Nothing worse than your kid getting sick while on vacation. Well, it can be even worse... when he has type 1 diabetes. We were on vacation in the UP when he got a fever, sore throat, vomiting and ketones. Since it was a weekend, we tried to manage it ourselves. Come Monday, he felt a little butter but he still had trouble swallowing and pimples on his throat, so we brought him here at 4 PM just as it opened. Expecting a mob of local people, we thought we would sit there for several hours. Not at all. They called us in within 5 minutes and got us a separate room. A pair of EMT's came in and took the temperature, blood pressure and had us provide the background on the problem. Within another 20 minutes the doctor came in, did an exam and talked to us. He gave a strep test and maybe 15-20 more minutes the result came back negative. At this point, the best remedy was a codeine-infused Tylenol to make my son's throat feel better as it clears up on its own. The doctor understood the implications of diabetes on my son's condition, which is not always the case, even with our old pediatrician we used to see back in the Chicago area. In all, we came in and got out in less than 90 minutes. Coming from the NW burbs of Chicago, I'd like to know of a similar clinic that can turn out a visit that quickly. Northstar Express Care is located off of US-2 near Ice Lake & Lalley Roads, adjacent to the ER of Iron County Hospital. It is only open 4-8 PM on weekdays, so my only complaint would be longer hours and weekends. But for a clinic literally in the middle of nowhere, this place is clean, well-managed and efficient. read more

Sooo hospitals, the words GET ME OUTTA HERE!! Come to mind when I think of going to a hospital. They are NEVER a destination of choice and are usually visited in a time of need or sorrow. So how is it that this industry could hope to overcome these daunting obstacles? CUSTOMER SERVICE!! Yes that's right my experience with the entire medical field has been forever impacted by the care I received while patronizing (at great need) this establishment. I speak primarily of the iron river outpatient nurses, and one special surgeon who all will remain anonymous (so I must finesse the wording a bit). Outstanding care, expertise, and ability to treat even the most rough character (yours truly) in such a manner that offers a patient a way to overcome the medical nightmare they find themselves In while retaining dignity and self worth. Iron river has a real treasure hidden in the staff that man this unit. Expert nurses who CARE! Managers that help out where there is a need and CARE! And a surgeon that will do wound care and not look at it as a menial task. But rolls up his sleeves and works right along side of the nurses...and CARES!! If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of having to visit this establishment consider your self fortunate that you will meet a team they is not only dedicated to your recovery but Is trained and able to see you recovered. read more