Banner Desert Medical Center

I wish there was an option to not give a star. I love Banner GATEWAY, but Banner Desert is horrible. My child had to visit the children’s ER and almost every person who «helped» us was extremely rude, questioned why we were there, told us to «just get back in the room and shut the door» when we peeked out because the fire alarm was going off, was told our child was being administered antibiotics for an infection by the nurse and then the doctor later said it was «just in case” — umm, that’s not okay. Take your child someplace else. This place is a disaster and fill of rude people.

2015 was my wife’s year long fight with cancer. Surgery was June 12^th at Banner Desert Hospital. Both of us were extremely happy with the hospital and staff. Everyone we had contact with from admitting through discharge, but especially the nursing staff, all were eager to make our visit as painless as possible. All actually seemed to care that we were taken care of properly. We are impressed!
However…
During this year long battle we constantly had to verify that all parties involved and all procedures were covered by Blue Cross-​Blue Shield. The only hiccup came during the day of surgery. Our surgeon had requested the use of an assistant during the surgery. The hospital provided an assistant, Steven Barron.
My complaint…
Mr. Barron is not approved by our insurance co. In august we received a bill from Mr. Barron, who up to this point, we didn’t know even existed. BC-​BS declined coverage for his services.
His bill is almost double what the surgeon charged. Since then our insurance did reverse the prior decision and did pay some along with out of pocket on our part. My complaint to the BBB is the 5^th for Mr. Barron, all for the same reason. I don’t know how many of those involve Banner Desert hospital. My question! Why, if everything and everyone involved with the hospital require insurance approval, does this hospital allow someone like Steve Barron in the front door? Don’t they verify his approval with the insurance company involved? They did with everyone else. My surgeon didn’t drag him aboard, the hospital did.
Lesson Learned I guess. Any further surgeries… we will obtain a list prior of everyone that will be in that op room along with our carrier’s blessing.

My wife and I have both used Banner Desert on 4 occasions and I am always impressed with the attitude and care level that we receive from the front desk to the doctors, nurses and techs. It seems they really do understand that you are there unwillingly and want to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Recently I was in for a kidney biopsy of which I was extremely nervous about. The «Imaging» department made my day’s stay very tolerable. They were all very pleasant, have great attitudes and you can detect they all process an extreme respect for each other. A big shout out to my nurses, Sylvie and Ramondo for their great job!!!

I think in the ER it is truly hit or miss with doctors and nurses. I had to go the ER bc of my L4/​L5, I have bulging discs with some nerve damage. I had not slept over the course of 2 nights bc of spasms in my back. The wait was a little longer than expected but I was patient even though I was in some pain. Everyone I encountered was very nice & my doctor, Ann Andonyan, MD was very nice and helpful. She referred me to a doctor/​clinic to start going bc I am new to the area and do not have a family doctor yet, hence part of the reason for my recent trip to the ER. I think overall very good staff, Doctor, nurses, tech, receptionist, and loved the lady gathering my insurance information! I deducted a star bc of the wait, the wait to be seen &discharged was entirely too long especially with not being super busy. Overall though great experience & will go to Banner Desert Medical in the future.

My review is for the Labor and Delivery and Couplet Care/​NICU portions of the hospital.
Labor and Delivery —
My son’s birth did not go as planned. At. All. This has nothing to do with the hospital or staff. I arrived at L&D triage late the night of November 4^th. The triage nurses were absolutely amazing. They got me in and hooked up to the monitors right away. The triage area is clean, quiet, and well-​staffed. I can’t say enough good things about the triage nurses who recognized a serious issue and took swift action to make me and my baby comfortable. At every step they were comforting and competent. I fully believe my son’s birth would have been a tragedy if they had not recognized the signs of distress. The delivery rooms are huge and state of the art. Unfortunately, I didn’t spend much time there as I was whisked away to surgery. The anesthesiologist who gave me the epidural and the nurses who prepped me for surgery were fantastic, answering questions and surviving my terrible jokes as they got me set up to deliver my son via c-​section. The actual surgery suite was kept nice and warm and all of the surgical team were amazing. An emergency c-​section is not ideal, but the anesthesiologist was absolutely amazing, comforting me and responding quickly when I felt nauseous, as well as wiping my tears while I started to cry.
The recovery room was nice and quiet, well equipped, and clean. The angel of mercy who took care of me after surgery was told «this is Brindi. She’s super nice so take good care of her.» To be so kind during such a scary moment meant the world to me. The recovery nurse was so gentle and kind, answering all of my questions and making sure my husband and baby were also taken care of.
Couplet Care —
While I was in recovery my son had to go to the nursery for antibiotics and while there it was discovered he was having blood sugar issues so he was taken up to the NICU. As soon as I was ready I was taken to Couplet Care on the third floor. The room in Couplet Care was large enough for visitors and had a fold out bed for my husband. The bathroom was huge, clean, and beautifully tiled. The rooms have been renovated and look like hotel rooms — if not for all the medical equipment. Once again, the entire nursing staff in Couplet Care was exceptional. The aide who did most of the dirty work spent that first night with me and treated me like her own daughter. I learned that a lot of the staff have been at this hospital for years, which says a lot about how well they are treated, and, in turn, how well they will treat you. I was seen by several lactation consultants and nurses during the course of my stay and all of them were amazing. Everyone was so friendly, competent, and kind.
NICU —
In the NICU, my son was treated like a prince. The nurses answered all of my zillion questions and took such wonderful care of my son during his first night. The night nurse answered my many calls throughout the night and was never rude when I asked, again, how my son was doing. She even sang to him and rocked him throughout the night because I couldn’t be there with him.
If you are researching hospitals to deliver your child, I highly recommend this hospital. The facilities are amazing, but the entire staff will take such good care of you. Knowing you and your baby will be cared for like family is priceless.

I had my thyroid removed here. The staff was nice but seemed understaffed. My room was ICE cold. Not just the normal cold you get in hospitals, but ICE cold. I asked twice if they could adjust thermostat. Nothing was done. I had to repeatedly ask for them to refill my «cup» of water, finally later I was brought a small picture of water. I was not given instructions by the staff nor my doctor upon release on how to care for my incision. It had no glue or bandage on it just open air stitches. I have no support system and advocate the best I can for myself by my mind doesn’t always remember things. Especially after surgery, I thought this was a huge disservice to me, or anyone who are older and struggle with memory/​confusion. If anything you would think the release paperwork would have care instructions. NOT!!!

My out patient surgery from a personnel perspective was excellent. It was my second time at the hospital. My first visit was ER. That was a number of years ago.
01÷15÷16 I had already done pre admission. They phoned me and were warm and most helpful. The first thing I noticed was that with my cardiologist huge office there is a lot of canned speech but not with Desert. The robotic talking does not seem to occur with the hospital. At admitting on 01÷15÷16 the personnel are well organized and prepared. None of the communicating felt cumbersome. The initial contact people are helpful attentive and not sugary. When I was called it was by my first name which is annoying and confusing. I never use it and it is much clearer if just the last name or both first and last are used. That is my problem. Since I was in the waiting area for almost two hours I got to see a lot of people processed and the mostly genuinely friendly service was impressive. The wait was my doctor’s fault. Being at admitting two hours prior to the surgery unit opening was f9llowibg doctor’s procedures. Admitting walked me to the unit which was on the other side of a highly spread out complex. This to was friendly. At the unit they were also excellent in every manner. It is both spartan and first class. Your comfort is automatically and naturally addressed. The people like what they are doing. You. Sense this in the manner in which they converse. Surgery was accomplished and I left. Since I was uncertain of a couple of things I was able to call the number from discharge and within practically no time speak to a second person and have understanding. Miracle of miracles they have a good phone system. I assume you find most phone systems nightmarish. This means my experience was straight forward from start to finish. Nothing annoying. One simple example is the foolishness you have to listen to elsewhere as opposed to just saying what you co-​pay is They probably deserve a high five star rating but my experience is limited. This is not because of how I currently physically feel. I am miserable. It is based on their warm and highly professional manner. Their Banner is held high!

Absolutely horrible service treatment !! The registration people were great but in there sooo much a lot of the registration and check in know me. I get to the back explain I have an extremely rare lung disease called ABPA (allergic bronchial pulmonary aspergillosis) basically I’m severely allergic to the aspergillous in my lungs … And handful of dr.‘s has ever known what I have I have throughout 4 hospitals. That being the past 2 years have been hell. I went in and see the dr. He got there Quick faster then the nurse could get in the dr recognized me from last week had same symptoms not nearly as bad as yesterday. nothin ever shows on X-​rays they are useless only shows on CTScan, idk why but it never showed in my blood stream I have an extremely rare case. My lungs felt like an elephant was on my chest, hives started, a splitting headache, severe facial pain cause of the fluid and puss packed in (I found that out at the hospital I went to immediately after) I asked if the dr could call The ID doctor or my dr they could tell what I might need to stabilize me. Tve Dr. said «no I’m not doing that «then he gives me Benadryl and a steroid mind you I told he I regularly take those at home OP. And I’m not responding !! In need a shot or be ., he walks out he says give her Benadryl and decadrone OP As the nurse walks in. I tell the nurse OP won’t work I need IM or IV ! He’s response was «you should have said that to him before he left you had a whole consultation. I did tell him and last time he did IV. He says «it’s not my job to be running up and down chasing the Dr to relay messages back and forth » ??? He was walking out as he said OP!! What could I do ?? Well he makesd the orders and that’s what he wants. I’m in tears my blood pressure is shoring even higher ., I say ok cause it’s going to do nothing I’ve been do that at home Daily !! Calm down I’ll tell him. They send me to X-​ray I just had one there a couple days ago and about a 100’s more in the past year. ?? more it’s not in there I said can you call my dr to ask what to do I couldn’t get a hold of him they said to have the hospital call when I got there. Nurse said the dr refused to do so ! so I refused the X-​ray. He came in 20 minutes late said its not an emergency my lungs are clear and fine! I’m crying to please help me!! please call Dr Goldberg from desert banner ID or try my dr again please !! to see what is best they are the only two that know what I have how unresponsive my body can be and what might stabilize me for a few days again till I can get to my regular dr ., «no I’m not going to do that «he said as he lees liked out annoyed it seemed by my me. the nurse comes in to discharge me with prednisone I refuse it cause I have some the exact dose and all at home it’s not working !! Just let me leave I ask I have to go somewhere else please get my IV out. He gets it out I refused the last vitals in tears and excruciating pain he try’s to give me the script again I refused and he said «then you can’t be in this room if you refuse the script. I said wonderful thank you I’m going else where !!! Don’t you want your script! No I don’t just get me the F out of this place !!! I went to Scottsdale hospital Osborn completely different !! He said it didn’t seem extremely serious he might be able to help but let’s do «Ct Scans «and he called my dr. came back apologized could believe my condition gave me pain meds med another antihistamine and waited to see wait on what my dr said would be best as far as steroids. Then gave me that a copy of my CT o a disk. !!never have I feel so helpless in the middle of and ER the way I did at desert banner! I wish I could give more stars cause there is amazing people at desert banner that have helped me in my past 15 visit and 4 – 5 in hospital stays that help my days go by and are amazing floor 2 pod C last stay about 2 weeks ago 4days room 234 C I believe … everyone was so amazing! Cans dr ‘s respiratory therapist, RN’s charge nurses!!! amazing !!! But the step and I can’t remember the names case the info dry erase. Board that usually gets changed each shift was from the day before and a women’s name I doubt that the Dr was correct either!!! it was the day before 13^th not the 14^th ., I was there at 9:30 am room 18

My husband had out-​patient surgery here today. It was very clean and organised. Everyone was very nice to us. I would give them 5 stars if they hadn’t been running 2 & ½ hours behind — but I know they are very busy. I thought it was so nice that they had free valet service for surgery patients. They also had a nice cafeteria with lots of choices and fair prices.

Solid hospital. The banner system of hospitals has recently gotten a lot better. Cleaner facilities and a cafeteria that doesn’t make you think you will get AIDS. In fact, the food is pretty good now.

I always hate when I forget people names, but the whole staff was very nice, informative and efficient. This is my first time being at banner emergency and it was a great visit. thank you banner :)

This hospital took really good care of me when i was rushed here a year ago due to a fibroid issue I knew nothing about. I was able to get into ER FAST and they did all types of test on me to where I was getting annoyed but they were trying to help me. They got me a nice room with warm blankets and got me into surgery the same day. One of the nurses stayed in the room with me almost all night after the surgery and made sure I did my exercises. Very pleasant to talk too. Food was great and so was dessert! I would definitely come back here if I needed help.

They dont care about patient rights here. Both Patty and Shannon are apparently house managers but the only thing they manage is upsetting patients and not caring. They are rude, disrespectful, arogant, and hurtful. Shannon inserted an IV after being told specifically NO. They don’t care. Please do not visit this hospital if you care for loved ones

I had outpatient foot surgery there last week. It went well. I was worried when I saw how big the hospital is. Parking was tough. They have free valet parking. Once we got to the right building on the campus, it was easy. The staff was very nice and kept things moving forward. Each nurse I saw was super knowledgeable and helpful. I can tell they like it there. They nurse who followed up with me the next day had useful advice. I’m glad she called me. She was friendly too. Overall I’m happy with the hospital. I would return there.

I love their food. You cannot go wrong with the chicken sandwich and tatter tots.
BUT the staff here are OKAY. We are getting different information from different doctors. It is frustrating, but somewhat understandable due to change in shifts. Yet the notations the staff keeps should be one and the same. Two doctors might have different opinions but they should come to a singular solution, and provide it to the patient.
I also think they underestimate the language barrier between patient and medical professional. The professionals speak at a normal pace but it is fast for someone that doesn’t speak English as their first language. So a lot of miscommunication occurs…

I had surgery at Banner last week. I had a wonderful experience there. Everyone was friendly and so helpful. Every single nurse I had (was there a week) was so kind, gentle and encouraging. When you are recovering from a big surgery it’s so nice to have optimistic people around you. If I ever need another procedure (hope I don’t) I would go back to Banner.

This used to be a good hospital, unfortunately the quality of patient care has gone straight to hell. Far too many doctors these days are rather discriminatory when it comes to diagnosis and treatment, this would very much be the case when it comes to banner desert. I was patient profiled when I went to the emergency at this hospital for back pain. The blistering moron of a doctor told me to take Tylenol like I would have gone to the damn E. R. Just to have some Idoit quack tell me to that, meanwhile questioning me like I’d committed murder. Needless to say I’d rather be treated by a blind, senile witch doctor then ever set foot in that he’ll hole again.

If I ever get in an accident in front of this hospital, please take me to a different one. Too many bad stories to recount at this point with both my and wife’s family. Not every employee is bad, but we’ve had way more than our fair share at this place. Had to fire doctors and nurses and had to advocate and raise hell to get things done. I have spent months in this hospital trying to help family members. Sometimes things just never get done. When a test is ordered and nothing happens for 3 or 4 days that’s a bad sign. That’s irresponsible and negligent. When it happens repeatedly it’s a clear pattern of poor management and lack of accountability.
Multiple long waits (8 – 12 hours) in the ER room, unnecessary catheterizations, doctor prescribed drugs that were on the patient’s allergy list and they were administered in ICU of all places! Uncaring nurse who wouldn’t give immediate family an update and flippantly said she «wasn’t worried» only to have the patient pass away hours later. Unforgivable problems. 20 strikes and you’re out Banner Desert!
Do your research. Pick a good hospital. There are some in town.

The staff is nice — but the administration leaves a lot to be desired. My girlfriend has been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer, and requires chemo every three weeks. Banner was supposed to install the port for the chemo, and that was six weeks ago. She had to undergo the first treatment in her arm, and now her vessels in her arm have been affected and she is in danger of getting a sever blood clot or infection.
Her second chemo was due today, but Banner REFUSED to cooperate and have the port installed in a timely manner — they would rather gamble with her life and allow the progress made so far with the chemo to be undone. The staff at the cancer center she is at has been great, and they argued with banner until they were blue in the face to force Banner to install the port early next week — which is still not soon enough!
I will do everything in my power to avoid this hospital, as it is clear that patient’s health is NOT their primary concern!

Very disappointing experience.
–Moved through ER in a timely fashion.
–Ran the same scan/​test that I had an hour earlier at a radiology center. I even provided them a disc with the results.
–The staff over promised and under delivered many times.
–The doctor didn’t even review the scan/​test results before seeing me.
–The doctor royally screwed up the prescriptions and didn’t call them into the pharmacy as promised.
Bottom line: I wouldn’t return to this location!