Fairview Riverside Medical Ctr in Minneapolis, MN

Pros

• The primary care team is outstanding from top to bottom.
• Dr. Goodman is an exceptional doctor with fantastic bedside manner.
• The MA's, RNs, and lab techs are personable, professional, and skilled.
• The midwives and staff are helpful, thorough, and personable.
• Ann Oswood is a Lactation Fairy Godmother and a knowledgeable lactation consultant.
• The 3rd floor midwife team provides low-intervention, evidence-based, and respectful care.
• The mental health care facility is phenomenal, and its staff made patients feel validated and understood.

Cons

• Their drivers have serious road rage issues around the Cedar Riverside area.
• One driver followed the car that passed them while they were 20 under the speed limit and on their cellphone.
• The reviewer felt their concerns weren't taken seriously.
• The patient experienced discrimination in the ER for being a recovering drug addict, with a nurse repeatedly asking if they were there for drugs.
• Glasses were left behind in the ER and retrieved two hours later with little urgency.
• Verbal assurances of reimbursement for lost glasses were denied, causing frustration.
• The parent was shocked to learn nothing could be done to keep the autistic son in the hospital, and he walked out unsupervised.
• The facility failed to keep a child in crisis safe; no discharge plan.
• The reviewer was billed $1,000 for facility use related to a muffin appointment, described as criminally expensive.
• The doctor barely explained the diagnosis or treatment plan, and the facility had dirty restrooms and trash in the seating area.
• The clinic has significant issues: inadequate training, unreliable and expensive lab tests, and management struggles.
• The billing department is slow and unhelpful; a $2,000 check was cashed but not credited.

Review

Fairview Riverside Medical Center is best suited for families that need an integrated medical hub where primary care sits alongside a broad slate of specialists, behavioral health resources, and rehabilitation services. This campus shines for seniors who benefit from coordinated care within one network - especially those who may need obstetrics/gynecology support, midwifery- and lactation-focused services, and robust mental health options. The strongest asset is the access to a wide range of clinicians who can partner on a care plan, often with a patient-centered bedside manner demonstrated by several physicians and care teams. For families with complex or evolving medical needs, Riverside offers the advantage of continuity and a centralized point of contact, which can simplify scheduling, referrals, and follow-through.

Nevertheless, there are clear red flags that families should weigh when choosing this community. Alternatives deserve consideration for anyone who prioritizes consistently reliable communication, transparent billing, and flawless day-to-day operations. Several experiences highlight gaps in responsiveness and administrative clarity, from difficulties with timely help in the ER to billing practices that generate surprise or delayed charges. Some families encountered friction with appointment scheduling, phone access, and front-desk coordination, which can compound stress during already challenging health episodes. When choosing a partner for ongoing care, these operational realities matter as much as clinical quality.

On the clinical front, the pros balance prominently in favor of strong, personable caregiving teams in many areas. The primary care group earns high marks for attentive physicians who listen, educate, and empower patients, with particular praise for doctors who treat patients as partners in their care. The rehab experience is mixed but notable for effective, compassionate staff in several units, coupled with longer wait times and uneven nursing attention in some shifts. Women's health and labor support are highly regarded in the 3rd-floor midwife team, offering low-intervention, evidence-based care that many families find reassuring. When these proven strengths align with a family's needs, Riverside can deliver meaningful, patient-centered outcomes.

Yet the major cons cannot be dismissed when evaluating long-term suitability. Instances of miscommunication, unaddressed discharge planning gaps, and inconsistent nursing responsiveness present real safety and satisfaction concerns. Disputes and unclear reimbursement decisions have surfaced, underscoring a billing and customer-service environment that can leave families frustrated and financially uncertain. The campus's aging infrastructure adds another layer of practical friction, with navigation and facility upkeep occasionally detracting from the overall care experience. These factors collectively temper enthusiasm for Riverside as a default choice, especially for seniors who value a streamlined, predictable care journey.

From a decision-making standpoint, the right fit hinges on provider-specific expectations and the ability to tolerate variability in service delivery. For families anchored to a trusted primary-care physician, well-coordinated mental-health care, and access to diverse specialists within a single campus, Riverside can be a strong anchor. The best plan is to verify with a chosen physician which teams consistently deliver reliable communication, confirm how discharge planning is managed for both routine and emergency transitions, and obtain a clear, itemized understanding of all anticipated charges. A proactive patient advocate or care coordinator at Riverside can mitigate several friction points, but it requires upfront diligence and clear expectations.

In the end, Fairview Riverside Medical Center presents a pragmatic option for those who prize breadth of services and strong clinical talent, provided there is a commitment to navigating imperfect operations. For families unwilling to contend with intermittent communication gaps, billing confusion, or concerns about consistent daily care, alternatives with tighter administrative discipline and newer facilities may provide a calmer, more predictable experience. The verdict favors Riverside for medically complex needs and trusted primary care, yet cautions that success depends on selecting the right providers, demanding clear service standards, and establishing concrete plans for billing, discharge, and ongoing coordination.

This part of Minneapolis, Minnesota offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With a variety of restaurants offering American, Thai, and other cuisines within close proximity, residents can enjoy dining out without having to travel far. Additionally, there are several hospitals nearby, including Hennepin County Medical Center and the University of Minnesota Medical Center, ensuring access to quality healthcare facilities. The area also boasts beautiful parks like Gateway Dog Park and Mill Ruins Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are conveniently located for medication needs, while places of worship like Westminster Presbyterian Church offer spiritual support. Cafes like Dunn Brothers Coffee provide cozy spaces for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Furthermore, transportation options like the Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub make it easy to get around the city. Overall, this part of Minneapolis provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for a vibrant community with various amenities at their fingertips.

Restaurants

• Maxwell's American Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Minneapolis (0.6 miles)
• Owamni (0.8 miles)
• Hell's Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• Aster Cafe (1 miles)
• Gluek's Restaurant & Bar (1.2 miles)
• 19 Bar (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Hennepin County Medical Center (0.4 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (0.4 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (1.2 miles)
• Regency Hospital (4.2 miles)
• VA Medical Center (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (0.7 miles)
• Mill Ruins Park (0.7 miles)
• Loring Park (1.4 miles)
• Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park (1.4 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (1.7 miles)
• Boom Island Park (1.8 miles)
• Longfellow Park (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westminster Presbyterian Church (1 miles)
• WW Studio (5.5 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (5.6 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• Dunn Brothers Coffee (1.4 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (2.8 miles)
• Groundswell (4.8 miles)
• Jinx Tea (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)

Physicians

• Whittier Clinic (1.7 miles)
• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (2.4 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (4.5 miles)
• Parkway Family Physicians (5.5 miles)

Transportation

• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (3.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (5.2 miles)