UVM Medical Center

"I got to stay here at this nice medical facility for free because I have Vermont's generous free health insurance Medicaid. The federal government should be sued by individuals who aren't insured in states where the federal government listened to the states and didn't accept federal aid so millions of Americans even working fulltime can't get health insurance. Federal minimum is $7.25. This is an essay topic. I wasn't treated any worse than anyone else because I have state health insurance. I think we need to take the prestige factor out of health insurance. The staff worked long hours to make sure I was okay and would get better and I am glad to say that I did! My condition improved because the food was really good. I have worked in medical center kitchens before and they are also part of the recovery and wellness team. They let me order many plates of vegetarian food throughout the day. I thought I would be admitted upstairs but they saved that program for others and instead I was transferred to a historical treatment environment. The food was amazing. I don't know what other people are complaining about, just another way for the rich to get richer is to complain about billing. I just remember eating teriyaki tofu with mixed vegetables for like five meals a day. The soup was good. I skipped dessert."

"The worse billing on the planet. I have paid $1,000s to them was told that I was able to patient assistance. Jumped through all their hoops every month for months being told different things by everyone. The billing department lies like a rug. I was approved for patient assistance but surprise they don’t cover fertility checks. I have had several surgeries in my past I was told it was diagnostic test they billed it for fertility. They back track from one rep to another absolutely worse billing ever. I will never return to them again. Skip the trip going to Albany Medical Center instead."

"Family member had triple bypass surgery, all staff were above and beyond my expectations. Surgeon deserves all the praise from whomsoever is lucky enough to have her. Not one of the entire staff I encountered was miserable or just there for a paycheck."

"I had my first ever mammogram at this location and it couldn't have been more wonderful. The staff was extremely friendly and professional. it turns out there are different gown lengths depending on if you show up for your appointment in a one-piece dress or pants - this was a popular discussion in the waiting room! They informed me a couple of different times that since it was my first time I might receive a follow-up request for additional imaging and an ultrasound. So when I got the call I was not alarmed. During the follow-up appointment I was told that there was something in my left breast that they wanted to biopsy. They showed me the images and walked me through the 'whys.' Once I was dressed again I was taken to a private area to discuss the procedure. I was given a brochure and had the opportunity to ask questions. The next day I was contacted to schedule the appointment. Initially we were looking at several weeks ahead for the biopsy. However, since I was going to be leaving to be out of state for an extended period, they worked with me and managed to schedule in the same week.- I just had to split the procedure into multiple visits (one for the pre-procedure mammogram and then another for the actual procedure). Everyone in the room was extremely nice and reassuring. They gave me the option of being able to see the procedure (no thank you) and also whether I wanted to be walked through what was happening in real-time. They demonstrated the sound the biopsy tool would make so that I wouldn't be surprised. I was given a rolled up wash cloth to clench for both stress and to make my elevated arm position more comfortable. After the procedure I was given post-surgery instructions, ice packs and a lovely thank you card signed by everyone involved. I was told results would take 3-5 business days. I received the results in 2. I came into contact with many different hospital team members throughout my visits and everyone was extremely cordial, professional and caring. This was my very first mammogram and I was nervous - we grow up hearing horror stories about how uncomfortable and demeaning the process can be. I'm grateful to everyone at UVM for making my experience as seamless and low-stress as it was. I highly recommend them!"

"For a hospital that is a medical school, I’m upset at the service at the Medical Center of Vermont . I was there 8/21 for back pain, couldn't reach my doctor, wanted some quick relief for my pain so i ventured to the ER. The nurse was very nice and assisted me with expertise and care of what my issue was. Quickly diagnosed issue and recommended solutions for me- exercises and suggested prescription for muscle relaxers- all good all that was done 10:30-12:00. BUT then came the wait- at 3:00pm finally i got up after the 3rd time of requesting my discharge papers and disclosed that “what is problem? “ then the papers were given to me. I observed a lot of staff hanging talking at podiums- the patient next to me was distraught waiting for surgery that was scheduled at 6am, then 9am, then 2:15 they finally wheeled him out to surgery. I even went to desk and said “ i think he needs help” she answered “ he's fine” Tell me, WHY is this hospital so disorganized? I hear more and more of disgruntled people re our hospital? I was born there- over the 70 years i have taken my clients there for their needs, and always its an extremely long time to get anything done, communication is lacking and even had a doctor yell at my client that “ he needed her out of the room” ( miller building ) my client had to stand up for herself, she was in there for cardiac issues had a pace maker placed the next day- that Dr needed her room?? I was appalled. We never filed a complaint but should have. Whats wrong with our hospital? The nurses seem very helpful and caring, but then they dont get the support they need to get patients needs taken care of. Medical Ctr of Vermont should not be run this way."