I should get in to see neuro. Well I don’t know where you got your degree sir, but I could have told you all this. He then recommended a new PCP to me. Well I am sure my PCP appreciates that. To finish off his ignorance and lack of caring about the patient in front of him. He gave me a steroid pack. Well, I didn’t bother speaking to him at this point. He just gave a medication that 100% I can never ever have because of past surgery. Steroids will cause ulcers and put me back in the hospital. Thank you for having those Mercy values doctor. I see Mercy is still merciless. Next time, don’t look at the diagnosis you’ve came up with before coming in to the room, but actually take the time to examine and listen to the patient. After leaving the hospital I called my doctor and had him treat me by phone. All of the copays costed me $155.00 and they got to milk my insurance and never actually examine me. So now I wait until my doctor is back from vacation to actually get seen by someone who cares about the patient. I wasn’t sure before, but I am now. My family of 12 will be moving our business to Washington Regional Medical Center. A place that actually has mercy and care for their patients.
