Arkansas Valley Regional Ctr Long Term Care

Pros

• Ericka and the staff were amazing and got them in and out in 15 minutes.
• They had the medicine sent to Walmart pharmacy, making the visit quick and convenient.
• The ER visit was described as the quickest ever, with relief at not waiting hours.
• AVRMC offered the most loving care.
• The facility has many specialists locally, so patients don't have to drive to bigger cities.
• Judith the nurse and Dr. Kaiser were praised for their care, making the patient feel safe.
• The staff were great at taking care of loved ones and providing quick, attentive care.

Cons

• The reviewer described the experience as terrible and would have preferred Lamar instead.
• A patient criticized Dr. Emily Garcia for dismissive remarks about their anxiety and past medications.
• One reviewer labeled AVRMC malpractice and said they would rather go to a veterinarian first.
• Another reviewer claimed doctors don't know how to treat patients and that they bill for medications never received.
• A head-trauma patient reported being refused service in the ER.
• A reviewer called AVRMC "not a hospital, but a comedy lounge," alleging poor pain management and unnecessary medications.
• A patient felt treated like garbage by a doctor and noted long delays for follow-up care.
• The ER staff were described as rude on a specific date.

Review

The collection of reviews paints a picture of a hospital system that can be a lifeline for families in urgent need, but also a place where patients encounter frustration and conflicting experiences. On the positive side, many reviewers recount quick, friendly, and compassionate care, especially in emergency department settings. One parent described a Saturday visit for a child's ear pain that resulted in an in-and-out experience in about 15 minutes, with simple treatment for a minor ear infection and a prescription sent to Walmart pharmacy. Another note highlighted loving and attentive care in the ER, emphasizing how the staff made them feel cared for and relieved by not having to wait for hours when other offices were closed. In several comments, patients praised the staff for being professional, kind, and patient; some even used strong affirmations like "ALL VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KIND" and "they put up with me and my grumpiness the whole way through." There are also mentions of specific, highly regarded team members - nurses who explained procedures clearly and doctors who inspired confidence - such as praise for Judith the nurse during a surgical experience and for Dr. Kaiser.

Beyond the ER, a number of reviews speak to the accessibility of local specialty care and the role the facility plays in a smaller community. Several commenters appreciated having multiple specialists on site, which reduces the need to travel to bigger cities. There's a sense of community pride in the facility and the staff who serve it, with comments about quick, attentive care that feels personal and efficient. In some cases, patients who were anxious or worried about procedures or surgery found reassurance in the explanations and compassionate demeanor of the staff, citing experiences that ranged from smooth pre- and post-operative care to a calm, communicative anesthesia and surgical team.

However, there are substantial and detailed accounts of dissatisfaction and concern that color the overall impression. A recurring thread centers on problems with prescription handling and communication. One patient described a delay in receiving antibiotics after a dental infection and a series of mixed signals between the doctor's office and the pharmacy, culminating in days of uncertainty and missed medications. Another reviewer reported that an anti-anxiety medication and an antibiotic were misrouted to an unknown pharmacy, with the patient chasing updates for days as the prescriptions remained unavailable and insurance-related issues muddied the process. These episodes are presented as preventable breakdowns in coordination that caused real hardship, leaving the patient to repeat calls and experience delays in needed treatment.

Pain management and perceived quality of care in the ED also drew strong critique. One account expressed disbelief in the treatment plan after being told the shoulder did not dislocate and that pain meds would be provided, only to leave still in significant pain. The reviewer later found relief at a chiropractor, raising questions about the adequacy of acute pain assessment and management in the ER. Another angry post claimed malfeasance in billing and a lack of accountability, asserting that medications and procedures were misrepresented on bills. Some patients questioned the competence of clinicians, with one far-reaching accusation of malpractice, and others described doctors who did not fully engage with or listen to patients' concerns.

There are also mentions of communication gaps and limitations that contributed to a sense of being underserved. A review described a general impression that readings from tests or imaging were "blurred" and unreliable, with multiple doctors suggesting the equipment or process was outdated. There were reports of extended wait times for follow-up appointments and referrals, as well as frustration with getting clear updates on treatment plans. Some commenters attributed poor experiences to overworked staff or heavy patient loads, including references to high-volume ERs where individual attention seemed limited, and a few specific clinicians received sharp criticism for perceived insensitivity or neglect.

Interwoven with the mixed reviews are a few specific personal experiences that stand out. A patient recalled a traumatic incident involving a neighbor, feeling that a clinician's response minimized their anxiety despite describing serious past events; another described a shoulder injury where the initial ER assessment failed to identify the problem, leaving the patient to eventually seek relief elsewhere. Conversely, other patients highlighted positive, memorable moments: a nurse who explained everything in detail, a doctor who inspired confidence, and a surgical team that helped them feel safe during a procedure. In some posts, patients explicitly recommended alternatives or acknowledged the facility's real strengths, while still contrasting them with parts of the experience that were unsatisfactory.

Overall, the sentiment is mixed but vivid. Many patients express gratitude for rapid access to care, compassionate staff, and the ability to obtain medications locally, which can be a relief in a small town. At the same time, a significant number of reviews raise concerns about prescription accuracy and follow-through, pain management, billing disputes, and communication gaps. The result is a complex portrait: AVRMC and its affiliated locations are valued for accessibility, personal interactions, and the support of a dedicated team, yet the experiences described also underscore important areas for improvement in coordination, documentation, and patient-centered communication. For prospective patients, this suggests a reality where positive, reassuring encounters can coincide with frustrating, problematic ones, depending on the day, the staff involved, and the specifics of the care needed.

Located in La Junta, Colorado, this area offers convenient access to a variety of essential services for senior living. With Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and other physician offices nearby, residents have easy access to quality healthcare providers. The Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is also within close proximity for any medical emergencies or routine appointments. For recreation and relaxation, La Junta City Park and Rattler Football Field are just minutes away, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. A selection of restaurants such as Nadine’s Thrillbillys and El Azteca Mexican Restaurant offer diverse dining options while cafes like Thyme Out Diner provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing. Additionally, there are several places of worship within the vicinity catering to different denominations. Overall, this part of La Junta provides a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle in the area.

Physicians

• Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (0 miles)
• Michael K Morley & Jesus E Carale (0 miles)
• Qualicenter La Junta (0.1 miles)
• Abba Eye Care Incorporated (0.6 miles)
• Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• Loma Vista Medical Center (0.7 miles)
• Arkansas Valley Family Practice (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (0 miles)
• Avrmc (0 miles)

Parks

• La Junta City Park (0.2 miles)
• Rattler Football Field (0.5 miles)
• National Park Service (0.5 miles)
• Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (7.8 miles)
• Rocky Ford Railroad Park (10.7 miles)
• Junkrassic Park (10.8 miles)
• Las Animas Park/Playground (18.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Nadine’s Thrillbillys (0.2 miles)
• El Azteca Mexican Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Johnny’s Sub Station (0.6 miles)
• Bamboo Panda (0.6 miles)
• Jodi's Grill (0.6 miles)
• New China Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• Green Burrito (0.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Christian Church (0.5 miles)
• La Junta Baptist Tabernacle (0.5 miles)
• Church of Christ (0.5 miles)
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.5 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• La Junta Catholic Church (0.6 miles)

Cafes

• Thyme Out Diner (0.6 miles)
• The Barista (0.6 miles)
• Copper Kitchen (0.7 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (2.7 miles)
• The Coffea Shop (10.6 miles)
• Lynette's Sugar City Cafe (18.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Safeway Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Opera House Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Harris Pharmacy (10.6 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (10.6 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul (2.1 miles)
• Las Animas Train Depot (18.8 miles)

Theaters

• Grand Theatre (10.6 miles)
• The Grand Theater of Rocky Ford (10.6 miles)