Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

October 2015– I was sent by ambulance to the Emergency Department at Scripps Memorial Hospital, because I had a 104 fever, dyspnea, SOB, and tight chest feeling. The EMTs were very caring, and the staff at emergency department were nice. The main important problem was the health assessment. It was NOT thorough. They kept focusing on my heart (x-​ray of heart & EKG’s), but how about my lungs? I know the doctors were concerned about the chest tightness feeling I had, but what happened to the rest of the ABC’s (airway and breathing) assessment? The medical diagnosis they gave me was INCORRECT. They said I was just sick, and congested. They gave me IV fluids, a inhaler (no antibiotic), told me to follow up with my PCM, and then sent me home. The next day, I STILL felt like serious crap (104 fever). I continued the OTC meds, and inhaler… Still NOT working. Finally, I followed up with my PCM Dr. Porgorelov. He did a THOROUGH assessment, because he did not understand why I was NOT showing improvement after the Emergency Department visit. He said my temp was too high, and that he had heard crackles in my lungs. He ordered and IV and a chest x-​ray. Guess what? I had PNEUMONIA. How can you miss that in the Emergency Department? I’m FIRST upset about the MISDIAGNOSIS. SECOND, I’m upset about the fact that I had medical bills with an estimated total of $ 4000 from going to the Emergency Department with the wrong diagnosis and wrong treatment. I could of went to my PCM with a $ 20 co-​pay with a good health assessment and treatment of care. I’m just saying…

«Hi Josh, but I’m afraid you have (insert horrible-​life-​ending-​diagnosis here). And by the way that will be $ 4.00 for parking»
The fact they charge for parking is absolutely disgraceful. I can’t even describe how pissed off this makes me. They apparently use it to offset the parking security costs? Is that seriously a valid reason? You aren’t making enough money? I also hear you are doing this to prevent college students from parking there? This is the only solution you can come up with? How about only charging people who don’t have a receipt from their doctor? These are bullshit excuses and Scripps should be ashamed of this practice.

Visiting or being a patient at a hospital is never (usually) ideal, but Scripps helped make my medical issues as stress free as possible. I was a «high risk» pregnancy and saw the neonatology department and Doctors on an almost weekly basis for 3+ months. There are actually a couple of reserved parking spots for these types of appointments which is much appreciated as I think it’s pretty obvious that parking is an issue here. Everyone was accomodating and friendly and was calm under pressure (as they should be!) letting me know that I was «in labor» at a routine appointment at 27 weeks. My concerns were all answered and I never felt like my questions (and I tend to ask a lot of them) were a bother. I spent 2.5 weeks in antepartum on hospitalized bed rest. I saw various nurses and Doctors (including my own, amazing OB/​GYN Dr. Duhamel) and I found all of the staff to be wonderful. I had an emergency C-​section on New Years Eve of 2014. My babies were immediately taken to the very skilled NICU where they spent 54 days in exceptional, loving care. Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Cohenmeyer and Dr. O’Donnel love their jobs and it’s obvious they are in the perfect profession for them. The nursing staff was exceptional. We didn’t have a «primary» nurse for our twins but it felt like we did as we got to know the nursing staff so well. This was my first interaction in a NICU and it’s overwhelming, but everyone did their best to help me understand what was going on with me and my babies.
A beyond exceptional perk of this place is that, if available, there are free rooms available to NICU moms/​family on the 7^th floor. I literally lived in this hospital for nearly 2 months. I cannot tell you how many times I would wake up in the middle of the night and be so grateful that I could go down and see, touch or kiss my babies on the 2^nd floor– even for just a minute or two. I can’t imagine having gone through this experience commuting back and forth between home, work and the hospital. I know there are many who had their preemies at other hospitals where they were either charged or had a long commute to the hospital and I feel like that is so much more stress to an already scary and stressful situation.
I only have two areas where I feel things could be improved. One may have just been bad timing due to delivering on NYE. While I had a great experience in antepartum, my post partum experience wasn’t as nice. My room was right outside the nurses station and I could hear them talking and laughing all night long to the point that I couldn’t sleep. I felt a little helpless because I couldn’t say anything to the charge nurse because she was out there with them. I’m sure it was because it was New Years and there was a lot to catch up on, and I had a much different birthing experience than the other new moms with full term babies, but it was a tough couple of days there.
My other «area of improvement» suggestion, like so many others, is the parking situation. It’s pretty bad. Not only is there not much in the main structure, but the spots are tiny. The big structure is not convenient and the parking is very expensive. I had to buy a long term parking pass which I just found to be a little bit of a pain… and seriously, parking costs on top of my (literally) million dollar hospital stay for me and my babies just seemed a bit overboard.
Regardless, my overall experience at Scripps La Jolla was exceptional and if I dare decide to have another baby I feel 100% confident in delivering it at Scripps La Jolla.

I came to the Scripps Memorial Hospital Emergency Room with severe abdominal pains. I was evaluated and diagnosed with constipation, diverticulitis, a UTI, and a kidney stone. The doctor, Dr. Martin Griglak, and the staff were wonderful. Everyone was very professional and attentive to my needs. There was plenty of parking and no charge when we left the emergency room. I was amazed to receive a card in the mail the next week saying «It has been our pleasure to care for you during your time at Scripps.» The card went on thank me for choosing Scripps along with a business card from Rose Colangelo, Patient Care Manager. I think that demonstrates excellent customer service.

My father spent 2 days in ICU and 3 days in recovery after surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. His age and health made his recovery difficult but the doctors, nurses and staff at Scripps helped him through it all beautifully. Thank you Dr. Beiermeister, Dr. Dhupa and medical staff in ICU and recovery. You were patient with my father and us and your knowledge and skill was front and center.

I just had a baby at this hospital 2 weeks ago. I was very disappointed on my staying. Labor and delivery floor was not bad, nurses were very helpful and professional, the room I deliver was clean and spacious and that I liked. The nightmare started once we were taken to the other floor once baby was born. Everything looked dirty and depressing. The room the located us was soooo small you could barely fit two people. My guest did not have anywhere to sit and the door kept banging on my baby’s bassinet everytime it would open. Out of the whole nurses that went in and out only one was sweet and companion, the rest were rude and seem bother every time my baby would cry due to getting attach to breast. The lady who answered the calls from the rooms sounded like she was getting bothered everytime we ask for our nurse, I called for something and she said that the nurse was on her break that I had to wait. She did not send over anybody that was covering her lunch break, instead I had to wait. They had zero patience in showing baby to the breast and finally one got to frustrated that gave me a nipple shield. None bother to make sure I was applying to shield correctly and That left me getting home very frustrated because baby still would not latch with it. End up getting rid of the nipple shield all together and my baby latches on fine, she had no problem to begin with, nurses were being careless about the whole situation. They never came in once to make sure I was comfortable and offered to make the bed and accommodate my pillows. Overall I had the worst experience. I wish I would have choice somewhere else. My oldest daughter was born at mercy hospital in Hillcrest and that was awesome! I recommend that hospital if you plan on having a baby. Stay away from Scripps not worth the experience and money!

I can’t stress enough how satisfied I am with my visit today. I came here very nervous with high blood pressure & edema due to a kidney problem. I was seen by the front desk nurse right away & took my blood pressure & temperature. No wait time! I was taken to the room where they hooked me up with the blood pressure monitor. As soon as the Dr came, he already knew my situation because they pulled up all my previous files. This happened within probably 10 minutes or less. I was given socks by one of the nurses cause she saw me having a hard time walking around putting my shoes on & off. The doctor & the nurse in charge were so very nice and kept me calm. The Dr also helped me get a specialist to see me regularly for my condition that will accept my insurance. This review is all over the place cause I just got home & a little loopy but I just want to thank & give credits to the amazing team they have at Scripps!
I used to go to Scripps but I had to change insurance & had to go to different clinics. I’m glad that I’m back here again cause they have outstanding service, facility & staff… & everybody that works here are good looking.

Rushed to ER. Quick to get in, nurses great. Can’t say the same for the ER Doctor. Misdiagnosed and two days of no treatment over weekend. I expected better. Felt like a number to the doctor, didn’t seem to have the time to answer my questions, thankfully the nurses tried.

Staff is very nice and professional but they were unable to get the Doctor in to see the patient in a timely manner. Case in point: my wife was injured and rushed to the trauma unit. No rooms available so we waited with the EMT in the hall. Finally got a room and they determined two broken bones. More pain killers and surgery would be required. My wife was admitted and moved to the main hospital. The next morning c has seen her. It’s been 16 hours and no specialist yet??. What? Where is he? He’s in surgery. Can you get another orthopedic doctor? No this one was assigned to your case. Can you imagine 16 hours, two broken bones and no Doctor. I demanded to speak to charge nurse and the manager of the hospital to file a complaint. My wife wanted to be moved to a hospital that would treat her Doc finally showed up 30 minutes later but look how much we had to push to get service.

I was there for 37 minutes and got charged $ 4 for parking. It took nearly 20 of those minutes to find a space, which I did on the roof of the 8 story parking garage.
When I complained to the attendant, they shrugged their shoulder and said, «I know.» Please let me know when you are hiring more of these highly skilled and empowered helpers, for my niece just dropped out of high school and needs a gig with no skills.
I was visiting a medical office there, which will be losing my business. But if I do return, I’ll park at the airport and take a Super Shuttle over. It’ll be cheaper.

Being out of town in an emergency surgery situation is stressful and not knowing the doctors are as well. I was so thankful we came here to the ED and Dr. Beiermeister was amazing for my sons appendix removal. I am so thankful for the kind nurses, the cleanliness and evidence based practice they used. I work at a hospital and this was exceptional care.

I went there for back pain. They didn’t take down my insurance information correctly so I got all the bills. I spent about 2 hrs being on hold, getting transferred from department to department, and the issue still has not been resolved. They need to hire more people to pick up the phone.

Excelent hospital. As nursing goes, it can be challenging to learn new operations and procedures. But as a psychiatriac mental health nurse, this is one hospital that id recommend and give good credit to for their superior skill as well as being ubreast in the leatest technology.
For a nursing practioner, i recomend this organization highly.

It is so sad and inappropriate that this hospital strives to financially benefit from other people’s suffering by charging exorbitant amounts of money for visitor parking. Shameful!
I received your reply… What is the amount for 2 hours or 4 hours? Let’s be accurate and transparent.

It’s been well over 6 months since I delivered my daughter here but now that things have settled down and our family is in a little groove, I wanted to take the time to post a review for this hospital, specifically Labor and Delivery.
First off, if you’re pregnant and considering Scripps to deliver, it’s worth looking into. Having your own birthing room AND post op alone was a huge selling point for me. In my opinion, it’s critical to you and your new little family. People can tell you all day how exhausted you are after you deliver, but until you experience it, you’d never believe it. The «Golden Hour» they give Mom and Dad with baby right after delivery is invaluable. I didn’t think I’d want this either. I saw my niece minutes after she was born so I thought I’d want my family in the room right away. For me, that hour with my baby and husband was what I needed most.
My OBGYN, Dr. Washkowiak delivered my baby and it goes without saying, she was simply the best. As was the entire medical staff throughout my delivery. I wish I remembered the name of the nurse that was with me when I delivered — she was so sweet and had a calming presence that I very much appreciated. I thought I’d see her when I woke up from a short nap to thank her but her shift had ended. I was really bummed…
My birth plan didn’t go as planned so my stay was extended to 4 days. Most would wince at the mention of an extended stay at the hospital but I was so grateful. I almost didn’t want to go home when it was time to go. Luck was on my side because 3 of the 4 nights, I had the same nurse, Florence. I honestly don’t know how I could’ve gotten through those first few nights without her. You question everything as a new mom; did I swaddle her right, did she get enough milk, is this nursing position right, how do I care for the umbilical cord, did I just snag it? I could go on and on – but through it all, regardless of the hour, she’d enter my room and assist me with a warm smile. She was so kind hearted and was very good at her job.
I have nothing but great to things to say about Scripps La Jolla. If we are ever blessed with another one, I’d definitely be delivering here.

Our daughter Lily was born on Nov 10 and I must say the doctors and especially nurses have been the most caring, professional and generous I’ve ever experienced anywhere.
After this week I am convinced nurses are God’s angels on earth.
Thank you for bringing our daughter into this world safely and for your care and generosity

As good as it gets. I am a huge fan of Scripps period. I sell a lot of plans just so my clients can go to Scripps. The best team of Dr’s, Specialists. The hospital is fantastic, valet out front, parking can be tricky. The cafeteria is pretty great for a hospital. Lots to choose from. I love that they have the best Dr’s and our proud of it. My son’s Dad just had surgery here for Cancer and was taken care of. He had one nurse that kinds blew the whole experience int he end for him, she was nice but a bit off her game, which sucked. But all in all the staff was incredible and our Dr’s the best of the best. Thanks Dr. Worsey, Koka and Bannerge.

Well, I must admit I don’t remember much, or actually anything at all, but this hospital was my place of birth. The journey had to start somewhere, here’s where it began.
Unfortunately this is where my Rockin Grandma rocked her last rockiness here with us on Earth. I have no doubt in my mind that she got the best care possible when she was here. All the grandparents are gone, unfortunatley.

Update ⁷⁄₁₆ Received a message from their PR people that take care of social media for Scripps. Just to let everyone know, it’s been past 24hrs and I still have yet to hear from Scripps scheduler. Appalling to say the least.
I would like to start off by saying that I called one of Scripps Gastroenterology Doctors to schedule an appointment for my father. The girl who answered the phone stated that the scheduler was on another phone call and if I would like to leave a message. So I said sure. Left a message for the SCHEDULER to call back, not a RN, not the MD… the scheduler. Patient access representative.
An hour later, I called back and the same girl (who took the message and started the task) answered. I told her I had called an hour earlier to schedule an appt for my father and hadn’t gotten a call back, in which the girl rudely and sharply responded «we have up to 24 hrs to respond to messages» and I said, «that would have been nice to know the first time I called.» The call ended, and seriously I am beside myself.
24 hours for a scheduler/​Patient access representative to return a call TO SCHEDULE AN APPT is beyond ridiculous. Its not like I called for results, needed a refill, wanted to talk to the MD. Something so simple, as scheduling an appt? 24 hrs? Give me a break.
24 hrs to return a call for a nurse and a MD… I get that. But patient access representative? I don’t think so. Someone in that office is tooting their horn a little too much.
Also, I would advise your schedulers that if they can take up to 24 hrs to return a call for SCHEDULING AN APPT, perhaps, they should inform the caller the first time around that they can take up to 24 hours to return a call to SCHEDULE AN APPT the first time around so they aren’t so angry when they haven’t heard from the patient access representative to schedule one appt.
I would love, ABSOLUTELY LOVE to take my father and have him treated at Sharp Rees Stealy. Unfortunately, my mother really likes this Gastroenterology MD. Scheduling an appt at Sharp would NEVER take 24 hours. So, hopefully, the patient access representative calls me in the morning so I can SCHEDULE AN APPT for my father. I hope I get a survey in the mail as well. Oh and trust and believe, I will let everyone I know not to go to Scripps. I will not refer anyone I love to Scripps.

Gawd I hate hospitals. I mean, when are you ever here for something good? And I don’t count babies being born, because I had mine at home years ago. Did I mention, I HATE HOSPITALS?!!
But the staff here is AWESOME! They can take a not so fun experience and make it better for you. From checking in, to the nurses and physical therapists on the shifts, everyone was pretty great.
I had a knee replacement here and that of course is no fun at all. But they were all so patient and kind, explaining everything I was going through.
One of the biggest bummers besides the surgery regarding the hospital, was that I had to share a room. I was told in one more week, all those rooms were going to be private with the makeover they were going through. Bad timing on my part. Like it’s really easy to use a bed pan with some stranger a few feet away, ugh.
But the WORST thing was how my surgeon treated me. He is a fat shamer and I have to say, at least he is not on staff there, but it’s the hospital he uses for surgeries. When I told my nurses what he said to me, they were all appalled and sent in the charge nurse. She brought me the names and numbers of everyone in charge and I reported him as soon as I got home a few days later. The Chief of Orthopedics called me back a day later, He apologized and told me he would speak to him. Needless to say, you will find a review of this horrible surgeon, Dr. Charles Rudolph, as soon as I am done with my post op appts with his office. I’m seeing his PA so I don’t have to deal with him anymore, UGH!