Mary Greeley Medical Center Review

If you hate your relatives and want them to die, this is an excellent place to take them. This is the worst medical facility I have ever seen, and I once had to retrieve a family member from a hospital with feces on the walls. I would get heart surgery in to the feces covered place before I would so much as borrow a tissue from a McFarland doctor.

Nice staff and building. I did endoscopy with Dr. Fields in gastroenterology and my experience was very good. I was a little shocked by prices but fortunately insurance covered most of them. Definitely recommend this clinic (anyway, no other options...)

Extremely disappointed in Mary Greeley. My daughter had surgery and the surgeon was excellent. Unfortunately, her aftercare was abysmal. We did have one overnight nurse who was exceptional. Post op day 1 she was checked on twice in a 9 hr period by a student, not accompanied by a nurse. Speaks volumes when only 5 beds are full on a 53 bed unit. They would do better focusing on quality care rather than all the fluff.

Absolutely excellent! From the facility, to the volunteers, nurses, surgeon, and even the kitchen staff, everything was above and beyond my expectations. I came in on 7/28/17 for scheduled back surgery and was treated like family from the minute I came in the door. My surgeon, Dr. Kaspar, really takes the time to talk with you, answer any questions, and keep you up to date. The nurses and anesthesiologist in the OR were exceptionally friendly and really tried to put you at ease as they prepped you.

My aftercare has been truly phenomenal. I have not gone one hour since surgery without someone checking in on me and making sure I'm comfortable. I had a private room, with a huge bathroom and shower, they have a recliner and couch in the room as well. The couch can be converted into a bed for anyone who would like to stay with you.. which was great becuse my mom and aunt spent the night here. They give you a number of options for your post-op medications so they can adjust to what suits each person best. And you NEVER wait for your pain medications.. they are on top of your pain every step of the way and make you as comfortable as possible within minutes. I have never received such timely care anywhere in my life.

The nurses communicated so well.. no one was ever "behind the ball" or didn't know what was going on. They do a full briefing with you at every shift change so the nurse coming on is personally introduced to you, your case, needs, etc.

I am currently one day post-op and I have already been visited by both the physical and occupational therapists who prepare you for going home (and this was by noon!). They ask a number of questions about your home, vehicles, bathroom set up, etc., so they can prepare you for the specific needs YOU will face.

I honestly just can't say enough about the staff. They are so great. You never feel like a burden or bother to them.. they treat you like you are their number one concern and it shows in the recovery of their patients. I HIGHLY recommend Mary Greeley for any procedures/care you need.

Nice, clean, friendly staff. Nobody wants to be at a hospital but this one is a pretty good one to be at.

I went there recently and it was amazing, I was in the pediatric floor (I'm 15) I had the most amazing nurse named Jessica the sweetest person I'd ever met! She made my stay a million times easier on me because I was so stressed. Thanks again Nurse Jess love you!

i only made a call but the person on the other end helped as much as they could

I was born there in the 1960's -so of course 5 stars with my birth story.
"Mom said the c-sec, done vertical then, was cut half the size of later delivery c-sec in another state of her 2nd delivery (yet small baby) She felt safe and well cared for.
WOW for her first delivery, though-at Mary Greeley! *****
It was rare to have a c-sec then, being also, a gestational diabetes baby, weighing in at a whooping 10lbs 6 oz . Yet the skill level was that high back in 1960's!!! Baby was delivered safely, w half the incision and great healing time. Hospital was far advanced in comparison to most for that time. My Mother never forgot such excellent care and skill level -for her "retro 60's" special delivery.

Mary Greeley has continued that same level of excellence with babies past :),present ,and assuredly the future!

Thanks! From that same 10+lb newborn( me), now a healthy adult, parent & new grandparent, myself.*(posted under former married name. My folks were married college students, at Iowa State and so young and grateful, smile,for the safe delivery of their 1st born)

There needs to be someone who knows what they are doing for mental health issues. Reporting false information because they don't have a clue shouldn't be an option, it should be illegal!

Well, we only come to uninstall a Tomograph in this great Hospital and as in all of us where we have gone to work the attention regarding work is good

Got a letter saying our out of pocket expenses might go up for some services. Hooray!

I can say from experience wit both being a patient at Mary Greeley and our son being there that the hospital leaves much to be desired. I was misdiagnosed in the er with a heart attack and the meds they gave me made me worse. Our son came in with an appendicitis and the er Doctor kept insisting he just needed to poop even though he had a large BM earlier that day. They ordered a CT then forgot about him. Over four hours later I asked the nurse why no CT then they scrambled to get him one. It was a miracle his appendix did not burst before the ct was done because he was rushed into surgery very quickly. We have friends whom the husband was misdiagnosed in the er and sent home. After seeing his family physician they re-tested him and discovered that he needed surgery as soon as possible and it was a miracle he had not bleed out because of the mistake. Please, pick a hospital in Des Moines. In my opinion your life would be in better hands there.

The hospital spends millions on renovations but fires nurses and support staff when they think they can hire someone else with less experience for less money but it compromises the patient's care.

This is a terrible medical center. They only ask question and don't provide any help what so ever. They would rather put you on medical hold rather than listen to what you have to say. They don't keep you informed about what they are doing. Try to avoid Mary Greeley Medical Center as much as possible. You will have a better experience getting medical treatment from a witch doctor than this place.

Had a very positive experience with Mary Greeley. They helped me with an animal bite quickly and efficiently. Dr. Mattson and the staff really know what they're doing. Thanks again

If you live in Ames and dont want to OR cant drive to Des Moines, there is no choice in the matter-this IS your hospital. All of my impressions of the hospital are based on this fact. It is also incredibly difficult to understand where Mary Greeley and McFarland clinic are different. The medical system in the U.S. and on a smaller scale in Ames is really lacking. I honestly got quicker and less out of pocket costs charged to me working overseas and paying "overpriced" international medical insurance fees.

Having said all that, this is a criticism of the overall system more than about the people that work there. I've never had a problem with the medical or admin staff. In fact, I've had some helpful experiences there. But after some billing questions and out of this world charges, I now am very disheartened by the whole experience.

In short, good enough medical and admin staff but questionable policies, pricing, etc.

We have always had good and competent service here. It is so nice to have a facility like this in our community.

Just moved to Ames and had to go to the ER and it was really easy to check in

Sister underwent Surgery there recently. Level of care and professionalism by ALL staff & volunteers is a model for others to follow! It's like a mini Mayo Clinic!!

Nurses were rude when I had a stroke treated me bad I could hear them talking rude about me never again I Wil go elsewhere

During my pregnancy I had a preterm labor scare and was admitted to birthways (maternity ward). The nurses who took care of me during my stay were very kind. During my labor and delivery last month all the nurses and my midwife were very supportive, kind, courteous and understanding. Granted, every now and then there is a doctor or nurse who is rude and cold but almost all of the staff I have encountered is the complete opposite. Years from now when I'm ready for another child I will still choose this hospital.

By far the worst hospital I have ever been to. I would strongly recommend to stay away from here. My family will not be comming back here and switching to a different place!!

I was brought here at midnight round about 1:30 am, due to food allergic reactions. I was unaware about this.
I was admitted in Emergency Room.
I got separate room.
Within 5 minutes.
Nurse interviewed me.
After few minutes, Medical Officer came took my interview again.
She was kind and polite.
Her behavior was nice.
I was given 7 injections.
Within two and half hours, I was feeling completely well.
I was advised my Doctor to take rest.
The administration was helping.
The staff is well qualified.
Every facility is available.

Mary Greeley is the best hospital that I know. I was born at Mary Greeley, and my mom told me that they took the best care of me. I had to stay in the hospital 5 days after birth. I think that Mary Greeley takes great care of their patients. My grandmother recently passed due to cancer and all while she was fighting cancer she was at Mary Greeley constantly and think that they take GREAT care of their patients. 5 Stars. Thank you Mary Greeley!!!

We are being taken care of right now for a family member and so far so good nobody died so I would say 5 star service

As a hospital we've always had great service, but trying to pay our bill is one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever encountered. My husband went to ER during COVID and they refused to take his copay at time of service due to health reasons. When we received the bill, we tried paying online which requires a guarantor number which conveniently wasn't listed on the bill. Tried to stop twice in person to pay (still during COVID) and they refused to take my payment because "they didn't really have anyone onsite that can take payment." (Direct quote from nice volunteer at front desk). I needed documentation to state what the bill was for (just one simple line stating it was a copay). Called to try to pay over the phone and was told that they could take my payment, but couldn't provide documentation for payment because the services were for my husband and I was the one requesting the documentation and that level of detail was a violation of HIPPA. I explained that I didn't want the documentation sent to me. It would be sent to my husband, to the address they have on file for him, and I would not be the one opening his mail so no privacy would be breached. Perfect example of not being able to see the forest for the trees. For the love of Pete, I'm just trying to do the right thing and pay my family's darn bill. You'd think they'd make it a bit easier to give them money.

I have always had excellent care at Mary Greeley... including with the birth of my daughter in 1997 and various surgeries from 1991-present (2017). The majority of the staff members I encountered were very committed, caring and knowledgeable; also took the time to explain details that put my mind at ease.

My husband was hospitalized for possible heartache. The care he recieved in the ER to inpatient unit was nothing but excellent, delivered by a professional team. As a health care provider myself, we could not have asked for better care. As out of town guest, we couldn't have been treated any better.

Needed a visit to the ER on Christmas Eve. Met a couple great nurses who were dressed for the holidays :) and an awesome doctor... Dr. Waite. Went in feeling like death, and left with my next day Christmas plans back on track.

A+ care. Especially considering you all had to work on Christmas Eve. Hope you enjoy your New Years off at least! Dopey as I was...I was listening heh. Cheers.

I had my baby here this year and I had a great experience! Loved all my nurses and doctors!

The doctors and nurse were great...but...if you go in for any issues with the baby before birth and they are gonna admit you later in the day DO NOT LEAVE they are only doing that so they can double bill you for services that day.

Sylvia Acheampong in HR a very rude person can't recommend

Nice people working there. Clean facility inside and out.

I had back surgery at Mary Greely Oct. 15th 2012.I had not 1 problem or complaint. From checking in to checking out,the nurses everyone did their job and did it well and with a smile.A+ to them and also Dr Kasper for the surgery. He takes the time to explain everything and make you feel comfortable with it all. Again A+ and thanks to all who had any part in my care.

Had my first child here in 1969,Dr Wall was the Doctor .Wonderful place to give birth ,also to work

We recently had our first child at MGMC. It truly is the best place to have a baby. The unit is geared toward a baby friendly environment through rooming in and providing so many resources to help with breastfeeding. We have only the highest regards for the birthways staff. They are all so supportive throughout the stay and even after discharge through the lactation services. Our son spent a week in the NICU and we could not be happier with the care he was provided. All of the NICU staff provided the highest quality of care and even provided the emotional support to my husband and I that we needed. I highly recommend anyone having a baby to consider MGMC. You will have the most amazing experience for such a special moment in your life. Thank you MGMC for all you have done for me and my family!

Twice now Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa has written my complaints off as in my head. Twice I have told them exactly what has been wrong with me. Twice I have been right. TWICE they have PUT MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY.
The facts:
In August 2012 at 10pm, I checked into Mary Greeley ER, complaining of severe abdominal pain, telling them I believed my appendix was going to burst. (Thanks Dad for the diagnosis from over the phone!)
I sat in a private room for HOURS before they actually scanned me.
I ALWAYS went an HOUR or MORE between visits from the nurse.
In the room next to mine, a girl had a sprained arm. She was looked at the minute she got there and done in thirty minutes.
As soon as they saw the results they came over and were all like "Turns out you have appendicitis and need operated on today." Only then was I taken care of.
TODAY, April 5th, 2014 at 2pm, my managers called the ambulance because I was shaking so bad I couldn't hold stuff, and I couldn't really stand.
The ambulance men insisted I go with them.
They then told me it was an anxiety attack.
I explained that anxiety attacks and I are very familiar with each other and this was most certainly NOT an anxiety attack.
I said I believed it was because of a recent increase in my Bupropion.
They took my vitals, asked me questions, etc.
I said I woke up with a migraine, which is unusual, since I usually don't get them until around noon.
I stated that I was constantly seeing dots, that the world often seemed to be tilting, I had lost my sense of balance, and I couldn't stop shaking.
I informed them, yes, I was nauseous.
I explained that this had started with the medicine increase and only gotten worse.
I stated that it got better and worse.
The doctor barely saw me. It was the nurse who said, "sign these discharge papers."
I was flabbergasted. They took a person who could barely walk from five minutes near her dorm to nearly a forty minute walk.
They gave me a packet with information explaining when to call 911. EVERY SYMPTOM I HAD WAS IN THERE.

Google symptoms of Buproprion and it's clear I should be hospitalized.

The staff are very attentive and helpful but if you're uninsured it'll be better to go elsewhere as this place will price gouge you for everything. I got a bill 26 days after getting out with monthly payments at more then I make in a month.

I had my first baby here. The staff was the most outstanding, supportive, compassionate and attentive people I ve had the pleasure of coming into contact with. The care that we received and the help from the nurses, midwifes, lactation consultants and everyone who was involved is the reason I will come back when I have my second... but the food is also a plus. Seriously I ve never had such yummy hospital food.

They took good care of me. I ate what I wanted to and from the warm blankets. Good staff on call.

Sad and unfortunate that this is the only hospital in Ames.

I went to Mary Greeley to give birth, because my family was nervous about non-hospital births. I came with a birth plan to try and get some things out of the way -- no formula for my baby, no circumcision if it's a boy, no pushing to get an epidural, etc.

In the end, despite them saying that I didn't need to be checked regularly if I didn't want to, they sent in a nurse every 30 minutes to do so anyway. They put me on Pitocin, and botched the epidural I ended up getting, giving me 2 weeks of intense epidural headache.

Dr Nau said that my birth plan jinxed me, and that my son needed to be fed formula, which he proceeded to give him. A nurse later on told me I could pump instead. Thanks, Dr Nau, for not suggesting that first.

Also, no one told me I could eat. I thought everything had to be paid for as they gave me a menu with prices. I spent 3 days drinking juice boxes without anyone checking in to see if I was nourishing myself.

When I was still pregnant, I told them I had a slight pain on my side, which I had had a long time before getting pregnant, and they said I needed an ultrasound because it might be an ectopic pregnancy. I said I didn't want to and wanted an alternative. They said there were none. I told them about the blood test that measures hormones. They moaned and said OK. I got it, and they said I was fine. Thanks for not suggesting the blood test.

And finally, I was vitamin D deficient, and no one thought of testing me. I got gestational diabetes, a condition caused in half the cases by a D deficiency, and they didn't even think about it. How about keeping up with the latest research?

In the end, I'm pretty sure that if I had not been set on breastfeeding, it wouldn't have worked, and if I hadn't been set on a vaginal delivery, they would have given me a C section. I am most definitely not giving birth there next time, and will opt for a birth center instead.

If you're into natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and being left alone while you labor, stay away from that hospital. Or, get many people with you to advocate for you, because when you're in labor, you definitely won't be in the right mindset to be your own lawyer.