Mercy Ruan Neuroscience Center Reviews

Back in December, the MercyOne hospital referred me here after I had sudden vision changes and loss. I never write reviews for doctors, but Dr. Mark Puricelli (the neurologist I saw) is a danger to patients. He knew my entire med list but proceeded to prescribe me with a medication that has a severe interaction with three of my medications. It took an appointment with another medical professional for me to figure this out...after I had already been experiencing side effects from this interaction for weeks. When I told the office what Puricelli did, Puricelli denied that the medication had any interactions with my meds, and he even got his neurologist peers at Ruan to gaslight me even further by lying and claiming the med doesn t have any interactions! However, I contacted the medication manufacturer who said the medication has severe interactions with THREE of my daily medications. I also had two pharmacists and another medical professional outside of Ruan to confirm that the medication Puricelli prescribed has interactions with my meds. After figuring all this out, I called Elizabeth, the office manager of Ruan Neurology. But when I informed her what Puricelli did and how he lied and endangered my life, she gave me a passive response saying well I m not a doctor so I don t know who s right or wrong, so I can t do anything about it. Uh.... Elizabeth if you re reading this, you could set up an external review of your doctors so they can STOP endangering patients lives. Ruan Neurology has done nothing to keep it s patients safe. Seriously avoid this place at all costs!

[As a side note, when I saw Puricelli in December he told me my vision loss/blurry vision was from migraines because of my history with migraines. But I told my new neurologist (who is at a different facility) of Puricelli s diagnosis, he said that my type of migraines would not and could not suddenly cause the intermittent vision loss I ve been suffering from. So not only is Puricelli a lying doctor who carelessly prescribes dangerous medication combinations, he also can t diagnosis concerning symptoms.]

So true, that is why I go my regular internist now and get my medication. I liked a couple of the PAs which where there a few years ago but when they left...I pretty much left...no bedside manner...no nothing...I am a person not a robot or a number so treat me as such. And sadly enough, they are about the only neurologists around the area unless you want to go out of town.

1 star is too good for these guys! Absolutely do not listen to needs or concerns, on phone and in appt if they are voiced you will immediately be rushed out

The staff is rude and when i first started going to them the dr belittled me saying until i had an updated test showing i was having seizures i was only having staring spells. I have to call to get my test results as a few days turns into a week or more if i dont. When i tell the receptionist that i was supposed to have received my results awhile ago she tells me to have a nice day and hangs up on me saying they are busy.

The office staff was great, and Dr. Hughes was kind, listened to my input and treated me with utmost respect. Would highly recommend.

The office staff is horribly rude and the nurses are absolute Nazis. A clinic in the middle of Zimbabwe would be better than going here.
Run as fast as you can away from this place. I would give it zero stars if I could. May you all burn in hell for the mistreatment of people who desperately need help.

Excellent, specialist care. I literally would not go anywhere else; I drive from Minnesota for my bi-yearly appointments. I am not sure what other reviewers have experienced, but I have received expert care. Dr. Hughes is very caring, never seems rushed and ensures any questions that I may have are answered.

This place is a joke. Anne Lewis, you ought to have your license revoked.

The most pathetic patient treatment I've ever experianced.took a month for my apt than they forgot a test till I got home than realized the mix up. Took me 3 wks of begging for just a return call about my tests and finally 4 wks later after several calls somebody called me only to find out they can't find the results of one of the tests.I was promised a call in 3 days but 2 wks later finally got a message so I called back and they were supposed to call me after lunch.nothing at 4 pm so I called AGAIN to get put on hold for 30 min. I hung up and called again only to be told they have gone home for the day..are you fricken kiddin me..13,000 dollors later sitting on the edge of my seat how these inportant tests come out nobody there gives a damm..the worst treatment from professionals I've ever seen but they didn't mind being in a big fat hurry to get there money which was paid to them wks ago..I whould never never go back to them and bet your butt I'm reporting this.. they haven't helped me one bit except cost me loads of money and worry with no answers..the doctor was great but the whole damm staff nurses and all are the worse I've ever seen

Horrible staff, watched them treat patients rudely for an hour and a half while trying to serve this office a routine Subpoena for records (every other hospital, clinic, etc. allows staff to accept, this office has always just chosen to be difficult and evasive). Had to get Administration and Risk Management involved, for the 2nd time in 2 years, to conduct normal business. This office needs some serious risk management attention.

I ve been here before had no issues getting an appointment made. I ve been trying to get in for a month now and no one calls you back. Really unprofessional especially since I see them for migraines. Will be looking for a new neurologist

Usually 5-15 minute wait beyond appointment time. Other than that I have had nothing but positive experiences here. Mercy is not my favorite hospital, not in the least! but Dr Hughes and his medical staff are the exception to the rule for me. If it weren't for them I would have chosen a different neurologist and team. Dr Hughes is very thorough and willing to take the time to talk with me about my MS and he never so much as glances at his watch. Well except if he decides to check my pulse or heart rate. (that may well be why I wait that 5-15 extra minutes. From the research I've done he is an unparalleled Doctor of Neurology especially for Multiple Sclerosis, and he is constantly working to gather more talented staff. Like his new Nurse Practitioner Ann Lewis. She is like the sister I never had in her interpersonal communications charm wit intelligence and has a very broad foundation of knowledge supporting her MS care.

Cannot Recommend Mercy One- Ruan Neurology--
Our experience with staff, RN's, PA's and at least one physician here has been less than satisfactory. A family member was seen in early , 2020 following a major brain event. At First meeting the neurologist appeared preoccupied. Spent very little time and prescribed an anti-seizure medication that resulted in horrific side effects. Getting a follow-up meeting to discuss the matter was difficult but an appointment was confirmed with the treating doc for several weeks away, in spite of what was described to staff as being "urgent". When the appointment date arrived we were greeted by a PA as opposed to the physician. When asked why, we were told that if we wanted to reschedule with the physician, they would reschedule for another date 2 months out.
However, the bigger issue is that as time went by information shared by triage nurse(s)and other medical professional staffers at RUAN Neurology is, and has been contradictory---YES, contradictory so much so we suspect that one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. Medications are being prescribed (5 in total) with no positive change to date while Issues with our family member remain and have even escalated. Important questions posed to medical staffers seem to be met with apathy.

Our concerns were brought to the attention of the MERCY -ONE patient advocate and we received no call back.
Our sentiment is that our loved one has been treated with careless disregard. We cannot speak for all the physicians and staff here and we're quite sure that this clinic employs some staffers that care, however Our experience with Ruan Neurology has been unsatisfactory; lacking in so many ways. That said, We cannot recommend and will encourage readers to think twice before making an appointment here.

I have never been one to take the time out of my day to rate anything, but I want to advise future patients what they are walking into. I waited 3 months to be seen for my crippling migranes, when I was finally seen by Dr. Puricelli , he stayed in the room no longer than 5 minutes. During this time he prescribed me over 5 different medications without fully explaning their purposes to me. He was not friendly and did not smile. I almost felt as if I was being interogated. When I called to request a transfer of doctor I was denied. I believe anyone especially a woman should be able to transfer to another doctor including a female doctor if that makes them feel more comfortable. Now I have to wait another 3 months to get in to see another neurlogist at a location 2 hours from my home. This clinic failed me and I do not recomend going here. God bless- I hope anyone reading this reveiw finds a nuturing clinic

Super rude and nonexplaining. Been here for two and 1/2 years now and no luck or answers, also still having seizures and they have done nothing.

I was ten minutes late for appointment after 30 minutes of driving trying to find the place which was on 3rd and not 6th a nurse told me I needed to be 30 minutes early to check in . I guess the online check in isn't good enough mercy needs to correct the address on their website and emails how does anyone find the place without having to call and get directions

What a nice doctor!!! Listened to what I had to say and answered my questions. Didn't brush me off like nothing was wrong. I would recommend him!!

It is unsurprising that this place has such bad reviews. I was referred here by my family physician for a very important matter. My doc had warned me that it could take up to a month before they would see me, so I was prepared to wait. However, Ruan Neurology turned out to be much worse than that.

I proactively followed up with them after 3 weeks, and then again after 5 weeks. The first time I called the I was told that my file was simply sitting there because someone in their office did not "code it correctly". Then, at 5 weeks I was told they are waiting on a Neurologist to decide whether he/she wants to see me.

It has now been over 2 months since I was referred to MercyOne/Ruan Neurology. They have provided no update.

It appears that treating people who are in need of treatment is a foreign concept to these people.

Rude! Staff verbally discipline other staff in front of patients. The Doctor I saw wouldn't acknowledge what I had to offer about my health history and wouldn't answer me when I asked about the labs he was ordering and what he was looking for, just flat out ignored my questions and showed me the way to the checkout so I gladly left. Then I read where he documented in my record that we agreed on a plan of care which was blatantly one sided, not a mutual agreement. Waste of my time and insurance benefits.

I owe everything to Dr Friedgood and Dr Hughes and also their staff. They are always willing to talk to me on the phone if I'm having problems Dr Freidgood always gets back to me he takes time to talk to me and let's me ask questions. He has the greatest nurse (Brenda) too when I leave a message she always calls me back. I never feel rushed at my appointment and everyone in the office are polite and caring. I had a bladder infection and he had me go to our local hospital for tests. He called me to let me know the results started me on antibiotics right away. Then I had an appointment with him he could tell I wasn't feeling well but wanted to see for himself it's so great to have a dr that truly cares. I can't say enough about the care I've received so happy with Mercy Ruan Neurology Clinic. Thank you so much!!

Been going here for close to 9 years and NEVER had a bad experience. Absolutely wouldn t go anywhere else for care of my migraines. Dr Schmolck is personable, and always takes time to listen to my concerns. I ve had such a huge improvement with the maintenance of my migraines since seeing her and her PA Jacqueline. Worth the wait to get in with them! Plan on scheduling out though. It s always hard to get in with good specialists! Common sense tells you that!

Was not impressed with the Dr. and he was quite rude! Their supposed to be professionals??

Anywhere is better than this place. The nurses were joking about patients like nobody could hear them, one being about me not registered properly, and then acted extremely nervous about the doctors reaction to results from a test. Worst of all Dr.Purchelli acted as though he was under the influence of alcohol or some retardant substance. Didn't listen, or say anything audible, and then dug a needle around like a I was a voodoo doll. I wanted to cry and then Chuck Norris him in the face. Anywhere else or would rather just suffer.

Spent over an hour waiting on the phone before I finally gave up. But they have plenty of time to call me ten times during the day to tell me they need more information but when I call them back they have no time for me. The message that plays when I'm on hold says I can leave a message, but when I select that option it says the voicemail is full. HA! What a laugh. They should just play the rickroll song when you select that option.
Good grief. Not even worth my time trying to get an appointment here I can tell.

Extremely extremely poor manners. Does not listen at all, hands down the worst doctor I have ever had and I lived in Albania for two years. The office is --impossible-- to get ahold of. I have to literally take part of the afternoon off from work in order to make a simple call. I wish to god I had another option.

If I could give 0 out of 5 stars I would. I ve been experiencing painful headaches/ migraines over the last couple of months which were getting progressively worse and so I was referred to a neurologist by my primary doctor. My doctor informed me that a neurologist from Ruan would contact me within a week to schedule for me to go in and speak with them. Two weeks goes by and I never hear from them so I call for myself. After being on hold for 25 minutes my call was finally answered and they scheduled me to come in for an appointment to speak with a neurologist about my issues. When I go in I was greeted by a front desk associate and was informed that a nurse would be out in a few minutes to come and get me. I waited for 30 minutes before someone finally came and got me to go in and see the neurologist. While I was in the room speaking with the doctor I was asked a lot of questions which is absolutely fine. However, every time I answered one of his questions he was short and annoyed by my answers and didn t like what I had to say even though I was answering all of his questions clearly and honestly. He was very rude and pushy. Then when he was done with his exam with me I went to check out to schedule my MRI. The lady at the check out station informed me that someone would call me to schedule my MRI within the next couple of days. A week goes by and I don t hear from anyone so I once again call for myself. I get my MRI scheduled within that same week. The day of my MRI I m told that I would only have to wait a couple of minutes before I had to go in but I ended up waiting 45 minutes. After going in and getting my MRI done I m told yet again that someone would call me with my results. They said they would let me know later that day or that following Monday.. 5 days goes by as I m reckless waiting to hear from someone about my results and still NO CALL. I call them in the morning and a nurse tells me that someone would call me back that same day after reviewing my results.. 7 hours go by and I still don t receive a call... I finally call them AGAIN and the nurse sounded unsure and uninformed about my results.. the whole experience with them was unorganized and stressful and I wouldn t recommend them. Go elsewhere if you can!!!

This place is exactly why no one uses neurology in Des Moines. You call, leave a message, they never call back. You do this over and over again. You can t even see the neurologist you were forced to see in the ER/ICU who originally put you on a certain medicine. So then you meet with someone who has to completely reread your story and still doesn t even have it right. This city is too big to have such a poor neurology field of doctors.

Called three days in a row to get some help with my migraines. Got a call back once, but I missed the call. I sent a message on the online help line, and I had somebody call me two hours later upset because her manager had seen my message. I don't need that.

Great experience - I personally would recommend Ruan Clinic. Great personal touch. Thank you!

Yeah they were absolutely horrendously rude, I was LITERALLY 10 minutes late, and they refused to give me care. I can't believe how much disrespect and lack of caring for my well-being, that they showed me!

My first appointment after a stroke, I arrived on time to my appointment and waited for over an hour to see the doctor. I was supposed to get a shot 1x per month for migraines, the nurse was supposed to order this, 3 months later and STILL NO SHOT! Thank goodness they are SO concerned with their patients health and well being. Fast forward to today at my follow up appointment and I arrived 4 minutes late (due to others on the elevator stopping) and the receptionist is stating the doctor might NOT see me because he has other appointments and I was late. This office clearly does not care about their patients nor have any regard to anyone other than themselves. In search of a new Neurologist!

Dr. Schmolk and her PA Ann are knowledgable and kind, and I'm happy with my care, but the staff and office policies are horrible. I've been turned away for being ten minutes late, showed up to learn they cancelled my appointment without informing me, and have spent hours trying to get ahold of people on the phone, only for them to miscommunicate my or the doctor's message. Getting treatments like nerve blocks and botox are either very easy (done in fifteen minutes) or take months of back and forth on the phone with the office, the pharmacy, and insurance. In general, their communication is truly the worst I've ever experienced, especially compared to my other doctors that make time to speak with me personally on the phone. I've also had nurses demean me over the phone suggesting I get therapy because my months-long, treatment resistant, intractable migraines must be "stress from school"--uh, no. I'm stressed about school because I'm in constant pain!--and refuse to let me hang up until I promise to find a therapist (even though I already had one, anyway!). Nurses shouldn't be giving medical advice that isn't from a doctor, and should know better than to insinuate their patients' pain is psychosomatic just because they can't figure out how to treat it.

Beautiful building, inside and out, great doctors and staff, decent parking but don't go thru the skywalk, take the stairs to ground level and use sidewalk to enter the buildings east entrance

Want the worst care and to only be treated like a number and not a human being? Well this is the place for you! I was supposed to start a new treatment for chronic migraines I've had 10+ years earlier this year. Couldn't get anyone to call me back. So ball got dropped on that. Now many months later with seizures have been waiting for a call back from a nurse for a week and when I finally call her to ask about my question there is still no answer. Doctors/ Nurses do not care anymore period. Neurologists in Des Moines are a joke. You are only a paycheck for them.

* Since a post on here the same day as mine had to undermine something I said...yes I am speaking on all staff when I say they don't care here. I have been here many times, and don't need a pompous poster to tell me how to feel.

Worst MD, and DO I have ever experienced!! Came to this facility to get a MD to sign off and continue my IVIG treatments for CIDP diagnosed by a Neurologist from another state. The DO without an EMG, spinal tap, CT scan or MRI, called my Neurologist a quack, and stated I was faking CIDP!! Even though my Neurologist sent him copies of three EMG s, two MRI s and a CT scan showing significant neurological damage. I have had C3 thru C6 spinal fusion, and have spinal compressions and bulging disks in my lower back as well, if the staff would have reviewed the records sent by my Neurologist. Never, ever go to this place for treatment they give MD s a bad name.