The Best 12 MEDICAL SERVICES near Santa Cruz, CA (Part 3)

Tom McDonnell I was a patient at Dominican three times for two different issues in roughly a month — from the end of September through early November. I know that the doctors, nurses and technicians saved my life twice. From the caring, skillful treatment in the ER, to the OR, to post-op recovery, everyone performed their tasks skillfully with kindness. I especially want to highlight the nurse in recovery who had to deal with my several post-op issues and got me through a few concerning moments. Almost 4 months later, I’m doing great!

Kathy Werle Poorest care I can imagine. Went the post fall for sciatica: I could not transfer, stand, or walk even with aids. Could hear bones I knew were broken in my sacrum rubbing together when I tried to move. Was medicated for pain in the ER and was really out of it. Waited on a gurney in a hallway where many were coughing and hacking, and was not offered a mask so I kept the blankets over my face. A CT with contrast was ordered, not the MRI I would expect for sciatica, and was told I could go home. Drugged, I figured I couldn’t be any more miserable at home than I was there. I asked for muscle relaxants because I started having spasms in both my butt and low abdomen. Two nurses had to lift me onto a w/c and commode at 7:30 am and when I got out there was another patient in my bed. I hadn’t even called to wake up the neighbor who said she could pick me up and had hoped to get at least a brief sleep before being unceremoniously dumped into a waiting room. When my neighbor arrived there was no one to assist me into the car so Claire had to lift me alone and set me down across the back seat. I had one Rx for muscle spasms, nothing for pain, no Medrol pack.I lost significant muscle mass and strength over the next two weeks so my daughter from San Diego flew me there where I finally got an MRI and Medrol pack. I am not part of the Sharp medical system yet saw three different doctors until I could stand to transfer three weeks later and walk with a walker a week after that. Was the ER unusually understaffed? Why didn’t someone divert the ambulance if there wasn’t even assess me? My discharge note said clearly that two people were required to transfer me, yet they sent me home to our trailer in the mountains to be cared for by my 80 year old, blind husband. I have fired hospital staff and dismissed nursing students for far less grievous behavior. I don’t intend to return to your hospital-ever. This visit cost me over two weeks of lying in a reclining chair with constant pain. Apparently the teledoc I saw the following week hadn’t heard of Medrol packs because when I specifically asked for prednisone to deal with the sciatica, now in both buttocks and right leg, she elected without discussion to order a 5-day lower dose course, and it didn’t work.

Joy Rush I’ve been through a course of infusions and presently starting another. In all my visits, there was unprecedented kindness, helpfulness, compassion and concern. They’re responsive and caring in every step of the process. Their concern for my comfort was laudable even on busy days. I have nothing but appreciation for their skill and dedication to patient care.

Steve Hungerford absolutely one of the worst and least compassionate places your loved one can end up. They even make up lies in the medial records that can hurt your loved one from receiving the proper evaluation and care they may benefit from. They never answer their phone. Beware of Amanda Bryner.

Richard Bergman Dr. Hohn and his staff are an exceptional team. Doctor is very informative and showed genuine concern regarding my pain. His assessment of my issue was spot on and my surgery went very smoothly. I highly recommend Dr. Hohn and his support team.

Roxy Montana Informative and easy to work with. I was very hesitant and he assured me he had a lot of experience with my issue. Surgery went well and the follow up was professional. Over a year now and all is well, except now my other arm hurts!

Carol Jensen Dr Thaker is kind and compassionate. He is thoughtful, and well respected by the other professionals with whom he works. I have survived colon cancer, and consequently have a difficult colon to navigate. I trust him completely.

Alan Sinclair Very helpful specialist! Helped me a lot

Jennifer Bailey Dr. was not able to give me much time from the minute we started. I was uneasy about the diagnosis since he made it so quickly so I wanted to clarify by asking how he determined this so quickly. I think he is probably done this for several years however a little more patient centered care would have been nice so I left more confident in the diagnosis he provided.

Ken Strickling Dr. Welle always shoots straight. Sometimes not what I want to hear. He knows what can and what cannot be done. He is a true gem as a family man. You see it on all his walls as well as I see it on the Physician"s I have surrounded my self with. He does his best to relieve my pain and shows concern. I appreciate his dedication to family and practice. He did my shoulder (right) in 2020. Best shoulder surgery Ive ever had. Thank you Dr. Welle. Hope my knee gets better with your teatment.

Eden V Dr. lim is a good Dr.she help me what I ask for her.

Benjamin Idini I have been trying to obtain primary care from this institution since early December, 2022. They gave me an appointment for mid February, but they cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. They are now offering me a new appointment for May, 2023. Six months of wait to access primary care seems excessive. Is this the norm for this place?

Laurie Smith I am so sick of the lack of responsiveness and high prices of this group. I hate that they have such a monopoly in Santa Cruz. I have raging cystitis and have not been able to get my prescription refilled or had an opportunity to talk with an advice nurse, after being told that I would be called back yesterday. GRRRRRR. And as an HSA holder, I can NEVER get a quote on what a service may cost. Even when I call billing. they cant tell me what things will cost. What a mess.

Donna Hall My daughter entered into Elevate Addiction Services and I was told this was a medical detox. Yes and No. On her second day when she was in a lot of pain and sick, they transported her to Dr. Steins office, 30 minutes away. Shes only "seen" him once and he never contacted her regular or pain medicine doctors. A nurse visits the facility twice a week. Shes been there over a month now. Beginning to wonder if this is just a cash cow for him.

Katy mc Dowell Dr Stein is an excellent doctor! My patients use him and we’ve been working with them for the past 10 years I highly recommend him. He’s very good with people struggling with anxiety depression and addiction. He’s been the Medical Director over lots of treatment facilities and hospitals for over 30 years and has a lot of experience and proven track record. I refer people that I think would benefit from his services all the time and have received very positive feedback and good results. Katy McDowell Positive Progression Inc.

Jason Morvay Dr Ciara Harraher performed a Microdiscectomy on me for a herniated disc in March of 2021 and there was instant relief after what was 30 days of unbearable pain radiating from my r-glute to my toes. Initially my primary care physician thought the pain was caused by sciatica, which has similar symptoms, but once I determined physical therapy wasnt improving my situation, he referred me to Dr Harraher who identified the problem, provided the best solution, and her team got me in for her to do surgery almost immediately. I went into Dominicans Surgery Center an absolute mess and walked out of there a new person! I cant give Dr Harraher enough kudos on her bedside manor, her staffs attentiveness, and the fantastic results from my microdiscectomy. Im in my 7th week of physical therapy at Precision and my painless recovery is absolutely awesome! I was super active prior to the herniated disc but had to completely stop because of pain. Additionally, I was only sleeping about 3 hours per night on average and after a month of lack of sleep and no physical activity I was a shell of a person. Now Im in a great mood, Im sleeping 7 hours a night, and back to living life to post herniated disc, pain free... riding my bike again, taking long walks, and performing all my normal activities effortlessly, plus Im way more fun to be around for my family! Thanks so much Dr Harraher, Viana, and Megan! Life is wonderful again!!!

Leslie Ryan I was going through one of the worst times of my life with the pain I was experiencing from a severely herniated disc, truly unable to function. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Harraher, Vania, and all of their staff by being so understanding, their communication and information, and how quickly I was able to get in for surgery. I felt immediate relief waking up from the anesthesia after the surgery and have had no issues whatsoever since. I appreciate the professionalism and efficiency that their office provides and although probably was not the easiest patient during that time, I always felt supported and cared for.

Sarah Fletcher Great experience - considering that colonoscopy prep/procedures are not “fun.” All staff onsite from the front desk to the nurses and doctor were super kind, professional, quick yet thorough, and explained things extremely well. I was nervous, being my first time, and they made me feel as comfortable as one can be.

Taylor Buck Was referred to this office by my doctor to be seen for ongoing issue Ive been dealing with causing me to not be able to walk or work, was told I would be contacted within a week of the referral, was never contacted, I called them and told them i needed an emergency appointment to be scheduled and was told they need my insurance information, so I gathered that together and tried calling back and got no answer, I left a voice-mail asking to be called back as soon as possible and never got a call back! I tried calling multiple times to get no answer and to be told my "call cant be completed cause party is busy" and not able to leave another voicemail, I called the office today, over a week after my initial call and voice-mail and 3-4 days after I last tried calling and was met with an immediate attitude by the receptionist and told my issue isnt something they take seriously and that they wouldnt have any openings to see me for 3-4 weeks and it has already been 3 weeks since I saw my doctor and was told I would get referred! This office does not care about patients and only cares when patients have money and willing to pay top dollar for visit! Do not go to this office or schedule an appointment unless your willing to have your pain not taken seriously and your health and well being valued! Will be filing a major complaint for malpractice due to negligence and lack of care about patients physical well being!

Liza Veglia The Doctors and Nursing staff have taken very good care of me and have gone out of their way to help. The receptionists are very nice and proficient and the check in process is a breeze. I never have to wait long for my appointment or my doctor and nurses. This facility is way better than so many of the Private Practice doctors in this county. Thank you!!!

Lisa M No judgement here, just a marketing/branding opinion. When you open the web site for Santa Cruz Mental Health, the photo is less than flattering. I feel any photo representing your agency and its services should represent a more positive image than the people chosen as your only photograph. It would be more acceptable in my opinion to have a more generic photo promoting success from your services. These two look very sad and down on their luck, rather than Jane or Joe Average needing mental health services.

local user. I’ve delayed receiving medical treatment for months after being rejected by doctors on duty’s in Santa Cruz, I went in this morning from what I thought to be was a rash on my wrist. I had no insurance card and the 2 ladies at the front desk were very helpful and still managed to get me in with just the member # and my basic information. Not with just me but with everyone they handled and welcomed. Lainey (?) the nurse with the light purple scrubs and hair tie was so sweet and approachable. her attitude is what everyone needs in a work place. I didn’t catch the lady doctors name but she was nice and super patient listening to my concerns. it REALLY means a lot to come to the doctors on your day off and to be taken seriously and even was prescribed a cream for possibly ringworm. I saw on sign they were at capacity and came just after 10, I really appreciate everyone’s time. Everyone working Friday morning (10-11am) thank you so much your attitude and the workspace you’ve guys made doesn’t go unnoticed.

David Thomas So this might be the worst redi care clinic ever.my better half has been here several times -like most good people we attempt to avoid the ER so true emergencies in our area can be addressed. She went here seeking treatment was delayed by literally two days- after to days they stated they were unable to take anthem ins - mind you in the past this was never a issue- and there have been no changes to the plan- the staff were rude and in no way attempted to help. My employer confirmed that the ins was good at any ready care or er in the country- the staff basically told us to leave and had no intent to even help- I’ve been a paramedic for over 35 years and this is some worst customer service I have experienced- if you don’t want to help sick or injured people go find a new job….