Albany Area Hospital

Pros

• The staff are friendly and efficient, delivering quick, smooth service with very little wait time.
• The clinic is clean and handicapped accessible, with accessible parking, bathrooms, and doorways.
• The doctors, PAs, and staff are genuinely concerned, listen well, and explain things clearly.
• Dr. Nate (Nathan) Brever is described as one of the best doctors the patient has ever had.
• The receptionists know patients by name and are very personable.
• Dr. Libby Brever is attentive, caring, and proactive in researching answers, going above and beyond for the family.

Cons

• The front desk receptionists were talking extremely loud, causing disturbances and making the experience uncomfortable.

Review

The collection of reviews paints a picture of a clinic that many patients have come to rely on for both practical and personal reasons. A central thread running through most of the notes is gratitude for a friendly, efficient, and attentive team that makes visits feel manageable and even reassuring. At the same time, there is a single note of concern about the reception area, where one reviewer described the front desk staff as speaking at an unusually high volume during a visit, which created an uncomfortable moment. Taken together, the experiences suggest a clinic that generally excels in care and service, while recognizing that a comfortable environment in every moment is essential to every patient.

Several reviewers highlight how smoothly the clinic operates in terms of logistics and throughput. The staff are described as friendly and efficient, with testing and other procedures completed quickly. There is a sense that patients do not spend long waiting times in the lobby or in exam rooms, and the overall flow of appointments is appreciated. This efficiency appears to be a real strength, allowing patients to move through testing and consultations with minimal friction. In a setting where time is often a concern, such responsiveness stands out as a meaningful benefit for families and individuals who may be juggling multiple responsibilities.

Cleanliness and accessibility come up as important, consistent positives in the feedback. The facility is described as clean, with parking, bathrooms, and doorways that accommodate handicapped access. For patients who rely on ease of movement and a welcoming environment, these details matter as much as the medical care itself. The emphasis on a well-maintained space helps reinforce trust, signaling that the clinic takes patient comfort seriously from the moment they arrive.

A recurring theme across several reviews is the impression of long-term care and solid relationships with the clinicians. One patient notes being impressed during a first visit last fall and continuing to come back since, to the point of offering a strong recommendation to others. This sense of continuity - visiting the same providers over time and witnessing a growing familiarity - appears to contribute to a sense of security and reliability. When patients feel that a clinic is a stable, dependable partner in their health, it naturally strengthens their enthusiasm for returning and recommending the practice to friends and family.

The medical team itself receives high praise, with particular attention given to the doctors, physician assistants, and the overall staff. Reviewers emphasize that the clinicians are genuinely concerned about patients' well-being, take the time to listen, and explain medical information clearly. In one vein, Dr. Nate Brever is singled out as a physician who has earned the trust of patients over many years, described as among the best doctors they have ever had. This kind of endorsement suggests a physician who not only provides medical expertise but also fosters a sense of partnership and reassurance in daily health management.

Personal connections with the staff are also a standout feature for many patients. The receptionists are noted not only for their friendliness but also for their ability to build a sense of familiarity - knowing patients by name and engaging with them in a personable way. This aspect of care can make routine visits feel more comfortable and less clinical, reinforcing the patient's sense of being valued as an individual rather than just another appointment. When front-desk interactions align with the high caliber of medical care, it reinforces the overall positive impression of the clinic.

Perhaps most striking are the testimonies surrounding Dr. Libby Brever. Reviewers describe her as an attentive and caring physician who listens carefully and shows a genuine commitment to her patients. A key strength highlighted is her willingness to research if she does not have an immediate answer, and her openness to learning new things as part of the patient's care. The accounts describe her as going above and beyond in coordinating care - whether through researching, sending referrals, or collaborating with families to find answers. For families dealing with diagnoses or complex concerns, her approach is portrayed as especially meaningful, with one reviewer noting a 30-minute drive to see her as more than worthwhile given the quality of care received.

Overall, the experiences shared paint a portrait of a clinic that many patients hold in high regard for its combination of practical efficiency, clean and accessible facilities, and a compassionate, patient-centered medical staff. While there is a valid reminder from one reviewer to maintain a calm and quieter front desk environment, the prevailing sentiment is one of trust, respect, and appreciation for clinicians who listen, explain, and actively engage in finding the best possible outcomes for their patients. The consistent praise for the Brevers and the rest of the team underscores a community resource that patients value highly and continue to rely on for ongoing health needs.

Albany, Minnesota is a quaint and peaceful town with a variety of amenities to offer for senior living. With multiple healthcare facilities such as Albany Medical Center and Centra Care Health nearby, you can rest assured knowing that top-notch medical care is easily accessible. In addition, there are several pharmacies in the area including Albany Apothecary and CVS Pharmacy. For recreational activities, there are parks like Spring Hill County Park and Melrose Jaycee Community Park where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. There are also plenty of dining options ranging from American to Mexican cuisine at restaurants like Barbacoa American & Mexican Food and Hillcrest Family Restaurant. With places of worship like St Benedict's Church and Harvest Church of the Assemblies nearby, you can continue practicing your faith in a welcoming community. Overall, Albany offers a peaceful and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in a charming small town setting.

Physicians

• Albany Medical Center (0 miles)
• Centra Care Health Albany (0.1 miles)
• Russell Eyecare & Associates (13.1 miles)
• Cold Spring Eye Clinic (14.3 miles)
• Christopher J Wenner MD (14.3 miles)
• Chain of Lakes Medical Clinic (14.5 miles)
• Central Minnesota Retina Specialists (17 miles)

Hospitals

• Albany Area Hospital (0 miles)
• Community Health Network (0.1 miles)
• Pine Villa Nursing Home (12.6 miles)
• Centracare Clinic (12.6 miles)
• Centracare Health System - Melrose Hospital (12.7 miles)
• G-Allen's Properties (13.3 miles)
• Cold Spring Medical Clinic (14 miles)

Parks

• North Park Jaycee Shelter (0.1 miles)
• Holy Family School Playground (0.8 miles)
• Spring Hill County Park (12.6 miles)
• Melrose Jaycee Community Park (12.6 miles)
• Creekview Park (16 miles)

Restaurants

• Barbacoa American & Mexican Food (0.6 miles)
• Shady's Hometown Tavern and Event Center (0.6 miles)
• Albany Home Bakery (0.6 miles)
• Dons I-94 Convenience Store (0.8 miles)
• Hillcrest Family Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Fisher's Club (5.7 miles)
• Shady's (9.1 miles)

Cafes

• Cornerstone Deli & Market (0.6 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (0.6 miles)
• Avon Cabin Cafe (6 miles)
• Charlie's Cafe (6.2 miles)
• BoHo Cafe (8.3 miles)
• True North Marketplace (11.9 miles)
• Gorecki Dining and Conference Center (13 miles)

Pharmacies

• Albany Apothecary (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Melrose Pharmacy (12.6 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (12.7 miles)
• Coborn s Pharmacy (13.9 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (14.3 miles)
• Walgreens (16.4 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1 miles)
• U-Haul (1.1 miles)
• Holiday Inn Executive Express Shuttle (14.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Benedict's Church (5.9 miles)
• Avon Montessori School (5.9 miles)
• Harvest Church of the Assemblies (6.5 miles)
• Reach Up Hd St 7-St Marys (7.7 miles)
• St Francis Church Basement (8.5 miles)
• Immaculate Conception Rectory (9 miles)
• Church of Immaculate Conception (9 miles)

Theaters

• Parkwood Cinema Waite Park, Mn (16.9 miles)