Ashton Care Ctr

Pros

• Dr. Savio and her team are amazing; they are caring, empathetic, and never feel rushed during appointments.
• The Avera Hospice group is amazing; they are kind and attentive to families and provide compassionate end-of-life care.
• PCMC is considered one of the best medical facilities, with physicians who genuinely care about patients' health.
• The nursing staff and receptionists are friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled.
• Rachelle Vandegriend is highly recommended as a GP; she takes her time and listens, making patients comfortable.
• PCMC is a top-notch facility with dedicated staff across clinics, specialties, radiology, and labs.
• The hospital's exterior and interior are aesthetically pleasing and well maintained.
• The radiology department and staff are engaging, friendly, and compassionate.

Cons

• The family described the communication as ridiculous, noting no doctor spoke with them for hours and brain scans were only revealed on discharge.
• The mother's blood pressure dangerously dropped to 90/48, signaling poor monitoring.
• The nursing home was unhappy about mom's return due to a lack of answers about her condition.
• Clinic staff reportedly yelled at patients for wasting time and billed them, sometimes not aligning with insurance.
• The ER staff were described as rude and refused a breathing treatment for asthma.
• Pipestone's ER had unmanned intercoms and unanswered phones, making entry and timely care impossible.
• A receptionist allegedly questioned whether a service dog was allowed, indicating ADA knowledge gaps.
• The facility was described as dirty and not up to standard.
• One reviewer felt that anywhere else would be better than this place.

Review

Across Pipestone Medical Center, Avera Hospice, and Pipestone County Medical Center, the experiences described span a wide spectrum from deeply compassionate care to frustratingly poor communication and accessibility. In one family's account, a loved one was admitted from the emergency room with serious symptoms, and what followed felt at times chaotic and opaque: tests were run, plans for brain imaging were discussed, and then, after hours of waiting, the family heard little from the medical team. The patient's discharge came while the family had stepped out for a few minutes, and crucial information about the care plan - like the results of tests or the rationale behind decisions - was only conveyed at discharge. The mom's blood pressure dipped to concerning levels, and her return to the nursing home without clear answers left the family anxious and frustrated about the level of care and coordination. The reviewer wonders if the system's purpose is to serve the unhealthy, lamenting the missed opportunity to communicate while the patient was still under care, and pleading for doctors to be more proactive in guiding families through uncertain recoveries.

Another strong thread in these reviews is the sense of being dismissed or burdened rather than supported. A separate patient recounts a clinic visit that devolved into a confrontation - "took my son to the clinic and got yelled at for wasting their time," followed by an ER trip where the same patient felt blamed for not seeking care sooner, and then charged "thousands for nothing but yelling." The frustration intensifies when, later, the patient seeks care elsewhere and is diagnosed with strep throat for a relatively small fee, feeling that the Pipestone facility did not provide an accurate or timely assessment. The overarching sentiment is that communication failures, perceived indignities, and cost concerns add up to a negative experience that undermines trust in urgent and preventive care.

Amid these challenging experiences, however, many readers highlight deeply positive relationships with specific providers and teams. The sentiment is strong and consistent that certain clinicians and their colleagues are exceptional. Dr. Savio and her team at Pipestone Medical Clinic are described as amazing - caring, empathetic, and never feeling rushed during visits. The Avera Hospice group is repeatedly praised for compassion and attentiveness, especially at a difficult time when a loved one is nearing the end of life. Families express gratitude for the hospice staff's patience and understanding, noting that they never held emotional challenges against the family and that the care feels genuinely heartfelt. For some, these teams are a beacon of humanity in a system that can feel impersonal during crisis.

Support for Pipestone Medical Center's broader ecosystem also comes through in several positive testimonials. One reviewer recommends a GP - Rachelle Vandegriend - because she takes time, listens, and makes patients feel comfortable. The hospital's internal capabilities - MRI in-house, a variety of imaging and diagnostic options, and a broad range of specialty services - are cited as major strengths. The Planet Heart program is highlighted as an example of in-town, in-house resources that reduce the need to travel for certain tests. A radiology rotation during a clinical program stresses that PCMC's staff - radiology, lab, ER, surgery, administration, and volunteers - exhibit high levels of compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for patients. The overall impression is that when care is well-coordinated and clinicians are attentive, Pipestone's facilities can deliver high-quality, comprehensive care close to home.

The ER and front-desk experience recurs as a pain point, however, with several accounts describing barriers that frustrate access to care. One review notes a lack of reliable communication infrastructure in the Pipestone ER: an unmanned intercom and unanswered phones that hinder timely entry for someone in distress. The perception that staff responsiveness is inconsistent - especially when time is of the essence - leaves patients feeling neglected. A separate comment about a service-dog encounter calls for staff education on ADA laws, highlighting a broader need for consistent, respectful treatment across all patient interactions. A few reviewers describe a facility that can feel dirty or poorly maintained at times, underscoring concerns about the environment as part of the care experience. Taken together, these reflections point to a need for stronger administrative systems, better accessibility, and firmer adherence to patient rights.

Despite the contradictions, several passages celebrate positive experiences with specific departments and programs. The appreciation for PCMC's breadth of services remains strong: an in-town option for MRI and multiple subspecialties - ENT, endocrinology, urology, orthopedics - and even in-house diagnostic capabilities that minimize the burden of travel. Families who have welcomed a baby into the world at Pipestone often describe outstanding nursing care and a memorable birth experience, with gratitude for attentive staff who supported breathing and overall well-being in those early hours. Exterior and interior design notes also appear in some reviews, with memories of a hospital environment that felt aesthetically pleasing and calming for patients and families during stressful times.

In sum, the collection of reviews presents a healthcare landscape of high highs and low lows. On one hand, trusted clinicians, compassionate hospice teams, and in-house services create meaningful, life-affirming care experiences for many patients and families. On the other hand, persistent gaps in communication, access, and customer service can distort the experience of care, heightening anxiety and eroding trust at moments when families most need clarity and reassurance. The voices converge on a clear message: the human dimension of care - empathy, timely communication, and genuine listening - plays a pivotal role in healing, especially when illness or end-of-life scenarios are involved. When these elements align with strong clinical skills and robust in-house resources, Pipestone's healthcare facilities shine; when they falter, patients bear the brunt of the frustration and fear that inevitably accompany serious health concerns.

Located in Pipestone, Minnesota, this area offers a range of amenities suitable for senior living. The proximity of Pipestone Hospital and Pipestone County Medical Center ensures quick access to healthcare facilities. Places of worship like Wels and Good Shepherd Ev Lutheran Church-Wels provide spiritual support, while nearby restaurants such as Dari King and Lange's Cafe offer convenient dining options. Parks like Pipestone Park & Recreation and Water Tower Park provide opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Pharmacies like Coborn's and Snyder Drug are easily accessible for medication needs. Additionally, there are cafes like Finnian’s Coffee House for socializing with friends over coffee. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities ideal for seniors looking to settle in a welcoming community.

Hospitals

• Pipestone Hospital (0.1 miles)
• Pipestone County Medical Center (0.1 miles)
• Jasper Clinic (10.4 miles)
• Dagel Farms (18.7 miles)
• Tyler Healthcare Center Avera Health (21.6 miles)
• Tyler Healthcare Center (21.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wels (0.1 miles)
• Good Shepherd Ev Lutheran Church-Wels (0.2 miles)
• Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (0.3 miles)
• Christian Reformed Church (0.3 miles)
• Cornerstone Free Church (0.3 miles)
• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (0.4 miles)
• First Lutheran Church (0.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Dari King (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Hatfield Roadhouse (0.8 miles)
• Lange's Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Los Tulipanes (1.3 miles)
• Villager Restaurant (1.3 miles)
• Staci's Bar & Grill (11.1 miles)

Transportation

• Burlington Northern Railroad (0.3 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.4 miles)
• Second Nature Taxidermy (11.9 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (21.7 miles)

Physicians

• Dr. Paul Henriksen (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Pipestone Park & Recreation (0.7 miles)
• Water Tower Park (1 miles)
• Leon H Moore Park (1 miles)
• Pipestone Indian Shrine Association (1.3 miles)
• Pipestone National Monument (1.3 miles)
• Split Rock Creek State Park (10.5 miles)
• Edgerton City Park (12.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Coborn's (0.7 miles)
• Snyder Drug (0.7 miles)
• Lewis Drug (14.1 miles)

Cafes

• Finnian’s Coffee House (1 miles)
• Legacy Bistro (18.7 miles)
• Annies Coffeehouse & Wine Cafe (21.1 miles)