5 /5 Jeff Matthews: This hospital doesnt have waterfalls and grand pianos in the lobby, but the care here is really good. All of the staff are very accessible, nice and helpful. Before coming here for the first time, I was concerned there would be a huge backlog managed by overworked people with bad attitudes. I could not have been more wrong.
In most cases, when you show up for appointments 30 minutes early (as directed), they will actually see you early instead of making you wait until the scheduled time. Even when a clinic physician sent us to LBJ radiology with an Rx for a mammogram but no scheduled appointment, they still saw us right away and performed the service. It doesnt get any better than that!
Emergency Room. This place was very busy. There was a wait for a few hours. It was hard to get a bed in a room, but they fill the hallways with beds, too. When you get in and see who all is being treated for what, you have to totally respect what they are doing. This hospital treats a lot of poor people who are very ill. A crowded emergency room can be aggravating, but you have to keep it in perspective. The care was not unduly delayed, and it was very good.
Recovery Unit. Weve been in 2-C and 3-B. You might have to wait a handful of hours for a bed to come available. Other than that, the care is very good. Actually, I would say the staff is more attentive here than at the "nicer," upscale hospitals. Very importantly, they do not act short-tempered or stretched too thin. They are happy to help and answer all questions. They visit the room often. Im not sure how LBJ managed to develop such a positive corporate culture, but everyone here deserves credit for their part in it.
Outpatient Center. Been here many times for lab work and doctor visits. There was a long delay (about 1.5 hours) only once. Most of the time, if you show up early, they see you early. I am simply amazed at this. Moreover, they dont leave you sitting long in an empty room while you wait for the doctor to come see you. The doctor (or nurse practitioner if you are not seeing the doctor) usually enters the room in 5 minutes or less.
Oncology. This is why we are here. It was concerning knowing that this is where poor people without insurance receive cancer care under a Gold Card program. We just had to accept that beggars cant be choosers. After getting here and finding out LBJ has a first-rate program in oncology, we realized what a god-send this place is. There is some working arrangement between LBJ and MD Anderson. The oncologists here are all in MD Anderson coats. The treatment is first-rate, and it is the exact same treatment you will get at MD Anderson.
The supporting physicians in other disciplines (like Pulmonary) all seem to be first-rate, too. The nurses and assistants are great. I would have no hesitation coming here.
Parking. $6 every time you enter the lot. There are no in-and-out return privileges. Its $6 every time you enter. Ive seen some complaints about this, but in the grand scheme, its fine. Think of it like this: If you spend 4 days at Memorial Hermann, the parking will be free, but they will send you a bill for $40,000! It kind of puts it in perspective.
LBJ Hospital totally exceeded my expectations. I cant speak for any other hospital which focuses on indigent care, but this place proves that at least in some cases, socialized medicine can work.
Everyone who works at LBJ should be proud of themselves. Keep up the good work!
