Sayuri Sai

Review of MedStar Health, Washington Hos...

If you are uninsured, please do not go there. I go...

If you are uninsured, please do not go there. I got sick while I was between jobs and had to go to the emergency room at Washington Hospital Center. I have to admit the wait wasn't long, but as soon as I was taken back to triage, the craziness started to unravel. The nurses and techs took care of me and then a screen was wheeled in with a virtual doctor on the screen. She asked me the exact same questions that the front desk, nurses and techs asked.

Next, I was sent for x-rays and blood work. It took approximately 4 hours for an actual/physical doctor to come in and tell me I was stressed. My blood pressure was elevated, I had a severe cough that I had had for 2 weeks, felt lightheaded and very fatigued. I was told they could do nothing for me and I left the ER with no medication, only advice to make an appointment with an outside physician to get my blood pressure under control.

The symptoms continued and then finally, a few days after my visit to Washington Hospital Center ER, I was forced to go to an Urgent Care Center a friend suggested. I went there, paid $245; they treated my blood pressure and also told me that I had pneumonia, I was prescribed antibiotics. Go figure.

My ER cost from Washington Hospital Center, who did nothing for me, cost $4K; technically $1,000 an hour. Medicine is a business; it no longer has anything to do with patient care. It's really a shame when a small healthcare franchise can best the prestigious Medstar Health.