Infuriating to deal with. I injured my knee months ago, and after getting my MRI, I had to wait a month and a half to hear back from the orthopedic surgeon just for him to tell me there's nothing wrong with me and I'm okay to just go back to what I've been doing. When I told him I am still in a lot of pain and having instability in my knee, his response was "well, I don't know what to do, so hopefully I don't have to see you in here" so now I'm five months into this injury, in a ton of pain, and nowhere closer to being treated. I would avoid Peacehealth at all costs. This isn't the first bad experience I've had, and everyone else I know who has gone there has had similar experiences. Quality of care is an afterthought. read more

Very disappointed in the care I received here at this clinic. My provider's name was Dr. Kolodychuk. I've been dealing with excruciating right hip pain and have nearly gone to the ER several times as a result. I had read the radiology reports of my MRI and X-rays and have been told that I have degenerative issues, moderate osteoarthrosis with osteophytes. I am 49 years old. I have limited extension as a result and am often awakened at night with significant pain that doesn't allow me to easily get back to sleep. My quality of life is greatly diminished as I am unable to walk for long period of time or exercise. The MD didn't offer any other advice that what I am able to read on-line, nor could he provide a prognosis given my age and condition. He then dismissed my concerns about my condition by stating "he has no crystal ball" and muttering things about Putin starting the War with Ukraine and how if someone would have asked him last year about him starting a war, he wouldn't believe it. I'm not sure how this was related to my hip issue, but again I felt dismissed. He then said he could refer me to PT if I wanted it, but I already have a referral and was coming to him for more specific information and a potential prognosis. He ended by telling me to stay in shape and keep my weight down, which is a bit insulting and even unrealistic given the level of pain I have been in recently. I have trouble getting up to the toilet and back at night and even repositioning in bed can be painful for me. He also asked with curiosity about why I was on disability and when I mentioned it was due to a mental illness, he became short essentially silencing me. It's providers like these that give me little hope of regaining a quality of life and living without pain. I know I am younger than probably a lot of his patients, but I didn't feel taken seriously at all and I am now left to seek a second opinion elsewhere. This is all depressing and far too common anymore. When pain and hip issues are disrupting exercise and quality of life this exacerbates depression and makes it difficult to maintain one's optimal health. This can, overtime, cause other health conditions to manifest. I often feel like giving up, but I will continue to seek help elsewhere and hope the next provider treats me more seriously. My mental health that I feel he dismissed actually does make a difference in maintaining health and well being. It contributes to the motivation and stamina needed to obtain care and follow through with exercise. I just felt he didn't take the opportunity to see the whole picture and treat me holistically. That is what is often missing in our healthcare system... We need providers that can step back and see the whole picture and how systems are interrelated. My hip is one issue, but it's effecting my mental health and my quality of life. Oh well. I am persistent when it comes to advocating for my health. This is just one person's experience. It is what it is and I can only write about my own personal interaction with him. read more

When a severe orthopedic injury resulted in me seeking medical attention, I became a patient of PeaceHealth Orthopedic Surgery. They are a wonderful practice located in Bellingham. Professional, approachable staff that answer questions and explain the various options based on the individual. I'm extremely happy with the care I have received to date and will recommend the practice to friends. read more

Parking can be a nightmare. Check in can be slow however front desk staff are friendly. Waiting room has plenty of room and magazines and there is a coffee shop downstairs. I was told this would be a quick appointment however we have been here for 1 hour and 30 minutes spent maybe 20 of that with the dr. the rest is just waiting. Dr. was thorough and ordered another xray to check another area. She got to choose her cast color. The nurse who put it on was fantastic. read more

Please be sure that you specify which office you are calling about; they have one number for both the Lynden and Bellingham offices. I looked up the Lynden office, called and was delighted to get a next day appointment. Arrived at the Lynden office to find it dark. Luckily staff was available, and I was told my appointment was in Bellingham, 30 mins away. They called the Bellingham office, and explained the circumstances and asked I be seen. On arrival the receptionist rudely indicated, well that happens inferring it was my mistake. No that shouldn't happen. I did call the main number, and Heather indicated she would bring up the situation to management. Parking is tight, and considering you have orthopedic patients showing up, I was hoping there was more handicapped spaces available. But once I got into the patient area I was treated with respect. Delighted could get an x-ray in the same office [but will be billed by Mount Baker Imaging] Dr. Kolodychuk introduced himself to both of us. Listened carefully, giving additional information to the scribe; very detailed exam. Discussed the options, and gave him hints as to how to deal with the injury. Very pleased with him. read more

I had an incident and my knee was hurt, with significant affect. I explained that the day before the incident I had taken a 3-mile hike, climbed over a log and down an embankment with no trouble. Since the incident I cannot walk 3 blocks. Still, each time I went to Peace Health, the orthopedic doctor told me that "It was normal wear and tear." He has shrugged off surgery because "...it wouldn't do any good. This is normal wear and tear." No. No, it isn't. My insurance has given me contacts for a real doctor, one that listens to their patients. Do not bother with Peace Health. Their whole system is problematic. read more

I called Peace Health at 8:55 this morning. As of 9:25 I am still on hold waiting for someone to help me. I can't believe that this is acceptable to a company that has intelligent people. Maybe they can't handle the volume of customers that they have. It's very poor service. read more

My experience is with Dr HOEKEMA. 15 minute appointments, during which you will be lucky to get 5 minutes of contact time. Despite seeing Dr. Hoekema before, the last time I saw him he seemed totally unfamiliar with my case. He once sent to the E.R. (sight unseen) claiming I needed emergency surgery. I sat in the E.R. for ten hours before they sent me home. They literately laughed at me. He had forgotten that he has scheduled me for surgery before the Co-Vid crisis. He gave me the "Just keep doing what you're doing" pass-off. What I have been doing is living in pain with severally limited mobility for months and months. Avoid if possible. read more