St. Luke's McCall Medical Center — Local services in McCall

I was treated at St.Luke’s ED for appendicitis. The ED staff was fine. I felt I was heard and treated appropriately just a lot of waiting. My complaint is related to my emergency surgery that followed. 1- when it was discovered I had appendicitis, rather than allowing for discussion of options, I was informed of the only next step - surgery. This was concerning because I am a mother of five little kids and we were headed back to Utah the next morning (8hr drive). My husband simply wanted to better understand if the condition was severe enough that we could not receive medical treatment as soon as we got home to Utah knowing traveling would be very difficult. There was no options for discussion. It was perceived as though we were questioning the surgeon’s ability rather than what was the best option for me as the patient. 2- the surgical staff was fantastic! My nurse was unbelievable and Amy the surgeon was very thorough etc. 3- the anesthesiologist was a different story. While discussion anesthesia history, he was great, but when “the lights went out” not great. I woke up with a huge fat lip and the inside of my lip was all torn up. I’ve never thrown up so many times as I did following this procedure and I’ve had many procedures requiring anesthesia. Before the procedure, he mentioned prescribing an anti-nausea that never happened. In the end, it felt a little bit like they were bill happy. They did mentioned my appendix was inflamed but not at a concerning rate and I wonder why I couldn’t wait one day to drive home and have it managed at home so I could rest appropriately. Additionally, the experience with the anesthesiologist overall was not good. I’m still within 48hrs of my procedure and still experiencing vomiting from anesthetic. That’s never happened to me before. I’m not taking any of the pain meds because they prescribed a narco (I think that’s what it’s called) and it causes extreme nausea and fatigue. A mother of five, even with a surgical procedure, must function a little better than with those side effects. I’ve simply been using ibuprofen, which not great but better than more vomiting on top of working the anesthesia out of my system. Maybe I’m spoiled in Utah. I have incredible providers and an incredible healthcare system. Patient options and satisfaction is a top concern, there is simply room for improvement in a lot of...

I had a fall off my bike. Ended up fracturing my hip and needed surgery. The woman who met me at my car was outstanding. She assessed the situation and went right to work. I went straight to a room in the ER. After x-rays it was determined I needed surgery. Dr. Levine was my orthopedic surgeon. He was outstanding. People come from Boise and out of state for his services! We heard about him before my accident. The nurses are excellent with the best bedside manner. Sissy, took my food orders and served me my delicious meals or many cups of hot tea with a smile on her face. Summer was my PT - another outstanding professional. I wish I could name all my nurses. Everyone of them are excellent Professionals. Everyone is so happy on staff because they told me they really like where they work. The hospital administer even dropped by to chat. A gentleman, with a nice family who is so pleased to be in McCall and at St. Luke's. They are in the middle of planning a new building. I hope all goes well and people support this plan. We need a great hospital in our area! (Great after care, too. Excellent home health PT - Bill, Cindy, Summer!!!! Bill Stahlberg orthopedic P.A. at Dr. Levine's office is incredible. Jody in the office is a...

My husband had to go due to kidney stones. I have no complaints with the care he received, but the cost was absolutely ridiculous! His CT Scan was $2800. The thing that really irritated me is that we had two pharmacy charges that totaled almost $200. In the scheme of things, that isn't very much, but they were for medicines that we didn't need or want. One was for Oxycodone. My husband told the nurse he wasn't going to take it, but she still put a couple of the pills in the bag. She also gave him a pill that he had a prescription for. The prescription cost us $3 for the full prescription. The one pill was $54. He didn't need the pill in the hospital. He could have taken it once the prescription was filled. We were not told the cost of the medications, and when I called to dispute the charges, I was told that they are not obligated to tell us the cost, and we are responsible for the charges, even the Oxycodone, which my husband said he wouldn't take. Apparently we were supposed to take it out of the bag and refuse it in the midst of them going over a ton of stuff and tossing numerous things in a bag. The healthcare system does not look out for the best interest of the patients, they are just trying to make as much money...