Jo Anna R

Review of Captain James A. Lovell Federa...

This hospital is my lifesaver! I've been a patient...

This hospital is my lifesaver! I've been a patient there for 8 years and I receive the best care there. I have experience from almost all the clinics except dermatology. I had major and minor surgeries performed, numerous procedures, tests, labs, you name it. They have state of the art technology, diagnostic equipment, and referrals to non-VA hospitals for nuclear medicine. I currently see several doctors on a regular basis, and they all know exactly what I'm dealing with. They are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and think outside the box. They emphasize whole patient care, body, mind, spirit, nutrition, exercise, etc. One time, during my surgery, there were unexpected complications and a second pair of hands was needed. My surgeon called the other surgeon who was on leave and she came to assist immediately. I stayed there for a week after the surgery, which was successful and they saved my life. My current primary doctor is phenomenal! Other specialists and therapists as well. I had great experiences with physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy (individual and group) and supporting staff. I am able to reach the doctors very easy through secure messaging and they respond if not the same day then definitely the next. Some of the doctors I can reach directly by phone to report serious adverse events due to my illness or medications. MyHealtheVet is an excellent tool to order your prescriptions, access your health records, appointments, and contact the doctors and their staff. FHCC communicates with other VA and non-VA hospitals very well. When I was going through a cancer scare, the entire diagnostic process took only six weeks from my initial visit to their ER on June 30 to final diagnosis on August 13. This process involved lab tests, bronchoscopy, attempted biopsy (however, there was no safe access to the area), PET-CT scan (at Highland Park), and finally exploratory surgery with overnight stay at Zablocki VA in Milwaukee. It was an ordeal because of unknown, but the diagnostic process was perfect. For two years now since the diagnosis I'm treated, have constantly updated and regulated medications, labs, and scans and everything is synchronized perfectly. I still have to visit the ER sometimes, but I'm treated there with dignity and respect. Yes, I have to wait, like everywhere else. However, when I showed up with chest pain, I was seen immediately.
If I was unhappy about some customer service issue, I went to Patient Advocates who are very helpful, compassionate and act immediately. I usually get a call back from the clinic the next day that issue was resolved. As they say, as a patient you are your best advocate. If there is a problem, address it with proper personnel and it will be fixed.