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lucidrevolution t1_j9kth46 wrote

As long as you avoid Carepoint/Christ Hospital you'll probably also avoid being butchered and abused. JC Medical Center (most recently acquired by RWJB who are decent reputation wise) is probably the only "local" hospital that doesn't completely suck, but I can't pretend they aren't really busy sometimes.

Hackensack is "a bit far" as you commented on another suggestion but I will tell you that hospital is VERY good and extremely recommended by anyone I know who needed care there.

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MsDemiBurch OP t1_j9kvtls wrote

Have you by any chance went to these hospitals in recent years? I'm sorry if that's a intrusive question but I heard hospitals can vary year to year so. I seen so many comments saying JCMC isnt great (not just talking about my post) but I've also seen people say it's good too I just dont know when they went there last to really say that.

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No-Practice-8038 t1_j9ldk8h wrote

I've been to Englewood for a procedure. Had a cancer scare. And my specialist was affiliated with them. My experience at the hospital was very good. Day of procedure I had a personal escort guide me through the process from start to finish. Currently had some chest pain and my specialist is affiliated with Hackensack. My tests are a week away. Although it is not at the medical center. But have had family members who have been treated there. And it's great. My only negative is that the computer system that they use for scheduling and basic info seems to have issues every time I've had to interact with them.

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MsDemiBurch OP t1_j9lowf5 wrote

Have you been to the Englewood one recently? I've been hearing not the best about it in more recent times but never been there. I appreciate you sharing your experience with the two hospitals.

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No-Practice-8038 t1_j9m3ewk wrote

It was a year and a half ago. It felt like I was checking into a very nice hotel. Things seemed calm and orderly. Luckily, I was 100 percent fine and did not need additional services. But did learn that I have an elevated risk for cancer. So in 3 years will be back for checkups.

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mikevago t1_j9lgu16 wrote

This is just one personal anecdote, but my son broke his wrist last spring running around in the park after dark. At first he insisted he was fine, so we didn't end up going to the JCMC emergency room until after midnight. Being late, it wasn't too crowded, but they also didn't seem to be all that well-staffed. And someone came in with a gunshot wound and someone else came into the waiting room in labor, so we weren't the priority.

At 4AM I decided my kid needed some sleep, so we went home and went to urgent care in the morning. They wrapped him up and sent him to an orthopedist in the suburbs who put him in a cast, all in less time than we sat in the waiting room at JCMC.

So, moral of the story is less that JCMC is bad, and more that, don't go to the emergency room unless it's life-and-death. Odds are you're going to get better care and faster from urgent care.

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MsDemiBurch OP t1_j9lnbdb wrote

Broken bones are pretty easy fix, can be serious but I'm just saying. I 100% know what you mean tho. I'm trying to find specialist to go to instead of the hospital but the wait for some of them is crazy. I'm glad your son got treated fast & you found a solution.

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lucidrevolution t1_j9l1f91 wrote

It's suitable for most stuff but I don't think I'd recommend anything in JC area if I had a serious need for interventional care. My dad was in rough shape and was at both hospitals at some point before he passed last year, but I felt JCMC was 100x better from my perspective and my dad seemed to be in good hands (he was just too sick to come back from his overall situation)... I know people who work there as well, but that's besides the point.

I would still recommend Hackensack based on having a lot of in-law family who are up in years and most of them have been trying to go there whenever they need a procedure or such. I realize that even "great" hospitals can fail in certain areas or for certain complicated things... I have a close friend with a rare genetic condition and Columbia and NYU Langone both failed her terribly and she's back down at Hopkins for her care now. It's possible the care she got in NYC actually contributed to how much surgery she needs now. So I 100% understand the concerns you have and why you are asking for more recent validation.

You are welcome to DM if you have any specific concerns and I can try to offer more specific information...

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No-Practice-8038 t1_j9lmw4e wrote

Sorry for your loss! Another thing to keep in mind OP is getting a good doctor. Experience and bedside manner counts. My primary and my specialist(for the cancer scare) listened to my concerns and pushed when necessary when I was stubborn and scared. Also, both weren't quick to push meds on me...which too many doctors do.

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