Yelp has asked me a number of times to review Briarcliffe. I would like to clarify that I am speaking as a healthcare professional who has worked at various facilities in RI & MA, and NOT on behalf of Briarcliffe. I also noticed a lot of the people posting have multiple negative reviews, which I believe is very telling.
While I understand that emotions can run high when a loved one is in a facility after an illness/injury, it is important to approach reviews from an educated perspective. Unfortunately, healthcare entities like Briarcliffe cannot defend themselves by posting medical documentation or background due to HIPAA regulations, it is essential to understand that healthcare entities are not permitted to discuss personal information, which is a Federal Law and not a rule established by Briarcliffe or other entities. If you have any questions regarding this law, I encourage you to refer to the following link: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/family-members-friends/index.html
-Regarding claims of the facility being dirty, while I acknowledge that there may be areas in need of paint or updating, I do not believe that faded paint or a crack in the wall from a wheelchair should be deemed as indicators of poor cleanliness or quality of care for any facility.
- The accusation that staff passed Covid-19 to a patient is disheartening and potentially libelous, especially considering the multiple accusations about other facilities by the same poster. Please note that employees at Briarcliffe are fully vaccinated, adhere to mask-wearing, a health questionnaire, and temperature check is performed for all staff every shift, as an extra precaution for patient safety. This is not mandated by the state. Unfortunately, while visitors are encouraged to wear masks, it is not required, and they can potentially introduce germs to the facility.
- Patients are not pushed out. Length of stay is determined solely by the patient's insurance coverage. When insurance sets a discharge date, patients are given the option to appeal or pay privately for continued care. As someone who worked in appeals and grievances within the insurance industry for almost 17 years, I know how difficult it can be to win an appeal.
- It is important to note that Briarcliffe is not a hospital and does not have an on-site laboratory or imaging center. As is the case in most skilled nursing facilities, medical providers outside SNF's may require additional time to schedule appointments and obtain test results, similar to the process for patients receiving care at home.
- I would like to include that state survey agencies conduct annual health inspections at nursing homes, including Briarcliffe. Additionally, they investigate valid and concerning complaints. These inspection reports are available to the public, and I encourage anyone facing admission to a skilled nursing facility to review them for a more informed decision-making process. https://projects.propublica.org/nursing-homes/state/RI.
I hope this information gives you a better understanding of the importance of conducting your own research by reading reviews on multiple platforms and encourages informed decisions when it comes to reviews for health care entities" read more