Cleveland Clinic

[chewchabuckala]

Anyone ever been a patient themselves at the Cleveland Clinic?

I'm finding the whole process overwhelming.

In a summary: You get referred, pick up all your films, labs, etc., make a reservation for your own room, have your consultations with specialists, ????????? and get their names and numbers etc.,:uhoh21:

Like every other profession, you have a whole cast of characters.

I have spoken to some that are really educated about the process, I have spoken to some that act like it was bothersome to them

that I called.

I am always so amazed at how rude some people can be, and to me, I always felt that their was never any reason to be rude to a patient.

If you couldn't answer their questions, refer them to the proper person that could. And the sarcasim......I'm sick, so, I'm really more intollerant to the rudeness of others than I normally would be I guess.

Just would like to know if anyone on the boards who are nurses at the CC or as a nurse also became an out of state patient at CC might give me some stress relief!

I get the impression the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing....or vice-versa!

Bring all your records....bring only the past two years......bring only what pertains to your visit.......bring everything and let the MD's decide if something is pertainent. Once your consult is over....you go home.

Well, when your sick and it takes half a day to get their, and your not wealthy, I don't think you "go home", and "come back" if they decide you need further testing or treatment.:angryfire

Then a wonderfully nice and informed person told me to plan on a three day stay, just in case more tests needed to be done.

BINGO......that did make sense to this sick spirit and body of mine.

I can somehow repay the credit card company that has to finance all this for me........

I am glad the forum is hear for nurses (active, disabled, or retired) to get input from other professionals. I'm sick, tired, weary, upset, and I feel like nothing is in my control. I hope when this is all behind me, I will be able to share my experience, if need be, and hopefully it will be a good one.

Chewchie

[GeminiTwinRN, BSN]

yes, I have been a patient at both Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and also in Florida.

It can be an overwhelming experience, to say the least. I was fortunate in that I didn't encounter a single rude person during either of my stays (I was once an inpatient in CC-O for over 60 days in the mid-80's) whether in or outpatient. I was handled very professionally, and with much patience.

The advice you got to plan on a 3 day stay is sound. That way, if you do have further tests, appointments, etc., you are already there and have reservations for accomodations.

I had a similar experience at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, more recently.

I wish you luck! :)

[hospitalstaph]

I am familiar with their e-second opinion. Basically, you send all labs, slides, reports, etc them and they review the information. Based on what you send them, the may recommend further testing, etc.

We loved this option. There was no traveling and we had a nurse assigned to us that we could call with any questions that we had.

I am so sorry that your experience has been so bad:(

[Jolie, BSN]

I'm so sorry for your experience. It is overwhelming to be in need of healthcare for serious issues and have to deal with the attitudes of the "annointed" employees of a "highly regarded healthcare mecca". I had a similarly unstatisfactory experience with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

My local doc was so certain that I needed to be seen at Penn that he refused to continue treating me unless I went there for a consult. Nothing like being pregnant, on bedrest for preterm labor, being treated for another serious health issue, and being told by the Penn staff that I would have to WALK over 1/4 mile from the parking facility to the office because there were no wheelchairs available. WHAT??? This is a hospital, for crying out loud!

BTW, the care there was lousy! I was far better off with my local physician.

[bigsyis]

I hope they find out what is making you feel bad, and that they get you back in top form quickly. May God bless!

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

I've heard and read such great things about the CC. But like another poster, I had a Rochester, Mayo visit. I was there a total of 6 weeks. If I had the time I would certainly go to Mayo for my RN. I saw nothing but respect and great professionalism. Sorry to hear about your run a round with CC. They should ha:balloons::balloons:ve a customer/client/patient advocate that could help put things in perspective for you. I wish you well and a blesed recovery.