I went to Mad River's birth center to deliver my first baby. I was pleased with the information they provided prior to the delivery, such as the tour of the birth center and pregnancy classes offered. When it came time to deliver the nursing staff was very helpful and supportive. The birth was a bit problematic and some procedures were necessary for our newborn immediately after delivery. All of these were done efficiently and professionally. They kept us informed of all they were doing and why. Due to the birth center being VERY packed with deliveries, some of the services on the following days took a bit longer than expected, but we still received excellent support from the nursing staff. The atmosphere is definitely relaxed and procedures lacked some of the safeguard steps, which is much different from other hospital facilities I am familiar with in more metropolitan areas. However, I felt confident in their ability to care for me and my newborn. I would definitely recommend the Mad River birth center. read more

They dont even deserve 1 star but have to mark that. I have never been treated kindly at this hospital. I have so many expierences over a large span of time. No, not EVERYONE there is bad, there are a few nurses here and there but they usually dont stay long. I have kept quiet about every single horrible expierence but not anymore. My mother in law was seen here Christmas morning, very sick, not the first time she went to try and get help since she was sick for months. The ER told her to just go home and gave her an antibiotic and told her she now had Diabetes. That was it, no papers or instructions for next steps being a new diabetic. Three days later she was dead. Autopsy said she died from a blood clot to the heart and a gallbladder that was FULL of stones. She was 64 yrs old and should have been admited for tests..tests that would have caught both things. but no, the dr always called her a homeless druggie. Yes her lifestyle was not the best, but she deserved to be treated with compassion, and listened to. She had so many people on her emergency contact list including my daughter that is a NA who lived just a couple mins down the road. No they searched and found her twin sister who lived out of town and said she died and hung up...our Aunt said they were so cold on the phone. When my husband, her oldest, got the call from out niece who was the first one to see her dead and we dropped everything and drove there quickly from a few miles away to see mom. We got there and asked to view her. When they took us in and walked away my husband rushed over to take the blanket off his moms face, he was devestated because they had left the tube in her throat and her eyes were still open. My daughter stopped the rest of us from seeing her face until she herself closed moms eyes. My daughter looked over her body and said that they didnt treat her body with dignity like she was trained in this county to do. When asked them to please remove the tube they said they couldn't, only the coroner could. When coroner showed up it was actually someone we know from one of our church wards. He said that was wrong, all they needed to do was call him and ask to remove before presenting to family. He sent us outside for a few mins and then called us back in and said "this is how she should have been presented to you". Our family considers her death as part their fault. We will now fight for her. read more

The ER dept is run by a gentleman named Jordan and I will save his last name. I'm a business owner and brought one of my Gentleman in that got hurt on the job with severe dog bites bleeding so badly I had to use my shirt as a tourniquet. They treated him stitched up his arm and then tried to kick him out of the emergency room in his underwear and down while I was in the waiting room with his clothes that had to be brought to him cuz they had to cut off his other clothes. When I expressed my concern with them trying to release him in his underwear he got very upset with me. He ended up kicking us both out of the emergency room because I told him I needed his name so I can make a complaint. This guy actually followed me out into the parking lot while we were leaving and I was helping my employee to the car. This was a workman's comp claim with an employee and they treated him probably as they treat everybody else like a homeless person. He even commented well at least I stitched you up which is what his job is. I'm sure the rest of the hospital has to be a lot better than this read more

This place is a joke. DO NOT GO. Their ER doctor Tuan A. Luu seems like they probably found him on Craigslist because he does not know what the heck is doing imho not to mention he is a rude , unprofessional and an amateur read more

Came into the ER around midnight for a fast spreading infection on my leg. Triage nurse was able to see me immediately. Quick and to the point. Blood work started. Doctor and nurse quickly started me on antibiotics. Teamwork was great. Communications was great. Super happy to have this kind of service in Arcata. read more

Horrible service!!!! Just had knee surgery. And just got released. I will NEVER go back or send anyone that I care about or love to this hospital. Post operation was filthy and the nursing staff has no idea what they're doing at all. Total incompetence!!! Worst hospital and recovery i have ever seen or experienced. If you have the option to go somewhere else, do it!!!!! read more

Absolutely worst hospital I have ever been to. Do NOT go here. They think everyone's a drug addict, and they make sure you know it. Do not listen to you for shit. They don't care about their patients. My husband had a mental episode some kind of psychosis, and we heard them laughing at him because you could see the top part of his but Crack. And then while he's out of his mind and needed to be watched over night. THEY TRESPASSED HIM FOR BEING CONFUSED AND WALKING AROUND. He couldn't remember who he was. Who i was, who our kids were, let alone where he lives. They tresspassed him and told him to walk home. Thank god i found him walking around with no shoes, it pouring down raining, no sweater, completely lost. When they should have had him admitted or called semper virens or something. They kept trying to tell me hes on drugs and ehen drug tested came back negative and they hit me with the "well sometimes theres false negatives". Not inly that but my son was with me and literally every single move he made, he was screamed at by a technician, while hes watchi g his dad go crazy not knowing whats happenjng, the nurses and tech people are sitting there screaming at him. A ten year old. Ive also been there many other times for myself or my kids, and every single time, they are soo rude. They blantantly let yoy know that youre a liar and they dknt believe you and when my daughter had a 106 fever i was told that i was over reacting and not to bring her in until it reaches 108. I also had my daughter her. And they made what was supposed to be the best day of my life one of the worst two weeks of my life. They wohldnt let me or my husband go out to the care and get the diaper bag that had all her little clothes in it, we were told tbat if we do that we wont be allowed back in and they will hand my daughter to cws. I was allowed to shower once for tbe next two weeks after givi g birth because they put me in a room with no shower. My husband wasnt allowed to leave either and he wasnt allowed to shower AT ALL for the next two weeks. I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. DO. NOT. GO. HERE. ​​ read more

Dr. Abassi for pain management is a really quality physician and helped my back a lot and did the injections easily and painlessly, but i asked everyone there why mad river hospital itself consists of all these weird outbuildings and trailers no connected and no one had an answer? read more

I went to the ER with very obvious and severe symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I am 1 year postpartum and it can be very common. My heart was beating out of my chest (145bpm barely walking) along with other symptoms so I went in. No wait at all and was taken right back into triage. Jordan was the first one to help and was dismissive right off the bat and said "it seems like anxiety to me" and I told him it wasn't but of course since I've had a history of anxiety I am automatically put into a box. They took me back to do an EKG which showed it was fast but no irregular rhythm. Dr. Yost spoke with me and had me repeat my symptoms and I kid you not he was rolling his eyes. He said we could do bloodwork for thyroid but that I'd have to sit for 4 to 5 hours to wait for the results and he really didn't think anything would show on it. He kept only speaking about my heart and I asked why he wasn't taking all my symptoms into consideration and he said well all of those could be from anxiety. Textbook symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I stopped him right there and said I was leaving and wasn't going sit here and be completely dismissed. I'm sure they deal with patients who only have anxiety all the time but it is their literal JOB to ensure all patients are treated the same and taken care of. Our healthcare here is already so limited then we get people like this who hate their job and patients. No one is forcing you to get this job! It is your choice and you choose to dismiss the people you are supposed to protect and care for. I got bloodwork done the following morning at my PCP which confirmed I did in fact have severe hyperthyroidism! I was started on heart medication and am on my way to stay treatment. If only they took me seriously, I could have been on my way to getting treatment that night. Instead it's been 5+ trips to the doctor for different bloodwork and appts with so many more to go. read more

I got billed for an ambulance I didn't call and didn't use. I was at the emergency room the day before. The next day a sheriff was at my home. I let him know I was taken care. Now get billed by the hospital. read more

I went to Mad River's ER for a fall I had. I have never been treated with more kindness and care. The nurse was amazing and held my hand through the stitches. The Dr.PENMAN PERI L was professional, reassuring and had the kindest bedside manner ever. The team Nurse Vanessa and Dr. Penman Peri L was impeccable and I give them 15 stars. I'm a nervous patient and they brought me to tears of gratitude. Thank you ER at Mad River~ read more

Never go to their ER!!!!! After X-rays showed broken ribs Dr never came back!! Released with no paperwork, no pain meds!! What the hell???? Had to contact our Dr to get anything!!! NEVER AGAIN!!!! read more

I checked into Emergency room Christmas Eve and the admitting nurse was very nasty to me older lady we are her hair up. she couldn't understand why I left a large hospital in Sacramento to come home. every time I saw her she would give me a dirty look, and she very nasty to my wife. she made this a terrible experience. read more

I was brought in for an overdose and they were very dismissive of my request to have my close friend in the room and sent my visitors home and refused to let them come back. Furthermore, when my guardian was attempting to contact the hospital and the nurse was very disrespectful and repeatedly hung up on her. If I could give this hospital negative reviews. read more

I really wish I could rate this hospital higher as I used to work on the floor as a RN for nearly two years, quite some time ago. More recently, my very sick child needed blood transfusions and a stat blood draw was ordered. We arrived at the lab at 4:30 pm but their lab was closed due to staffing. Logically, we headed to ER but this vile blond woman with her nasty attitude hands on hips (I'm guessing she was a RN) turned us away saying, "you can't just walk into ER for a blood draw" and "it's not that easy". Apparently this person (I question her title and level of education) does not comprehend what STAT means, apparently she didn't want it to be easy to get my daughter better, wanted to make it difficult? Stat was literally written on the requisition form. This took place on Friday evening at about 4:30 on February 25th. Following this event, I made a call to HR and somehow got transferred to Carole (who by chance is a former colleague- she also used to work on the floor right alongside me and I remember her glasses always looked greasy and smudged and it was curious that it didn't bother her or hinder her sight) and interestingly enough she has ignored my messages. I'm not too surprised though, because two years ago I took my friend Jill and her daughter to ER and while waiting purchased a pasta salad from the cafeteria but forgot a fork so I asked the admissions woman (I didn't know her job title) if they had a fork and haha no lie she reported to the ER nurses that I threatened to "stab her with a fork" and they made me wait outside. Following this incident I subsequently met with Carole to discuss, recalling being surprised she still worked there. I am looking to file a grievance but so far have not been replied to. So, here we are... thanks yelp. I'm so grateful I'm not currently working and serving the public, I wouldn't be able to tolerate my colleagues neglecting patients, had I been assigned to work with the type of person I encountered. Humanity is doomed when we reject a sick child in need and that is your entire job description and how you make a living. The pandemic has certainly soured the average providers into even more threatening, power tripping, automatically defensive and intimidating health "care" teams and that's what you get when you look for help when sick and or dying. Let me tell you about St. Joe's, one time my son was very ill and the attending ER physician mused he had Hodgkin's (thank god he didn't). He has autism and despite my explanation the nurse holly miller (I went to Zane JHS and CR nursing school with lol, always been very stuck up never even acknowledged me although we spent 2 years together) sent security to intimidate me after getting in my face; these men stood over me menacing saying I wasn't able to control my child. Afraid and humiliated, I took my son immediately to mad River. St. Joe's sent cps to my house the next day claiming I was preventing my child from accessing medical care, thanks holly- what do you have against me? We stopped going there due to the threat to disrupt and unravel my family from hospital staff, obviously and let me just say that was not an isolated incident. Unfortunately, here in Humboldt, if you look a certain way, you get abuse and neglect everywhere you turn. It sorta kills your hope for humanity. My only advice is this: DO NOT GET SICK IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY. If they don't leave you to die, they will either kill you with a misdiagnosis or try to involve authorities into your life to break up your family. I have many stories over the years about our community hospitals and local clinics, due to personally having a career in the healthcare field starting over 25 years ago and working in many capacities all over Humboldt. Anyone need facts and details, I'd be happy to share my experiences with health "care" here in Humboldt, I was born here and I am indigenous without a roll number which is even worse for being subjected to silent racism and discriminatory practices when you have the look of being indigenous. It doesn't even matter if you are a healthcare provider yourself with an active license. Pic taken day of transfusions, stat draw was from a follow up appointment the next day. Edit: I'm proud of my unblemished record as a professional. Honestly, the way I have been treated by my own colleagues is unbelievable, as a patient or patient's guardian, hell even just as a friend that transported a patient. read more

Mad River Community Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Arcata, California

This hospital is a disgrace. Unsanitary. Rude. Long wait, Even for someone to give you the time a day. You have to wait outside Press a button to get in and before they even know the severity of what's going on you could be waiting outside for 10 to 15+ minutes I'm just happy I wasn't dying when I got there. I would literally go anywhere else in this world I've had better healthcare service in Third World countries. If this is for you or anyone that you care about do not go here. read more

If you come to this hospital, expect to be dismissed and treated like a test subject, not a person. I came to the ER at 3am for a pain in my stomach that had been happening for 3+ weeks and had escalated to a dull pain in my leg. The doctor working that night was extremely dismissive and unprofessional. When I mentioned that my pain had persisted for 3+ weeks, was normally at a 5 but had escalated to a 10, and it hurt when I laid down he tried to downplay my pain as constipation. When I expressed that I'd never felt constipation pain like this before he got extremely defensive and even tried to pressure me out of getting a CT scan by telling me it would give me cancer. When I asked the attending nurse if he had heard of constipation pains that persisted for 3+ weeks and resulted in a dull pain in the inner leg he said "I just follow what the doctor says" and rushed off. The only staff members that actually made me feel seen and like a person were the two female staff members; one who was helping me fill out insurance paperwork and the other who took my blood for labs. read more

Where do I even start? Let's start with John Anderson a marriage counselor who does psych evaluations, now that's a good one! Anyway, this man is absolutely ridiculous, clueless, and totally out of touch. He is obviously burnt out and prejudice against anyone who has issues with addiction. He's been around way too long and needs to retire. He's like a film noir character, hard boiled seen it all type of guy who refers to his patients as "those people". His disregard for patient confidentiality is concerning and careless. He speaks with disgust when discussing his patients and their family. He fumbles about like a doddering old man. Absolutely should not be working with people in crisis. read more

Very well run love the pain management division best best best Physical Therapist are also very good read more

Was in excruciating dental pain the other night, and had to visit the ER at 3 a.m. Staff did nothing to address my concerns. Handed me a tube of Orajel and sent me on my way. Awful. As much as I love Humboldt, the healthcare here is abysmal. Such a shame. read more

Wish I could give a 0 star review. I came in with serious stomach issues to the point that it hurt to breathe. They asked me if I was having a heart attack, to which I replied "Idk that's why I'm here". Once they established I wasn't having a heart attack, they tried to gaslight me into thinking I was having heartburn. Finally, they figured out I was having a pretty severe case of gastritis, they gave me a shot of some weird liquid and basically told me to get out and that they couldn't do anything else for me. I was still in severe pain at this point. Flash forward a month later, and I get a bill for $3700. I was literally there for an hour and a half. Bottom line is, do not go here unless you have absolutely no other option. read more

The ER staff are incredibly rude. Went there the other day for my boyfriend coughing up blood and the man in front of us was having really bad chest pain, the girlfriend and mom of him was getting very upset and was ringing the bell for assistance, at this point they have been there for an hour and haven't been acknowledged once. They did not triage him or anything, then when the girlfriend finally lost her shit she keep ringing the bell and the man came out and looked at her and said "that is not necessary." Then shuts the door, at this point I'm pissed. Not to mention there's a lady about 80 years old standing there getting dizzy trying to ring the bell. That's what really got me furious. Finally the man comes out and asks who's next, the man with chest pain stands up and is about to go in and the man asks who's after him, my boyfriend puts his hand up and the man looks at him and goes "oh you look fine." Then proceeds to shut the door. So we ended up taking him to urgent care by st.joes and they treated us amazing. It was one hell of a day but I'm never going back there. read more

Be very, very wary here! My friend went to the ER in acute medical distress, which they never treated or diagnosed. Later at St. Joe's in Eureka, she was diagnosed has having a stroke and was immediately admitted and treated. But it turned out before being discharged from Mad River, her purse was confiscated from her and given to the police! Her phone, all her money and her insurance cards were just gone! read more

I don't know about the medical staff, but whomever makes policy...They have no compassion. My brother will die alone because of their visiting policy and no exception visiting hours. He has a few days to live, was changed to comfort measures today, but they still wont allow his siblings to see him. I am heart sick and appalled at their lack of compassion. I was told, they may eventually allow us to see him his last few hours when he is "actively dying"(I live about a 2 hour drive away) but if it is after 6pm, then I am told there are no exceptions. So I specifically asked them, if he dies between 6pm-9am or 330pm-9am weekends, then he will DIE ALONE!!!!!!!!!...and I was told yes. The pandemic has been endemic for several months so I don't understand unless they have some sick sense of power to cause pain and hurt from keeping such tight restrictions read more

Incredibly disappointing experience here. Came to the ER due to extreme body aches and joint pain to the point where I'm barely able to walk. Already went to urgent care the day prior and had negative covid & flu tests. Clearly, something is wrong, but urgent care said that they couldn't figure it out so it was best to go to the ER to get bloodwork. Bad suggestion because 1) the doctor who looked at me LAUGHED at me for asking to get blood work done 2) told me I shouldn't have come to the ER, I should have gone to the campus doctor as I am a student 3) basically said I have a viral infection that can last a few days to weeks and to take Tylenol. Doctor was not helpful at all, made me extremely uncomfortable the entire time I was there (had me sit outside the ENTIRE time I was at the hospital even though I was in pain and had already tested negative for covid), and overall has made me never want to come to this hospital again. I was crying while filling out my paperwork and talking to nurses because nobody was acknowledging the pain I was describing and experiencing during my entire visit, to be laughed at by a doctor is not why I came to the ER. 1 star because the RN tried to make me laugh and was in good spirits. Thanks. read more

We had the most amazing experience with a hospital that we ever had, my husband went into the ER a week ago, Dr. Penne was fantastic along with each professional we encountered. Chanti his nurse was delightful and Dr. Tong was very helpful, Thomas the Exray tech was great as well!!! Thank you Mad River Hospital for a positive experience! read more

This hospital is very personal, they actually care about what you want in your treatment. Plus, if youhavee to stay overnight, it's the only local hospital where you have a chance at getting your own room. Really great doctors and nurses. And an OB department that respects & cares about your birth plan. read more

Mad River Community Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Arcata, California

Wants to bill 21,000 dollars to do a hernia repair. Same procedure in Roseville is literally half cost. Hospital is just out for money. It will cost you less in gas to drive to and from Roseville to get probably any procedure done. I'd rather die while being driven elsewhere, instead of going into twice the amount of necessary debt at Mad River. read more

Sat in my car for over 2 hours while my girlfriend was in major pain due to unknown reasons. Pain thag she said she'd rather be dead than experience it. All they did was check her vitals, make her give a urine sample when she said she had to use the bathroom, and gave us a pager. People was being released, yet we weren't paged. Eventually, she recovered enough while waiting to just want to go to sleep. I returned the pager, which they quickly responded to taking(shocker, not really). PS. For those concerned, she will be okay. Just needs time. read more

I waited 6+ hours in an empty/almost completely empty ER before getting in. After the person I was with actually got a bed, it was an additional 2+ hours of them sitting and waiting for an actual doctor to see them. The nurse who took their information made them take tests they didn't need. Humboldts heath system is a joke and this place definitely adds to that idea. read more

*WISH WE COULD DO NEGATIVE STARS* Never have liked this hospital from past care from a surgeon botching my hernia repair to basic urgent care needs. But this time was unbelievable..never have I ever been treated so bad in my life. I was sick in bed for 2 wks trying to deal with what I felt was pneumonia myself when I finally had to give in and go by ambulance sat 12/14/19. I normally would have ambulance take me to St. Joes but feared this time I wouldnt have a way home after so decided to just go to Mad River. The doctor was very nice but he was only doc on shift and all but 1 nurse was sitting around laughing at the doctor having to get own items for patients care and they were talking bad about people and each other right in front of myself and another patient because their station was right in front if our beds...when someone asked for updates or what not they were plain rude saying the doc will tell us when he is ready. I finally was admitted for very very bad case of pneumonia and it started out pretty decent on med surg floor..there were only a few of us patients on floor at the time and they kept us all next door to each other which each was a private room which was nice..but the nurses stood in hall right in front if our rooms laughing and being loud at all times..one time talking about a med was gonna kill people and laughing about It. Which at that exact moment I was being given said med. I had to have several blood draws in a timely manor..and they did each draw out of same arm same veign..I asked if they would please alternate arms because im a hard stick and just cant handle repeat poking in same spot which I was told no that they would do the veign they wanted. Ok so then I was put on insulin..all injections same arm same spot 3x a day..no alternating..alSo was put on lovanox injections for blood clots..had them before..supposed to alternate sides. Nope all same spot. Once I started questioning their practices they got more rude each min...I am on pain meds at home for several issues and they refused to give me but 1 pain pill a day so I was starting to get slight withdrawls from not having my normal scripts..at one point I had an accident due to my bladder issues and had asked if I can bathe somehow before being released and they said it was not permitted for me to shower..this went on for 3 days to the point I just kept my mouth shut..I had major chest pain over and over and I explained my horrible anxiety and they just said deal with it that I was fine..at discharge they said I am now to take nitro but recommended I not take it cause would probably kill me..at discharge the nurse came in and pulled out my IV..told me to take my own tele heart monitor off myself..leads and a stickies she then handed me a packet and said..you are an alcoholic and need to quit..I said wth I dont drink..she said well thats not what your chart says..I havent had a sip in almost 3 yrs and was only wine coolers..either way no excuse to talk to me that way..they had my blood several times a day from er to discharge and I know they tested for drugs and alchohol which I know nothing was found..they did ct, ekg, echo and blood tests and refused to give me results even with asking everyday..first I was told if anything was wrong they would have charged my room then said oh they dont have the results..I STILL dont have any test results..my doc didnt see them on file today at my check up..she told me that once I am past this bad pneumonia..which she said that im still very very ill..she wants me to file a complaint and told me to never go there again..I just want people to know this is a horrible place..they stopped caring and lost bedside manners..I know several that have had horrible care.and this wasnt my first bad experience but to this date is my worst Soon as I got home husband took pics of all my injection sites and we do everyday to watch them and have on file. read more

Dr. Tong and Lisa Crouse were part of my son's care team while he was recently hospitalized, and it was very comforting during a very stressful time, to know they were kind to him. Due to COVID-19, I was not allowed to visit my son, so it helped me a lot to be in communication with the capable and caring medical staff at Mad River Community Hospital. I was very impressed with their overall quality. Thank you! read more

My physician gave me a referral for a shoulder X-ray, and I requested that my paperwork be sent to Mad River, because I've been told by other patients that their prices are better than other hospitals in the area. I called the radiology department and was surprised to learn that appointments were walk in. I was a little bit lost and unsure where to go once I first got to the campus, but an employee greeted me at the door and asked if she could help me with anything. She directed me to registration and admittance. I was a bit confused by the layout because there was no "line" to stand in per se, just a narrow waiting room lined with chairs on both sides. I spoke to others in the waiting room to determine who I was "behind" in line. A very kind young gentleman named Caz came out to help me, and brought me back to his desk at intake. He had a sweet demeanor and was so personable that he truly made the mundane task of registering a pleasant experience for me. Once I was in the computer system, he walked me down the hall to show me where radiology was. The staff who checked me in to the department were kind and helpful as well. As I sat in a chair in the hallway, many staff walked in and out, and almost all either smiled at me, greeted me, or asked how I was doing. After a while, a woman named Susan introduced herself to me and told me she would be taking my X-ray. She was very clear in her explanation of how it would go, and gave clear direction to me during the X-ray itself. She was incredibly professional and efficient. Never having been at this hospital before, I was able to walk in, register, and have my X-ray done in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There was definitely a culture of caring in the interactions I had with staff, and I had a fantastic experience at this hospital. read more

My experience with Mad River Hospital has been nothing but wonderful. I had a same day surgery yesterday, and the staff were the most kind, compassionate, and professional people I've ever experienced in the medical field. Dr. Hackett was wonderful, thorough, professional, and extremely nice. My nurse, Tina from same day surgery, was especially fantastic. She was so thorough, patient, kind, and funny. She really made everything a more calm experience for me. She was also great at placing my IV catheter, despite my difficult veins. Overall, I am delighted at the experience I've had with Mad River Hospital and their excellent medical care and service. I will definitely be using them for all my medical needs. read more

This review is for Radiology, I haven't been to this hospital many times but this morning I had an ultrasound with Thomas and it was such an amazing experience! He's a great technician and person all around!! Mad River is lucky to have him!! Can't wait to go back and see him at my next appointment!! read more

I went to the ER here for extreme back pain. I just moved here so I have no primary. Really bad timing. My first impression is that the hospital is very dirty and run down. This could be attributed to many things, so I tried not to hold that against them. But then the intake nurse seemed to be totally uninterested in the fact that I was in pain. I wasn't sure he even believed me by time he sent me to insurance and waiting. I finally felt like someone believed me when my back spasmed so bad that I fell over in the waiting room and dropped all my belongings. The insurance person went to get the intake nurse, who showed up five minutes later and non chalantly tossed me an ice pack. He didn't even ask what happened. A lady waiting on her husband picked up my things. The nurse to take me to the doctor finally showed up and I told her I wasn't sure I could walk. She looked confused until I tried to walk and my back spasmed and I fell against the door. She then volunteered to get me a wheel chair. Once I saw a doctor, all they really did was order an X-ray to see if my back was broken...even though I walked in. On a positive note, my X-ray technician was very nice and actually acted like he believed I was hurting. They determined my back wasn't broken (surprise, surprise) but they didn't know what was wrong, and prescribed some naproxen and a muscle relaxer and said to find a primary doctor to figure it out. When I started crying from the pain, the doctor allowed my nurse to give me a shot for pain then sent me on my way. I can barely walk or sit without wanting to cry. This hospital was a disappointment and has me worried that I've moved to a place where I can't get help when I'm severely sick or injured. read more

The Mad River Emergency Room is a default of sorts for unexpected emergencies (as opposed to planned ones, i gather). Split open your nose in the first grade, because a boy shoved you to the ground and a rusty metal desk got in your way? No problem! Have the school call your mom so she can panic and arrange a caravan of cars to take you to the E.R. If you are too busy telling the nurse about the crush you have on the little demon who shoved you, to notice that they are reconstructing your nose with sticks and stitches then that's great! Note: If your mom gets queasy and passes out in the E.R., they will put her in a bed next to you. And give her a free cup of juice to complete this Humboldt County version of breakfast in bed. Eat only protein (no carbs, dairy, or sugar) for 5 months to lose weight because the casting judges for America's Next Top Model said that you were too curvy and needed to drop weight fast? Failed to realize that tons of protein + caffeine - water = kidney failure? Get stuck in bed for a week with what you thought was the flu, only to have your mom take your temperature to discover it's 105? Back to the Mad River E.R. Stick an IV in me and call me a Chia. Between 911 visits, sports injuries, and the time I stuck a bean up my nose, I practically grew up here. Thanks for being so darn convenient, Mad River E.R. read more

I recently went in for a pinched sciatic nerve in my right leg and couldn't use the right leg at all. The intake worker said that it had been going on a long time and waxing and waning. Not true, it had come on all at once. The doctor put on his notes for presenting problem: "shortness of breath" and ordered a chest x-ray. Totally wrong treatment plan and a doctor that seemed to not be fully alert. The discharge papers said that the presenting problem was the right leg as stated. So, somehow they must have gotten me mixed up with someone else. Anyway, this is not my first experience with this hospital's incompetence. We locals have no other alternatives so I wish someone would change this. Total waiting time in E/R was 13 hours. read more

I went to the doctor a couple days ago, got a negative covid test and strep culture. My throat was worse the next day, so I went to ER. After letting me get checked in, they made me wait 3 hrs outside, because I'm not Vaccinated, even though I had a negative Covid-19 test. As miserable as I was, I felt so much worse for the poor little sick toddler, and the elderly lady, that was in so much pain, making her sit out in the cold, made her pain almost unbearable bringing her to tears at times. This is unethical, discriminatory treatment. It is the faculties responsibility to make patients as comfortable as possible until they're able to be seen. Instead of accommodating a segregated warm comfortable space for unvaccinated patients, they discriminate against them by making them more miserable and sicker, before they'll treat you. read more

The VA scheduled an MRI for me to get done on my right shoulder for the 18th of October. I was unable to make it and canceled the appointment. Now I'm getting a $600+ bill in the mail for a service that was done the 27th of the same month, excuse me, WHAT!? Greedy bastards will keep you alive just long enough to drain your bank account. read more