Lewis-Gale Medical Center Review

It was one of the worst experiences of my life. First I was thrown in an overflow room. Which was fine. But it was like they forgot about me. I had to go to the restroom and I asked someone to unhook me twice. They never came. I had to unhook myself. While I was in the restroom the dr decided to tell all of my test results to my step sister without my knowledge. By this point I was done. They came in took my IV out and instead of taking the tape off and doing it easy, she rips it off and blood flew everywhere and I have a huge bruise. I use to think this was the best of hospital around but I was proved wrong.

great people, very knowledgeable and well respected towards others!!!!

8/13/19 I had a lab appointment and then an appointment with Dr. Karri. They were wonderful. I needed to have a pint of blood drawn but the department that draws it could not see me until 8/14/19 at 3:00 pm. I registered the 14th upon arrival at 2:50pm. 55 minutes later the nurse came to get me. The receptionist called the nurse 3 times to let her know I was still waiting. I told the nurse that I needed the numbing spray and she wasn t happy about that. She mentioned to another nurse that she got all her charting done between her last patient and me. The needle went completely through my vein so she had to pull back on it and hold it the entire time. When she told me I was done and lifted the bag, it was only 1/2 as full as it normally is. Normally the bag is really full and bulges. This bag was flat. I have never had a problem with any of the staff there. The rest of them are professional and nice. I have Polycythemia and the blood draws are important to get my values down to where Dr. Karri wants them. I thought I would make you aware of this so hopefully it won t happen again.

Excellent care. Clean, bright and helpful staff. My procedure was explained in detail and all questions were answered. I highly recommend Lewis Gale Medical Center.

The staff in the Breast Center is always caring and respectful for mammograms. I highly recommend them.

Told me reason I have a migraine is my kids. didn't even see me gave me some pills which made it way worse,and sent me out the door. I was there 5 mins. It took longer to check in.urgent care is the way to go.

The people in the Emergency department took very good care of me and were both very timely and very thorough in their care.

Emergency Room visit not a good one. Was never asked by medications that I took on a daily basis, I had to volunteer to tell them. My blood pressure was high and they never rechedked it before I left. Dr dismissed my asking for an EKG because I felt I was having a heart related issue, and went to my family dr the next day and they immediately did an EKG and were shocked the ER dismissed the test with my symptoms. Never got a room, kept me and several others in the hall the full visit. About 50/50 for staff being polite and helpful. Some seemed genuinely caring , some seemed like patients were a bother. The lady in charge of "money" followed me everywhere I went getting my ins. cards, my money for copay, making change, returning it to me.......And in the end I got bloodwork and an IV that was never used. And advice to see my own dr the next day. "Treat only emergencies , and saw
nothing to keep me "

great visit the staff were very helpful willing to answer any questions i had. I would recommend anyone needing surgery etc to go to this hospital

Appreciate the care and attention that was giving to me, after I had my test on Monday my Cardiologist called me back on Tuesday morning and ask that I come back in for an unscheduled appointment. The staff worked me in that morning and took the time to explain my options so that I could understand ,
Very friendly and pleasant experience

The procedure went well and the staff was attentive and professional.

No chair for accompanying person on a trip to ER. Elderly patient was not given any water all day.

The ER visit was great, the office visit, not so much. The doctor did not wait until I was numb to start the procedure. I was begging her to stop and give me a minute to breathe, and she didn't. Will be writing a letter to the licensing board.....

Amazing staff. They took care of my medical needs immediately. No waiting. Very attentive and kept me abreast of my situation!

They started out really good because I arrived by ambulance due to major chest pains. Once they found out I was not having a heart attack they left me laying for over 5 hours. I had a massive headache and asked for something for that and took them over 5 hours to bring that to me. Then a nurse finally comes into the room & says "we need this room for a REAL patient and you will be put in the hallway", I said "excuse me and the same statement was repeated along with "we will let you get dressed in the room".
I know ER"s are really busy this time of year but I find it dehumanizing for patients to be put in the hallway and feel like they are on display like cattle. Just because the issues for some are not life threatening doesn't mean we should be treated like cattle. I know our bills will not reflect as a "not real patient ".

Best experience I've ever had staying at an hospital, great staff and food, really makes you feel comfortable and right at home.

My visit to facility went well. The service required was wonderful and the staff were friendly and respectful. Thank you to the staff for being curious with effective time management.

Review of Dr. Shapira, Cardiologist:

I have been to many doctors who havent taken me seriously, this by far was the worst.

To summarize: condescending, dismissive, unprofessional and forgetful (forgot I had an EKG and couldn't find it, already diagnosed me before seeing all the tests).

We arrived after 7:00 PM for late mri. No one (not even a security person) was in the reception area or on the main floor, we finally found custodial staff for directions. Signage is poor. Specific mri registration was in an office other than the instructions. This part of our visit was very poor. We are elderly.
Radiology staff was excellent.

Excellent nursing care from all the nurses and nurse techs. Best all inclusive resort in Roanoke. Would highly recommend as a surgery center.

Lewis Gale Valley. View clinic sucks. I've had to clarify multiple times over a months time about how my prescription needed to be written for it to be covered. The Manager Ashley constantly failed in understanding the problem and directed me to pay for prescription out of pocket. Who does that?She dictated that the prescription was not covered by Medicaid even after I called Medicaid to confirm its coverage and would not do the prior authorization leaving me to pay for it from my pocket. I think the woman has a bone with Medicaid patients. She was rude too. Someone like that ought not to be hired. I almost died a few years ago when this same facility misdiagnosed me incorrectly. Luckily the gastrointestinal dept rectified it much later till the last weeks on my deathbed literally. Too many geriatric patients leaves no room for a person like me to get an appointment. The gastro doc even stated that I would have been dead had I waited another week. It really sucks that bad.

Excellent...friendly staff, professional. In and out in no time, prompt results mailed to me. Highly recommend.

Everything was done in a timely fashion. The staff was great. Lewis Gale has always been my hospital of choice. All my doctors are staffed there.

NEGATIVE 5 stars- what a joke of a hospital. Obsurd wait time while my fiance was in pain. Apparently ran by delusional liberal hippies. Rude, unprofessional, disgusting hospital. April Reynolds changed my fiance's medication prescription without consent from the doctor and now my fiance is have major discomfort due to not having the proper meds due to Aprils carelessness.

I really appreciate the staff and doctors and the friendliness of the atmosphere and attitudes. They are right there when I need them and they are prompt to make sure that I am comfortable if I have to go to the emergency department.

I was in for a heart cath. Dr McLuckie is a wonderful doctor and all the nurses at Lewis Gale are great. They went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of. If they had any home problems they sure don't bring them to work. I have been in several hospitals around the Roanoke, Henry County and Martinsville area and I want to say that Lewis Gale and their staff are top notch. Thanks for everything. Charles Long, Fieldale, Va.

Had major back surgery.Doctor and staff all were great.Could not ask for better health care.Special thanks to Dr.Leipzig and his staff 10 stars from me ,Thank you

Could not have asked for better service!!!!!!!!!!! This was an
sudden & urgent visit, not a planned visit. I have nothing but
praise!!! Many thanks. et

I was very happy with the services I received in the Emergency Room. The Staff was great. I left feeling they cared about my health.

I came in with difficulty breathing, they did a COVID test and to this day, 4 weeks later, I still have not gotten my results.

The lady that did my mammogram was very kind, courteous and professional.

If I could give zero, I would. This facility is disgusting. Doctor Lai is a disgrace. He is rude and arrogant. Refused to take advice of family regarding a patients known issues with certain medications and then released a sick patient prematurely in order to spite me. He and this hospital will be sued for malpractice based on an inability to cooperate with medical notes and family understanding of a patient's needs. Please make sure he doesn't over see any of your family members. He may jeopardise the health of a loved one and seriously hurt them. A loved one under his care came back home after 17 days seriously overweight and with more health problems then at entry. We will be reaching out to lawyers soon.

As always, the staff is friendly and very helpful. Waiting time is minimal. Physicians are exceptional, explaining conditions & tests. ALWAYS asks if the patient or family has concerns or questions before ending the visit. Invites patient to call if there are questions or concerns before next scheduled appointment.

the staff is ok so far ! the restaurant is tiny and closes at 1:30 on the weekends, so bring your own food. and patients have to know to order food and early cant get food after 6 pm . no vending machines.

The staff in the breast care center are top notch. They take the time to make you feel comfortable and understand what's going on every step of the process.

Quick appointment setup, very convenient, on time. Dr. Habib and staff were professional, personable and quite helpful. Thanks for a great visit and wonderful service.

My OBGYN and his nursing team were absolutely outstanding! They were always available for any questions and concerns I had. Dr. Harding and his nurse Tammy were great about addressing all of my concerns, I switched from Carilion to Lewis Gale and Dr. Harding and his team had my surgery scheduled and the problem that Carilion has put off for 14 years was taken care of within 6 months at Lewis Gale. The only negative comment I have is of the OR nurse. When I woke up from surgery, I was groggy, confused, and in a good deal of pain. I was doing the best I could to manage for someone who had just been through a hysterectomy. The OR nurse starts screaming at me that I needed to just calm down I don t know if she has ever had surgery but screaming at me wasn t helping. She showed my husband the meds I was given, surprise... nothing for pain, NOTHING. I had just been cut open and she was responsible for administering said meds... nothing. She then tells my husband that she can t understand what my problem was, it was just 3 little cuts. No lady, it wasn t just 3 little cuts, they removed organs and cut out tissue internally. Then to make things worse, she tells the nurse that was caring for me after surgery that I was over reacting, that nurse asked my husband if I had some kind of anxiety or drug problem... I mean really?!?! I was worried because this was the first major surgery I ve ever been through, and these 2 nurses were exactly the reason I was worried. This treatment was extremely unprofessional and uncalled for. I m thankful this ordeal is over with and I m recovering, however your OR nurses need better training as to exactly what is performed on a patient, if they don t have any better attitude than the 3 little cuts statement, they shouldn t be around patients. That could be dangerous or even fatal.

My son has been coming here since he was born. He has never seen the same doctor the man behind the counter is NEVER welcoming EVER. This is the pediatric department things should be different and people should be welcoming but they aren't. I will b moving my son this week and if I had anything to do with it they should flush the staff here and start over. Customer service is at it's worst at this place. 5 stars down. Will be reporting this to Beth Linville tomorrow early morning.

My visit was perfect in every way! All personnel were kind, courteous and skilled.

Visit was informative, easy to understand, professional yet personable. I got the answers I needed, and the treatment I'll need was scheduled more than satisfactorily. Altogether I was completely pleased although the news wasn't the best, and left feeling absolutely confident that the following care will be optimal.

I have been going around and around trying to get an appointment for mental health services with Lewis Gale and they prove to be impossible to work with. I have been hung up on by receptionists multiple times with them trying to act like the call is dropping by repeatedly saying "hello?". This is completely unacceptable for any healthcare provider, especially in the mental health field. Do better. I will be taking my business to Carilion and if you're reading this I hope you do the same.

Twice in the same year I've received bad service from Lewis Gale Hospital. Its a doctors duty to take care of their patients with respect. Not for and ER doctor to say im not going to do anything for you cause its not that important. So Lewis Gale hires drs that think their patients aren't important. and you have to go home and stick a knife in your on head to drain infection an relive pressure so you can feel better just because the dr wants to stand around and talk an not help patients then have to go back to another medical facility the next day to get the service you should have gotten to begin with. Not to say they don't have some good Drs they do, but i have encountered a lot that has the I don't care attitude and no compassion for patients.

The staff at Lewis Gale always seem to take their time and genuinely care about the patients. Unlike some other larger medical facilities, I didnt feel like I was a number and being herded through medical care corral. I was given ample time for questions and each one was addressed with consideration.

Arrived by ambulance with chest pains , no rooms were available and after hours in ER was moved to PACU ( recovery room ) and the entire stay was a nightmare. The nurses tried to order dinner and breakfast which was forgotten and FINALLY delivered late after NUMEROUS requests. Back pain was terrible due to the bed and no heating pads or ice pack were available.

I have always been treated well and with respect. Never had to wait long for appointments and would recommend this facility to everyone.

Although it wasn't what I wanted to do, it was a very good experience. Everyone involved was very attentive and did their job professionally and with compassion. The only thing that was not pleasant was waiting for doctor to be released. He was called to an emergency procedure so it was understandable. All in all, was a great experience for having an operation.

Visit was short and started on time. All personnel were helpful and friendly

I usually prefer LewisGale emergency department to Carilion but not this time. I went to the LewisGale ED at 7:45pm Monday and even though I was experiencing chest pain, not relieved by nitroglycerin tablets, I had to wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes. Then I was put in an unmonotored hallway bed for another 2 hours without an IV being started or pain medication given of any sort. They finally gave me medication that I knew would not relieve the pain (I was an 8 out 10 on the scale) but is protocol. When I told the staff I still had pain they gave me nitro paste and admitted me. That was approximately midnight. I left AMA the following afternoon at 3pm and never saw the doctor, never had my pain relieved, didn't eat, didn't sleep, wasn't given diabetic care until halfway through my stay, follow up cardiac labs weren't done for 12 hours until I asked about them. Horrible, unethical treatment. Never going back.

Easy check-in, personable & knowledgeable staff, quick service with out sacrificing concerns.

The staff is the best , I always go to RMH but LG is closer so I tried and wow I will be going back to them they made me feel I was the only patient they had ,fast with everything they did

Parking was a nightmare but the staff and clinicians I dealt with were kind and professional

The admissions process was good, the nurses were great, the procedures were explained well, but the anesthesia sucked. I explained to admissions, nurses, my doctor, and the anesthesiologist that I got sick with anesthesia. He insisted that it was a thing of the past getting sick and the procedures were different now. He totally ignored me, I was sick for 48 hours, and threw up all night. If I ever see him again, I will make a scene. The experience could have been so easy and one person made it hard.

I was well taking care of the minute I walked in. Very polite and helpful. Thanks

Excellent staff. Area perfectly set up for the COVID-19 problems.

It would be a 0 had I not been serviced by a wonderful nurse named Brittany on the 6th floor Thursday and the ER team; once admitted the service was downhill until discharge. It took 30 mins for a nurse to arrive while I was having an allergic reaction and chest tightness, and was told the pain just seems worse than what I feel I was then introduced to a nurse who would not be seen for another 2 more hours because of her lunch break. Dr Coterell is a joke he lolly gagged with his team in the hallway for who knows how long... I was told he d be there soon at 1:30 and wasn t seen until I decided to head for the door at 3:00! Of course I have to follow up on a weekend because my prescription had not been called in... he started to lie and say they wanted to keep me for more testing but the day before there was nothing else for you to do for... which lie is it? how could you make it better Doc?

Went in with a hole in my head from a fall, came out 3 hours later with glue and blood all over the back of my head and a bill for $240. Still can't get the glue out of my hair 9 days later.

Some staff are great. Docs you never see, and at this moment a fire alarm has been going off for almost an hour, at 2:30 in the morning. A person would get better care at a veterinary hospital.

I was at first very pleased with the care my husband received but as time went on, I found that there is a great lack of communication between the nurses, physical therapy, Physicians Assistants, case worker(s), doctors and any one else involved with his care. It also seemed that once he was showing signs of improvement, the nurses seemed to forget that he was in the room. Fresh linens were never brought to him, we as family has to ask for towels and washcloths to bath him. Only one or two offered to help him bath, feed him, take care of daily needs. Matt Adkins was wonderful. The doctor told him he could shower. He asked someone to help with a shower, nurse said ok and never showed her face again. I helped him bath, no shower for fear of him falling. Grace offered to help him but he was being discharged that night. I am just really disappointed that the care seemed to go down hill the longer he had to stay and no one communicated with each other on his care and after care. The PA stated she would call the case worker to advise his discharge but when contacted, no one informed him of my husband's discharge therefore the physical therapy has not begun. Someone should really review the polices for communicating between the shifts, departments, Physicians, their assistants and those responsible for aftercare.
We both are just feeling like he fell between the cracks and no one is taking responsibility.
suggestions to family members: stay on top of the care your family member is suppose to receive and make sure it is followed. If not, then stay on someone until the care is received.

I wish i can give zero stars. Please avoid this hospital at all costs. Their policies are ridiculous. I was misdiagnosed when i was pregnant by a PA because a specialist did not see me (per their policies). I believe this misdiagnosis greatly contributed to the loss of my child's life. I wrote to them numerous times and no one returned my calls. Also, they charged my insurance twice for the same procedure on the same day. How is this not insurance fraud??

The Women's Breast Center is a warm and caring place to go. It's almost like going to a spa...almost.

I had a very pleasant experience. My wait time was short. The doctors, nurses and staff were friendly and caring. I will definitely recommend this doctor to my family and friends.

They have an amazing staff: receptionist, nurses and doctors. It s always pleasant to go for visits and at times needed services.

Dr. Rigoni is incredible. Honest and direct. Did a great job surgically. I highly recommend him.

Doctors and nurses are awesome, but the receptionists are super rude. I was on hold for my entire lunch break and they were super short with me when I was trying to explain my work schedule and set up a time that I could see my doctor. Some of them act super snooty when older people ask them if this is the right area they are looking for. They need to grow up.

All the healthcare workers were very kind and helpful, even walking me part way to where i had to go next...i get confused, especially with directions. My doctor and his MA were very knowledgeable and polite and kind. If LewisGale medical center wasn't so far from where i live in Galax, I'd go there for all my needs.

Out-patient carpal tunnel release went very smoothly! Everyone I encountered was helpful and friendly and I was home 1 hour post-op. Special thanks to Dr. Norman Harris and Dr. Wesley!

Every person I encounter was friendly and kind and very professional. It made the entire experience of my surgery much less stressful.

Hated everything about it!! The nursing staff is rude and disrespectful! My nephew is 3 had a 103.9 degree fever and because he cred and screamed a couple of times the nurse decided to take it upon herself to Google the name of some parenting book, hand it to my sister and say "it helped me to be a better parent and better control my child". #1 . He is 3 and very sick, #2. A high fever causes pain (which as an RN she should know) so yes he is going to scream, he is a baby!! #3. What happened to standards of care?? You empathize with your patients not judge them and not push off your own views! I Called back to file a complaint on my sisters behalf, as she's attending her sick child and can't. 1st call I was transferred and told to ask for the charge nurse, during which I was placed on hold 3 different times by 3 different nursing staff, with the promise of " yes mam I'll get her for you right now" and was on hold for a total of 23 minutes! Hung up called back and demanded that I be connected to a supervisor. This said supervisor stated and I quote " well mam, maybe she was onto something, and maybe Roanoke Memorial would be a better suited place of care for your family"...dang straight RMH is better suited, their wait time may be a bit longer but at least they are not rude, and they care about the people they take care of! Lewis Gale will never touch a soul in my family again they are rude, have a disgusting bedside manner and need to relearn their "standards of care"!!

-a pisst off auntie

Had a bone scan and lab work drawn. It was my first visit to the Salem hospital. Been to the Montgomery hospital many times through the last year. Always a very pleasant experience, I have been to the Pulaski hospital and was not pleased with that visit at all but subsequent visits to other Lewis Gayle hospitals have convinced me to stay with Lewis Gayle hospitals.

Staff goes out of their way to be helpful as usual.

I came and got blood work. The blood was taken by a trainee, my blood was lost and at this point I still have not received notification that it has been found, I've called twice. I saw Dr. Patterson in orthopedics, the operator I called was a little snippy telling me there was no one there by that name, the front helpers desk had no record of Dr. Patterson working there even though there was a poster board 20 ft. From the front desk welcoming him. Not sure I want any knee surgery from this hospital.

Although I have moved three hours away, I still love the care that Dr Gus and staff provides. Until I meet a comparison I will continue to come back home for my Annual Wellness Check

Technician was friendly and professional. Made me very comfortable during my mammogram. Also showed me images afterwards.

They treat people with no respect, I have never worked in a place like this before in my life. They are very unprofessional, the first time i worked for this place it's like they didn't know what they were doing, they treat you like your very slow and don't understand anything .One day I had asked for help, and never got the help I needed..another thing you get blamed for something you didn't do, Furthermore Some people were very helpful, and I really appreciated them.

Registration didn't seem very interested in getting my name correct.

Weekday staff were great. I was treated with respect and genuine concern .
Weekend staff were acting like it was their weekend. They seemed to just go through the motions.

Daughter was sent there put in icu... nurses were the most rudest..uncaring...acted as if she was in their way. I wouldn't take my dog there. Beat it all I was warned not to send her there wished I had listen. If you don't have heart or compassion for others you should never be a nurse! Nursing is more then a pay check!

I am not a patient of Lewis Gale nor any of its affiliates. Please stop send these emails to me. I have told you this before. Remove my email from your mailing list.

Nurses, doctors, techs....all great. Problem is communication between the ever changing doctors and the nurses. My husband found out he had a procedure the following morning from the cafeteria as he tried to order his breakfast and the nurses didn't know about it. This is a huge frustration for the staff, as well.

ON 12/8/14 MY 93 YR OLD MOM FELL AGAIN THIS YEAR,SUFFERED A FRACTURED RT LEG. HAD SUFFERED A TRIPLE FRACTURE EARLIER IN APRIL,HAD SURGERY,TRANSFERRED TO A REHAB LOCATION FOR 10 WEEKS. MADE A GREAT RECOVERY! ON 12/08/14,SHE WAS TAKEN TO LEWIS-GALE ER. OUTSTANDING CARE, VERY EFFICIENT,PROMPT CARE. ADMITTED TO 6 EAST FOR 5 DAYS. NEVER HAVE MOM OR THE FAMILY BEEN SO AMAZED AT THE CARE. EACH AND EVERY PERSON WE HAD CONTACT WITH GIVE 100%.
MOTHER THANKED EACH STAFF MEMBER FOR THEIR HELP AND TOLD THEM SHE LOVED THEM. WISHED EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AS WE LEFT. THEN WE HAD A NIGHTMARE WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. CASE MGR, CATHY WAS SO HELPFUL IN PROMPTLY GETTING ISSUES RESOLVED. TOTAL EXPERIENCE WAS POSITIVE.

If I could give zero stars I would. I went to the ER after being referred by Medexpress. I had a lymph node that was so swollen it looked like a roll of quarters under my neck. The doctor told me I had no infection or fever and the strep test was negative. He said he had seen lymph nodes stay swollen for a year or more. Nothing to worry about. 3 months later at a routine check up, my pcp asked for a biopsy. It was cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma. Back to Lewis Gale for a pet scan. They said that the cancer was in my tonsils and removed them . No cancer there! The radiation oncologist gave me a 60 % chance to survive. Enough was enough and the Ent gave me a referral to Uva where they saved my life. Don't trust those clowns. You will end up dead.

Love this place! Everyone is so nice and efficient.

My Doctor, her. Nurse and the scaffolding are all wonderful! Knowledgeable, thorough, patient, kind and friendly!

Smooth process from check-in time to check-out. Friendly staff, professional/quality service, very clean facility, not a crowded wait room because they are pretty much on time for your appointment.

In for a CT scan. Staff was friendly and efficient, couldn' t ask for more.