RUSH University Medical Center

"Literally the worst experience I've ever had in a hospital, and I've barely had any good ones. Let me break down the numerous infractions that took place over my 4 day stay between the ER and their main hospital: - Purposely withheld information and obfuscated about how much their services would be covered by my insurance to attempt to charge me almost my entire annual income. - Attempted to strong arm payment from me while I was still in an ER bed, 12+ hours into my stay (still without explaining insurance coverage) and before I even saw a doctor. (Yes, I still didn't see a doctor after 12+ hours.) - Apart from Corey in the ER (the best doctor *ever*) and numerous ER nurses, the doctors I dealt with were apathetic at best, and confrontational at worst. The doctors responsible for my eventually necessary operation refused to actually authorize it, depsite it being medically necessary, and required both myself and the ER doctor begging them for hours to finally do so. (All while I was in unbelievable pain, wriggling on a hospital bed.) When I finally was okay'd for the operation, the resident doctor who I was dealing with admonished and spoke down to me viciously, telling me that I'm lucky that I'm recieving treatment. On top of that, he then goaded me further for requesting that no opioids were used in the operation and post-op due to a history of addiction in my family, insulting me for the request and saying "you won't get addicted by taking them once, haha." - When I finally was able to recieve the operation I needed, they did a botch job that left me in the hospital for a whole other day (that they were more than happy to charge me for), in some of the worst pain I ever felt. This operation revealed further issues that validated the need for the operation in the first place, the one that the doctors were refusing to authorize initially, yet I never saw or heard from any of the doctors after this operation. Not a check in, not an apology, nothing. When they had to tell my partner it didn't work, the resident responsible for the aforementioned disrespect wouldn't even make eye contact with them and stared at their shoes the whole time. Coward. - A week out from the operation, I spoke to the doctor actually responsible for my operation FOR THE FIRST TIME over the phone, and when I asked if the now necessary follow up operation would be as traumatic to my body as the first, I once again was talked down to, being told that they "can't predict the future" and asked "do you want me to lie to you?" After botching a surgery and basically abusing my body, disrespecting me to a horrific degree, and belittling me at every possible turn, I dropped this hospital and got everything else I needed done at UI Health instead, where they immediately told me how my insurance would cover things, listened to me and respected that I know my own body pretty well, and did the follow up operation so flawlessly, I was able to leave the hospital the same day. I even cried afterwards, unbelievably greatful to have finally recieved proper medical care that didn't torment my body and leave me worse off than I was before. Please, if you value your body, if you want to be treated properly, and if you want to not be swindled by very shading billing practices, AVOID THIS HOSPITAL."

"The dirtiest Emergency Room I've ever been in. I was there at least 6 hours, and never saw a custodian. My nurse kept touching her hair with her gloves, leaving greasy residue on them after. I was given a total of THREE dirty blankets that had either old gum, feces, or both on them- my complaint was met with scrunched eyebrows and a muttering of a few words. They have multiple doctors (residents and practicing physicians) who come into your room at various times. I get that resident docs have to clock their hours...it just would've been nice if someone had actually explained to me at some point that this was going to occur. I'm willing to try Rush again, but it will be the Oak Park location."

"Amazing Experience in The ER this morning. I am TERRIFIED of doctors and Hospitals.. I was referred to Rush from my Urgent care due to upper back pain under my right shoulder blade. I was told at the urgent care I had to go to the ER because they were concerned it was my gallbladder. From the Moment I walked into the ER, They were so Sensitive and Empathetic to my Fear. I could go on forever but I will leave it at this, My Gallbladder is fine, And I had The Most Compassionate Care I have EVER received in my 39 years alive… Thank you RN Tony… You were with me every step of the way. I appreciate you, So much!! I absolutely want to thank Dr. Muhammad… You are On point! Amazing ER doctor! Thank you for making sure that EVERYTHING was lined up for my continued care including a referral to a PCP. Dr. Muhammad, the way how I watched you interact with Every single person in the ER today, It was so refreshing. You Listen, You ask questions. Your sense of Urgency while treating Us was… You’re Amazing. I also would to thank my Ultrasound Technician.. I freaked out on her because Again.. Terrified… She was so sweet. Thank you so much for treating me like Family. P.S. Please Give Tony a Raise. Thank you."

"Used to be such a prestigious hospital. Been coming to Rush for 25+ years with my parents. It has gone so downhill. The doctors, the staff. But they just keep building. Seems to be the focus, rather than patient care. My dad’s PCP at Rush wanted to admit him to the hospital. Instead of doing it himself, he just sent him to the ER when he can barely move. Been sitting in the ER for 4 1/2 hours. Still not admitted. Not even an IV. Nothing. Please don’t tell me to call you because you’re sorry & give the usual lip service. TREAT YOUR PATIENTS BETTER! All of them. It’s shameful!"

"During my stay with a family member in the ICU, I had positive interactions with the doctors and nurses who were truly commendable. However, I encountered some challenges with certain staff members, particularly the person responsible for admitting visitors to the ICU at night. Unfortunately, their demeanor seemed less welcoming, and I observed a lack of friendliness. It’s my hope that, in the spirit of promoting a more inclusive and respectful environment, staff interactions could be improved for the benefit of all visitors, regardless of background."