Imaging Services, Breast Center@Portsmouth Regional Hospital

"I have gone to Portsmouth for years, and the people in the office have been very nice. I am now leaving the practice because it has become too impersonal for me. First, I was pestered repeatedly about pre-registering. Because of my work, I am unable to get to the phone during my day. They finally got a hold of me and said the bill for an ultra-sound (which was never scheduled) would be $1,000. They also told me that the normal mammogram would be covered by insurance, so I continued with the mammography appointment. I was all set to go when in my email, I received a bill for a total of $1,600 from Portsmouth Regional Hospital before screening was even done. Because of the huge bill for procedures not done, I called the number given in the email sent. It was extremely difficult to get a person on the phone after 45 minutes of trying. I pleaded with the receptionist in Georgia, or wherever she was, to please connect me to a person in Portsmouth's mammography unit. After a long wait, I was connected with the very nice receptionist in Portsmouth. I told her my plight and the large bill that was sent to me at 9:00am. She said that an ultrasound was never ordered, and my mammo was within the year that insurance would cover. None of it made sense and was extremely frustrating. All of this was too stressful, and if I did ever have cancer, I would not want to go through the red tape of the corporate nonsense that is now Portsmouth Hospital. I will be taking my health care elsewhere."

"I had my second mammogram today. I went here last year as well and plan on going back to this facility each year. Everyone staff member from the receptionists to the nurses are extremely kind and caring. Please don’t be scared to get a mammogram, it’s not as uncomfortable or as scary as you may have imagined."

"Have left a few of appointments not feeling great about the whole experience. Some of the medical staff act rushed and can’t leave the room fast enough. This makes me feel like they are sloppy and don’t want to take the time to do anything but the minimum, and they may overlook things. I am not satisfied with how thorough a job they do. I’m not talking about the mammography staff. I haven’t been able to communicate everything I want or get detailed answers or advice. They talk fast, and unless I rush to say something, they are out the door and I feel frustrated. They leave the room as quick as they can. Also, my appointments have historically rarely been on time. They are mostly late, and without mention or apology, which I find to be disrespectful. One of my appointments was an hour late and they spent about 10 minutes with me when I was expecting something much different, from what I was told on the phone by a person who initially scheduled it. Just left there with a feeling that they could care less about me as a patient. And why should they. They don’t know me. They are busy, overworked, etc. But when I have to spend a lot of money being bounced around with no real direction or discussion, or any recommendation for appointment sequence so as not to waste my time, it leaves me resenting the place and I don’t trust them."

"Very caring staff, wonderful atmosphere...made a stressful situation not as stressful. The staff care about patient feelings, treat a person with dignity and respect. The ultrasound tech especially has a great personality, does a great job and is very professional. The radiologist Dr. Norton is great also."

"Professional and very kind staff. Always on time and prompt for patient appointments. Also very good with kids, making them feel comfortable and not nervous during an MRI."