To open, I have worked in medicine for the better part of 20 years so I am going to be drawing an…read moreimage of my experience colored with this lingo. First, I'd like to say that Dr. Ludwig and his staff have been derilect at nearly every level of patient continuity-of-care, but especially their ability and timeliness of ANY communication. While I am sure that Dr. Ludwig is an intelligent and very competent physician, the same cannot be said for his staff (not to say they weren't nice, they certainly were, but being nice and be an advocate for your patient are two different things). Starting with Misty (Insurance Auth), who was supposed to work with and keep me informed of my costs and the successive steps to ensure that my insurer received everything they needed for the approval, to the nurse, Sharon (Educator), who was supposed to be following me along the journey to ensure I was meeting specific goals and, of coursse, the collective coordination between she and Misty so that all team members were working toward meeting their patients needs. My first visit was encouraging and each team member explained their roles and what I could expect as they worked together to make the process seamless. On my second visit this coordination between team members was clearly abscent. As months went by I continued to meet or exceed every health goal and training/education goal set before me, but, as I achieved these the further behind my team became with making sure those markers were presented to my insurer so that a pre-apporval deadline was met. Eventually the date came where they wanted to set a surgery date. When I asked about costs, no one had any answers. I was told to call my insurers to ask them, which I did. My primary did not offer coverage, my secondary did. So we set a date. As the date neared I was notified about 2 weeks before that my secondary insurer had not received any of the documentation they needed from my doctor. When I called (and emailed) my care team about this, I was told that my insurer was being "unreasonable" and was essentially told that I needed to find a pathway around the roadblocks. So I called my insurer. They had not recieved ANY documentation for the pre-approval outside of a diagnosis code (really? WTF) so I contacted my care team and did confirm this. So, screw it, I gathered all of these items (as I had copies) and was then given an immediate approval. My surgery was then scheduled for a Wed. at 6am. and whent moment drew near, litterally at 5pm Tuesday night, (having fasted and witheld medications in preparation for surgery in the morning) I was told that the Hospital would require an ABN (basically a promise to pay $60K out-of-pocket for the procedure). When I asked why, a different person working in billing stated, that since my Primary insurer did not provide coverage, there was a loop-hole that says my secondary doesn't have to pay either (even though they DO provide coverage). So, at 6pm I miraculously reached my seconday insurer to confirm this, which, horrifyingly, they did. So, in litterally the last possible second, I was forced to cancel a surgery I had spent MONTHS jumping through hoops and spending THOUSANDS to get ready for...all for absolutely nothing...but guess who wins? That's right. Providence and their network. Now, if a close review had been done by my care team at the beginning, I would have known all of this ahead of time and would never have gone through tireless specialist appointments they sent me to meet insurance criteria that was never investigated or understood to begin with. I will NEVER again do business with Providence Gastro. Finally, I will leave one last thought. Niether Dr. Ludwig nor ANY of his staff have ever reached out to me about this colossal f*ck-up since I was forced to call things off. Not a call saying they'd work with my insurer to figure out a new path, not a call to say "I'm sorry we dropped the ball" NOTHING but crickets. I am litterally heartbroken and out THOUSANDS of dollars for nothing.

I asked a couple questions.When were these machines last calibrated?And I got no answer the.Machine…read morewas going flatline when my sister was clearly on it breathing their equipment is no good testing, neither are the doctors

For a tiny small town hospital, this one has superior care, and their food is AMAZING. They dont…read morehave a cafeteria and only serve patients and their families. But they make their meals from scratch. Lol it was worth it getting sick just for the food

worst hospital ever... misdiagnosed waited 25 minutes for someone to come and help pee never…read moreagain. This hospital doesn't help they just cover up... "just take a pill you'll be alright kind of thing. went to Missoula and went to St Patrick... Go there they fixed the issue Thanks Sts Patrick!!!!!!

Terrible experience! I took my son here three times and the MD August Houghton refused to do…read moreanything. His eyes were red as if he was high on the job. He even at one point asked me what I wanted him to do..I was confused. Have never had such an unprofessional experience. I was also charged for answering questions and just standing there by my son. They knew we were from California and decided to take advantage! This hospital is a scam. Awful!

My PT people were wonderful!!! Julie who checked me in each time was a very pleasant, her reminder…read morecalls were enjoyable. my PT people taught me a lot of things i can use in my everyday life. They made my life much less painful. i really appreciate all of everyone's time and effort. i also want to mention that the facility was kept very clean. Thank you again for all your help

I have been in to the plains hospital a few times already and depending on who you see may vary in…read morehow well you are treated. The thing I don't understand is when the bill comes it doesn't come with a good explanation of what was done. I had two xrays taken that took only seconds on each hand and I received a email for payment in which I paid it. Now I see I have a new bill for the same xray visit with a much larger payment. I never received an actual bill for either. One came in email form and one I found in MyChart. I don't understand the billing situation. I also pay everything out of pocket. Some things I see I get a discount for and other things I don't. This is the only hospital near by so going farther takes more time and if its an emergency we have the one option. I can't say I feel I have received the care I would expect from a hospital. But after talking to other people they say this is the new normal. It doesn't give me any confidence at all to be seen at a place where i am not considered important or my health issues aren't important. My husband on the other hand received very good care. He is a veteran. Is that the difference? Because the VA paid for the care he received? And since I have no insurance I am treated as though I have zero value? Nothing at the hospital is cheap or fairly priced for anyone. If you have insurance some may be paid for but are you treated well??? It is actually alarming to go to a hospital and not be treated well when you are there for serious conditions. I have not always been called on lab work and had to call on my own or send a message from MyChart inquiring about them. Our health care system is so screwed up. It is not about the patient at all. It is about the money coming from what the patient has charged to their account. What are we supposed to do when we have a health issue and don't receive good care and just a large bill we struggle to pay??? We go home and live with the issue instead of someone caring enough to figure out what is wrong and treating people with care and concern. I just had some new blood work done and the results were never sent to the Dr I chose to see out side of the hospital. The Dr called me and asked if I had received them and I said yes and he stated he has never had them sent to him. That is not right. I don't know how you propose to change the publics mind on the hospital if other people are going through the same things I have been going through. But, we should NEVER be going through this. The hospital is there to take care of people. Not treat them poorly and also take their money. This is crazy. I thought a small town would take better care of their community. Apparently not??? I don't get it at all. Very disappointing.

I was here in rehab from 12-16-14 through 1-21-14…read more So I ran into a rough patch in life where I was using, & admittedly I needed help. I never thought I would have to check myself into a place like this, but at the time it was needed for what I was going through. Luckily I was at this place. They have patients from all walks of life in this place. Druggies, alcoholics, mentally unstable, etc. They have structured programs that cater to your needs, and they truly offer the support and help you need, if you happen to need it. You attend what is called "groups". I.E. for alcoholism, drug use, etc. This is one of the places in Montana where you can get the professional help you may need. The place is divided into wings. Wings A, B, D, E, & a separate place called Pratt House. The doctors are on site at each wing. When you are here you get assigned a "Case Worker", & a "Doctor". It's a controlled environment, which is what a place like this needs to be. The staff that are called "Psych Techs" that work there aren't much to speak of, but they do their jobs to the best of their abilities for the most part. Go here if you're ever in Montana and need the help.

I was assaulted by a doctor there and my life was threatened by a nurse for reporting him. I was…read moredenied medication I need to survive. A lawyer assigned to me got me out and moved to Dakota House in Missoula. When the staff there saw my injuries, they immediately called the police, who told me they believed me. They photographed my injuries and filed a report but the hospital was out of their jurisdiction. The county attorney refused in the county the hospital was in refused to do a thing. In fact, he made a mockery of it. Shortly after that, four people died there.

Everything went flawlessly for my daughter's surgery. From start to finish, everyone made a scary…read moresituation much less stressful. Thank you!

THis is a CLEAN , CLEAN , small rural hospital. The providers are well trained , and very kind and…read morecaring. I noticed a personal attack on MY provider on this thread and find it hyperbolic , and so over the top as far as reflecting one's own personal responsibility it is mind bending this site allows it to stand. Change your provider if the results are not what you want ? Need to get help quick in the absolute middle of nowhere ? With a smile and no wait ? GO HERE !!!! Need more than the small budget this hospital operates on? Go elsewhere . Help rural hospitals by voting for single payer health care , so all our communities can get equal access to quality health care ~

My older sister Kathy is a resident at Granite County Medical Center. I recently drove from my home…read morein Oregon to spend some time with her recently. I arrived unannounced and found her with the cutest hairdo I've ever seen. Her fingernails were painted beautifully and she had on a real cute outfit we had purchased for her some time ago. Kathy was clean and well cared for. She was happy and had a hug for all her caretakers. We grew up in P-burg and know many of the people both residents and care providers. I remember a time when there wasn't any place for the elderly and those needing assisted living. I say well done Philipsburg on taking care of your people. I've seen a few nursing homes and I only hope when my time comes I too can go to Granite County Nursing Home.

My friend has been getting ketamine treatments for chronic pain at St. James Pain Center. Her last…read moreappointment was scheduled for November25. On the 24th she was notified the appointment was cancelled because the elevator was out of service. She is an otherwise healthy and active 28-year-old, perfectly capable of taking the stairs down to the clinic. She was not offered that option, and her reschedule is over 2 weeks farther away. Because the elevator wasn't working? That is just plain stupid and inexcusable. She, and all patients, deserve a much better level of concern and care. Part of the goal and efficacy of ketamine is dependent on a regular schedule to retrain the pain source. Now she will endure her pain for that additional time and lose part of the treatment advantage. How in good practice and patient concern did this happen? Someone forget their Hippocratic Oath? I have to exercise all my will power to refrain from becoming REALLY unprofessional with these comments!

I had my best friend in St. James ER just over a week ago and even though she was ambulanced there…read moretwice a Dr. Coch (I'm not sure in spelling it was pronounced Dr, Cook) he refused to admit her...the next Dr. to come on had her in the icu within an hour...she's now in icu in Seattle! No reason to admit her Dr. Coch? Your treatment or lack there of rather was negligent!!! Your lack of practice of the hippocratic oath, to do no harm was blatant!!! You did nothing but harm!!! And your bedside manner sucks!! You on top of being incompetent, are a jerk!!!