Waterfall Clinic

So, I have chronic pain from a back injury due to Military service (no, I'm not eligible for VA). I went to Waterfall back in '11 to be treated and they scheduled an X-ray to determine what was wrong. Well, I have possible narrowing of the L5-S1 vertebrae, a.k.a. Lower lumbar stenosis. The first doctor there prescribed some muscle relaxers, and sent me on my way. I took said pills, and no results. Went back again, and was prescribed another type of muscle relaxer and sent on my way. Again, no results. \r By this time, I'm doing research into my condition, and seeing as steroids were recommended, surgery was another possibility, and then proper pain medication was also necessary because it's nerve pain not associated with muscles. Ok, I don't like any sort of pain medication, but I was having enough of being in constant debilitating pain that left me unable to stand at times or walk. I'd prefer alternate medication if at all possible so my liver isn't damaged with all the meds the LPN's like to push.\r New LPN comes in, and she suggests Physical therapy and had me take some steroid pills and more muscle relaxers. Well, neither helped, and I'm pretty concerned that it's getting worse, as I'm getting to the point where I can't work due to the pain. This last visit I asked to have an MRI done for a sure diagnosis so that I can move on to the correct paths to perhaps cure or at least something to alleviate the pain.\r This LPN refused to set up an MRI. She said it was a waste of money. I'm floored by how little concern she had for trying to figure out what was wrong. She just kept trying to push Physical therapy and Ibprofen at me, which I'm really tired of taking. Stretching doesn't help either, I've done yoga and all it does is stretch my muscles, not keep me from curling into a little ball seething in pain. I've decided not to return to see this LPN, and will find another doctor at a spine clinic. I'm just really shocked by how little regard some of the LPN's have for people who suffer daily and can't alleviate their pain.\r On a high note, another Doc, Judith who's a Clinical psychologist. She's been so helpful with medication alteration and figuring out what I need. She's not only compassionate, but understands her patients needs. I'll keep going to her, since I've had great results. more

Constantly makes mistakes wether it's making a lab appointment that isn't faxed in or not telling you the lab location has changed. The disorganization causes staff frustration that spills over to the patient. If you complain, they tell you you can go somewhere else. Pretty rude. Heard that one a hand full of times. They go through receptionists like garbage bags which causes a lot of miscommunication. Check other reviews. This page is way too kind. I finally had it and switched to N.B. Medical center after many years of grief. And now! They spitefully/hatefully lost my records. They said they sent them the 3 blocks away via currier so any one can figure that out. New clinic has no record of receiving them. An office has a sign that reads, be nice or leave. That's how corporatized this dump is. It oozes with disdain. more

Very, very nice people!!! She spent quality, unhurried time with me and included me in her care planning. I was very impressed... Efficient nice people. Recommend very strongly!!!! more

Actually, the reverse is true. As a ""community health clinic"" they are not required to treat your son. The ER at Bay hospital is required, by federal law, to treat your son and cannot turn him away. The federal law is ""EMTALA"" the Emergency medical treatment and labor act. Check this link out: world wide web dot emtala dot com If he was as ill as you say, the ER CANNOT refuse treatment. The clinic was correct to say that he could not be treated there. This type of withdrawl requires IV fluids at the VERY MINIMUM with multiple inpatient hospital days. This cannot be done there. Hopefully your primary care physician informed you of this law and can be of better assistance in the future. Did you ask him to see your son? I bet he would have said to go the the ER too. He could not have treated him in his office either. Waterfall is an important clinic, but we must all respect their limitations. more

My son, John is at an advanced level of alcoholism. He came into the North Bend Waterfall Clinic and explained that he was going into D.T's, dry heaves, sweats, shakes and severe alcohol withdrawls. John could, without immediate medical treatment, die from these symptoms; I was informed of this through my own private care Physician.\r John was informed by Waterfall that they do not offer emergency care and he would have to make other medical contacts for help. John explained to Waterfall that he does not have the means of receiving emergency medical care from facilities such as Bay Area Hosp. \r John was still refused immediate medical care for his withdrawls and was sent away with an appointment with Waterfall a month from that date. \r Not all alcoholics have the means (finincail) to walk into an E.R. room and get emergency treatment. My doctor informed me that an alcoholic, in John's condition, could have died from the lacking and refusal of emergency medical care for his condition he shared with Waterfall Clinic.\r I would think that Waterfall, since they treat people like John, would have had a full understanding of what he was experiencing and his immediate need for emergency medical care; this makes no sense to me nor my doctor. \r My question is: why was my son turned away and sent back out on his own when he was in the midst of severe alcohol withdrawls? \r \r Thank you\r Jerry Kamph more