It has been a few years since I first reviewed the Methodist Wound Clinic. While I'd largely…read moredismissed the idea of ever returning, recent events created the need for wound care and since I already was attending another clinic in this location I opted to return.
This clinic is part of IU Health. It's located on the ground level and is easily accessed by Main Street elevators. The clinic is one of the few that will validate parking here (up to $5). There are two parking garages - I typically use Parking Garage 1. Parking is ADA compliant, though the hospital and garages are all older and definitely on the low end of ADA. I have noticed that the clinic will meet patients in the hospital lobby and provide a transporter to assist getting to the clinic for those with mobility needs.
While I went to one clinic where a physician did all the major care (which meant a procedure like debridement would be billed as surgery), here you mostly get doctorate level physical therapists - most of whom are certified in wound care. The clinic also shares space with ostomy care (which I also attend).
I was referred for care following an injury obtained while inpatient. Obviously, this is frustrating. I did have one existing small wound, though I would not have sought care for it. As I received my initial evaluation while inpatient, I did not go through a traditional intake.
As is typically the case, I have a primary therapist. Unlike my first time around with this clinic, I do not always see her. The first time I came here, after my initial intake period (2-3 appointments), I was assigned a primary therapist and worked with her every visit. This time, I've worked with several different people (which I'm not as fond of), though they remain very good about assigning me to female therapists due to my trauma background.
They continue to offer appointments from about 7am-4ish. I have had one appointment that went until about 4:30pm. They are here Monday-Friday and seem to be off most holidays.
I'm fond of my primary therapist. She's kind, knowledgeable, and yet also no nonsense. I can be a bit difficult to work with, however, she doesn't flinch. For the most part, I've liked the other therapists I work with - however, I do notice some inconsistencies and definitely wish I were working with only one person. From what I understand, they've simply gotten so busy that sometimes it's harder to get scheduled with one person.
Some of the administrative issues I had concerns about last time do continue, though some are better. I do still think there's a lot of ableism in this system and that's frustrating. From schedule limitations (harder for someone who works - it seems like a lot of their clients are either retired or on disability) to ordering specialty tests that my commercial insurance won't always cover it seems like I have to really be careful.
I started off my care weekly, however, my primary therapist recommended twice weekly and switched to that schedule. They try to schedule to minimize work impact as possible. I'd just lost my primary care physician when this injury occurred - I've had to sign up with a new one as they require someone to sign the plan every 3 months (hoping I won't be here another 3 months).
Initially, I had a lot of challenges getting answers about billing. However, I've since learned basics - they bill monthly. So, getting a monthly bill can look huge - however, that's actually all the appointments for the month.
I continue to be more impressed with the clinical team than the administrative processes. I tend to think that healthcare should be about patient first - often it feels like the organization comes first here. However, the care has been solid and I remain truly impressed that every clinician is aware of my trauma background and sensitive to it. While I would prefer greater consistency with who provides my care (ie, seeing the same person most of the time at least), overall the quality remains solid from person-to-person. I'm less adamant that I wouldn't return here as I've since gone to Franciscan and the difference in quality is obvious - IU is vastly superior in every way.
If I could, I'd bump this up to a 3.5, however, 4 still feels too high. So, I'm keeping it at a 3-star for now with the recognition that the clinicians are genuinely higher and the variety of care options here makes this a good choice for wound care. If some administrative issues would be addressed, this could easily be a 4-star or even 5-star experience.
