CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute

"The scheduling department obviously needs to be retrained or replaced. 2nd trip and 2nd time the mri appointment was messed up and the 2nd time they have a broken machine."

"I have had some significant changes to my spine amd struggle with peripheral nerve damage. While, I get that I may not need surgery, I feel like this office has completely failed me in their lack of response and care to help me maintain my strength. So far, I've had at least 4 herniated disks. Only one neck surgery. Of those herniated disks in my lower spine, I developed intermittent caudia equine syndrome. My back pretty much healed on its own, and I have been left unattended and without medical care and have done everything humanly possible for self care to get back on my feet again...without medical assistance. Now my neck has another issue...and my right arm is going numb. I've called several times to get an appointment, to see if the issue with my spine has progressed...but no such luck from this office. I was referred to Dr Ramos...a neurosurgeon originally over a year ago. They advised me I don't need a surgeon, instead a regular neurologist...which is in the same office. But instead of providing the care they have available, or addressing my concerns, or even treating me with a remote level of compassion...they said I have to go through my primary for a new referra delaying medical care for months...when they know there is something substantially wrong with my back that requires the attention of a neurologist. I'm just really disappointed in their lack of care or response. I was told by them that I didn't have ces...no way. I can't even get my old med8lical records to prove the damage is there, and they are unwilling to treat me as is, and in my current state to address the progression of the deteriation as they see it. Of course, they won't even make an appointment, or do any more testing to know if it is progressing. As long as they don't see it, it must not be a problem. I don't recommend this place. I don't recommend Dr. Ramos. He is dismissive of both the physical and mental wellbeing of his patients...and should know that the spine...is the backbone of any person still attempting to be a functional human being. I'm loosing my strength and it sucks to not being taken seriously by a so called professional that is suppose to take care of this specific need. Maybe he needs to sit in a wheelchair for seven months but nothing but his mind to occupy his concern that nobody...nobody is willing to help Thanks for nothing. Update. Because I had to get another referral, and it was going to take till July of next year to get seen...and my arm is going numb...I went back to St Vincent's hospital to insure that I am not in danger of loosing function in my arm. A cat scan and mri was done, and in the morning, I had an appointment to see Dr Ramos again. And again, instead of actually attempting to address my concerns, he dismissed my concerns and went straight into berating me...he was yelling. Of course, I start crying and yelling back, because all I want to know is what is wrong and what needs to be done to stop it...I asked him repeatedly to listen to me so I can tell him why I'm worried. He continued to yell at me in front of two nurses, and then I got up to leave. Because I was crying and yelling back, they started looking for security...I just got up to leave, and interestingly enough the patient door was locked to prevent me from leaving sooner. He escalated in an incredibly unprofessional manner...with his chief response of this is not a surgical problem. He dismissed it again, telling me I had carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome does not cause you to black out when looking up, or cause your chest and back to go numb.... Instead of attempting to even address what was going on, irregardless of my issue being a problem for a surgeon, he yelled and screamed about why did I come back to him. I didnt...I went to the emergency room to get an expedited response so I could get help. He picked up the case and chose to interact w me the way he did. I'm currently at another hospital attempting to get a response on the testing he was unwilling to show me or explain the results."

"Dr. Rammos, Nurse Cara Petrus, Nurse Abby Starkel, and the rest of his staff are the absolute best ever! At 52 years old, I was almost crippled from scoliosis, a broken back, and multiple fractures. Even during the covid restrictions, and having to go alone bc night family could be in pre-op and post-op, Cara sat w me in pre-op and held my hand as I went under. After what was predicted to be a 10-12 hour surgery, the next thing I knew was I woke up and wasn’t alone then, either. The care they truly have for their patients and the personal care, make you feel as if you’re family in a way. They gave me my life back, and I know I’ll be better than ever! Even after the pain of the surgery, I already feel better bc I can tell my back is straightened out and I can stand up. He knew how important it is to dance at my son’s wedding, and thanks to God and Dr Rammos and staff, I will! I’ve never had such wonderful care by people who go above and beyond what’s necessary!"

"Not happy with this place. Been waiting for the VA to give me a referral out to see a spine surgeon. Finally got authorized and they sent a consult to this place to Dr. Raja. I called to setup and appointment and was sent to scheduling. Was told over the phone by the people in scheduling that the doctor reviewed my images and said there was nothing to offer me surgically and that "I would be wasting my time" but If I still wanted to come in I could. I have some pretty severe back pain due to some herniated disk and I just wanted to talk to someone about options. I will say that made me pretty mad. Why would I even want to see the Doctor at this point after he already made his mind up. If you are a veteran please look else where. Dont waste your time here. Least they are honest up front about not wanting to waste your time. And guess what, I WONT be wasting my time with this clinic. I called my insurance company and will be referred somewhere else where someone is willing to listen to my concerns first before making a decision."