[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

I had a ridiculous experience in an ER waiting room. I had a head injury falling off a ladder working in a hospital building remodel. I was escorted across the street to the ER (this is a major medical center in a large city) and NEVER GOT TREATED for hours. I just sat there with my head covered in blood.

I finally approached the desk and ask if I could go back to work if they weren't going to do anything. "Oh no," the woman said, "you might have a serious head injury."

I walked out of there, untreated, recognizing I was not the only person present who needed his head examined.

I found out later this negligence is more the rule than the exception.

I will take a taxi to the Boy Scout Council Office next time. At least the Boy Scouts can render first aid.

A hospital emergency room is a dangerous place where you will likely not get treated at all.

[Ditter]

A few years ago my husband took up rawhide braiding as a hobby. The tools he used to cut the rawhide were very sharp. We sat till dawn in the ER several times waiting for him to be stitched up. Several times he would be next on the list and an ambulance would arrive. He eventually had 17 stitches from several different cuts at different times.

I finally told him he could not use his cutting tools after 10pm because there is a 'walk in' doctors office 20min away and it stayed open until 10;30pm. If he cut himself at 10pm we could just make it before they closed.

Everyone should know if there is a 'doc in the box' nearby for those times that it is not a life threatening emergency.

[60Gunner]

I'm sorry that your experience was so negative. I really don't have an answer for that. I agree that all should maintain the highest possible standard of care, but unfortunately some do not. However, American healthcare is still a very consumer-driven practice. If you are not satisfied with the care you received, then make a noise about it. If enough people complain, believe me: htings will change at that hospital.

It's your life, and it's your money. You have the right to take charge of your healthcare. Go for it!