251 North Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550
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A broad collection of experiences at Garrett Regional Medical Center reveals a hospital landscape that runs the gamut from deeply troubling concerns to heartfelt praise. Across the reviews, the most persistent thread is a volatility in patient experience: for some, the care received was compassionate, competent, and timely; for others, the encounter was marked by fear, miscommunication, and perceived disregard. In particular, several accounts center on the ER, diagnostic processes, and the hospital's administrative and dietary operations, creating a complex portrait of a facility that can feel first-rate to some and fundamentally flawed to others.
A number of reviewers raise serious allegations about the conduct of specific physicians, most notably Dr. Philip Strauss. One account describes a friend with head trauma who was verbally abused by the attending physician, culminating in the friend choosing to sign out AMA instead of risking further harm. The reviewer asserts that Dr. Strauss is abusive, homophobic, and more interested in a power dynamic than in patient care, and that a formal complaint has been or will be filed with the Maryland Board of Physicians. These allegations are presented as grave and persistent enough to warrant external oversight, and they color the overall sense of trust and safety in the hospital for this commenter.
Beyond the interpersonal dynamics with clinicians, several reviews portray a troubling pattern of slow service, poor bedside manners, and what feels like mismanagement of basic care. A patient recounts a painful IV experience during a CT dye procedure, claiming numerous failed attempts to find a usable vein, a painful process, and apparent inaction by staff when the patient voiced distress. Other anecdotes describe a pattern of delays and miscommunications - being sent home without treatment after long waits or being told conflicting information about one's condition. One reviewer even recounts a rumor that a couple were "making out" in the room and the difficulty in obtaining the head nurse's name or a formal grievance process, underscoring concerns about staff accountability and patient rights.
Administrative and billing frustrations appear repeatedly and with intensity. One reviewer details a surprise additional bill months after a surgical procedure, followed by a seeming misalignment of communications about insurance payments and balances. The patient describes a cascade of issues involving address changes, online payment glitches, and then pressure from a collection agency notorious for aggressive tactics and large volumes of lawsuits. Across multiple comments, the Billing department is criticized as inefficient and punitive, with one caller stating they would rate it a zero if possible. This theme - billing opacity and external debt collection pressures - appears to have a lasting, negative impact on how patients perceive the hospital's overall care experience.
Dietary and nutritional care is another recurring touchpoint, with at least one patient attributing poor glycemic control to the hospital's kitchen. The reviewer notes persistently high blood glucose readings that only dropped after refusing the hospital's diabetic-friendly offerings, implying that the kitchen's meals were inappropriate for a diabetic patient. The call for better diabetic education and more suitable meal planning reflects a demand for a more integrated approach to chronic disease management within the hospital's dietary services.
There are also mixed messages about radiology and emergency department experiences. One parent describes a gender-revealing moment in Radiology that a staff member named Jen Warner allegedly mishandled, accusing her of failing to honor a request to exclude certain images, which then spoiled a significant moment for the family. Separately, a dramatic ER encounter recounts a severe clavicle fracture that was later contradicted by paperwork labeling it as a simple fracture - complete with claims of poor bedside manner, poor pain management, and hurried discharge. In contrast, other reviews celebrate rapid ER visits and a high level of professional care from certain doctors and nurses, underscoring that patient sentiment at the ER is not uniform and may depend heavily on the specific personnel involved.
Despite the intense negative voices, there are complementary and highly positive notes within the same corpus. Several reviewers praise certain clinicians and teams, with statements like "Fantastic nurses/staff, helpful doctors, and quick response times" and "the best doctors, hyper-specialized and knowledgeable that actually care." Some patients credit the hospital with exemplary care in specific departments, such as wound care and hematology/oncology, and they highlight the dedication of particular physicians and the overall responsiveness of the care team. A physician-reviewer from outside the hospital goes so far as to commend the hospital's ability to treat a young patient with empathy and personalization, particularly praising a social worker for advocacy and comfort during a difficult time.
Overall, these reviews paint a hospital whose strengths appear to reside in certain departments and in individuals who deliver compassionate, attentive care. There is explicit gratitude for nurses, specialists, social workers, and some physicians who provide thorough, respectful, and competent care, along with stories of efficient ER throughput and positive outcomes in particular cases. Yet interwoven through the praise are persistent, sometimes alarming critiques about physician conduct, patient abuse claims, misdiagnoses or miscommunications in the ER, pervasive billing and administrative challenges, and dietary practices that may not meet the needs of all patients - especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes. The spectrum suggests a hospital that can be excellent in certain contexts and deeply problematic in others, depending on department, staff, and individual interactions.
For anyone considering care at Garrett Regional Medical Center, this collection signals the importance of proactive patient advocacy, clear communication, and timely follow-up on both medical and administrative fronts. It also points to the value of seeking care in departments or with staff members who have demonstrated consistent reliability and compassion, while remaining vigilant about billing transparency, accurate medical documentation, and respectful, non-discriminatory treatment from all clinicians. The divergent experiences underscore that a patient's perception of care at GRMC is highly contingent on the particular clinicians, nurses, and administrative personnel involved in their care journey.
The Garrett County Subacute Unit in Oakland, MD is a fully furnished assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to enhance the comfort and well-being of its residents. The community features a spacious dining room where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared and served by the staff. Housekeeping services are provided to ensure a clean and tidy living environment for all residents.
The community also boasts beautiful outdoor space and gardens, providing a tranquil setting for residents to relax and enjoy nature. Residents have access to telephone services as well as Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, allowing them to stay connected with their loved ones and engage in online activities.
The care services offered at the Garrett County Subacute Unit include assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Special attention is given to individuals with diabetes through the provision of a diabetes diet. Medication management is also provided to ensure that residents receive their medications on time and as prescribed.
The dining options at this community cater to special dietary restrictions, ensuring that all residents' nutritional needs are met. Scheduled daily activities are organized to promote socialization and engagement among residents.
Surrounded by various amenities nearby, such as cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, hospitals, and transportation options; the Garrett County Subacute Unit offers convenience for residents who may require these services or wish to explore the local area.
Overall, this assisted living community provides a comfortable and supportive environment where residents can receive personalized care while enjoying the benefits of a vibrant community setting.
This part of Oakland, Maryland, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living. The area is home to several hospitals and medical centers, as well as numerous physicians and pharmacies in close proximity. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby for dining options. Places of worship are easily accessible for those who prioritize spiritual well-being. Transportation options include a depot and airport for convenient travel. Additionally, there are parks and recreational areas such as Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek Lake State Park for outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a mix of healthcare facilities, community services, and recreational opportunities that make it an attractive choice for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful yet well-equipped neighborhood.
Garrett County Subacute Unit is located at 251 North Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550 in Garrett County, Maryland
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