Reviews of Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center - Uptown Division (Hospital)

Heather Norris

This hospital and clinic embodies the reason why there are hundreds of memes online about the VA never picking up the damn phone when a patient calls in. The number provided on the VA's website is incorrect, but the google listing IS correct. The extension given for the Women's Health Coordinator over the "on hold" ring back is a route to the operator... eventually. When told that I needed to speak to the Women's Health Coordinator, the woman transferred me to Human Resources.... Just NO. The number provided by HR rang about 40 times before I just hung up. I've spent AN HOUR trying to schedule an appointment. Online appointment websites are not working or unable to be validated because I don't have a premium HealtheVet account, despite having a CAC and DS Logon... So I try to call.... I am literally going to have to DRIVE to this place, walk in, and talk to human, JUST to schedule an appointment to obtain a referral. This. Is. Asinine.

Richard Hewett

No available parking. Rode around 45 minutes and finally got public parking almost a mile away. Hips, back and legs killing me after getting here. Valet parking was backed up 15-20 vehicles, so waiting there would have me missing my appointment time. Other vets in waiting areas complaining about the same things. Only good thing was the VA staff were nice to me.

Golf Nut

On hold over an hour just to make an appointment with PC. Finally hung up. Spoke with Michelle in Directors office. we'll see if she comes through.

Crystal Berry

This map is really helpful

jonathan rupard

I give the one star because about everyone I talk to see rude and short. And are very unprofessional. Differently the pharmacy.

Dj Speller

No complaints

Brian Bader

Needs to be shut down!!! This is not medical care!!!

howard beck

Always been treated with respect.

Vicki Obrien

In general most of the VA Staff are great

Richard Schmidt

Primary Care Team B has gone Downhill and Crashed since Dr. Crawford was Re-Assigned to a different part of the Hospital a few months ago. When Dr. Crawford was here, this Team was the Absolute Best of the BEST!

Paul Haight

My father who is a 22 year veteran went there to get glasses. The optical techs and doctors were very prompt and professional. But the staff who are handling his glasses and fitting who were in the same area were very unprofessional. These staff were talking to each and joking while talking to my Dad.. so unprofessional. They could not give my Dad ten minute attention without eating and talking to their fellow workers. They need to set up half wall cubicles, so the area is not totally open.

Sr. Fox

Excellent efficient service

Steven Church

Best VA I've ever been to. People care and the Drs are awesome. Other veterans know about how good they are, so appointment's can be long to get, but it's well worth it. The Drs here have saved my life. Could never song high enough praises about this place.

Michael Buchanan

I recently moved to this clinic from Montgomery, and the difference is immediately noticeable. The lab seems to run efficiently, and the gentleman at the information desk is polite and professional, but that's all the good I have to say. The pharmacy wait is about triple what I had at Montgomery, dropping off and picking up documents to and from my provider has been a nightmare and the ladies who handle that seem to pride themselves on telling me "no" and making me wait the absolute limit of days they are allowed to make me wait. The lady that signed me up on Myhealthyvet was courteous and helpful, but it has done me no good because the staff that reads the messages I send through it either reads and disregards my messages or only tells me how many days they have to respond. The system seems a good idea, but the people who I'm forced to correspond with render it utterly useless and frustrating. When I sent a message complaining, they simply deleted the message thread without a response. It is clear that the recent news articles I've read about this place are not exaggerations and this place is doing everything it can to earn a negative reputation. I'm likely to pick another clinic and just make a longer drive rather than continue to try to deal with these people.

lely malpo

This VA is NOT as bad as it may seem. Yes, parking is BAD. However, pick your days wisely you have appts. Or just arrive early eat breakfast to prevent being late to an appointment or group session.As far as the VA, They are changing working personnel out constantly. However, the staff at Pool therapy has been exceptional and make you feel very welcomed and TRULY care that you are getting the best care. The Mental health department is another great department. They have caring Drs and customer service reps that i TRUST in. They have the appropriate classes to help the Veteran where they need help the most. I struggle with ALOT and the exceptional DRs provided the tools i needed. Make sure you recognize your DRs, Nurses and customer service reps treatment teams by filling out a comment card. Your appreciation for them goes a long way by being recognized by their higher ups. They are shortly manned and some of them are NEVER recognized. So realize its just not about your rating increase. To also be respectful to your Nurses, Drs and customer service reps.

Clark Reynard

After 20 years of military medicine, I get treated like a real human being. Appointments are quick, the staff are patient and polite, and I really feel like someone cares about all aspects of my health. And they maintain this high standard despite being understaffed.

RAYMOND MCNEARY

In and out in no time..GREAT.

Chris

My father has had the worse care here with PA Flanagan. She never relays messages to the doctor and never submits my dads refills of medication. We have to come up and walk them through or they are a week or more late putting him at risk.

B Sweet

Laziest workers in the world can't get anything done here. Seek private health care over this joke

Russ Baughcum

I had real bad carpal tunnel and was sent to Augusta. After the surgery my hand is awesome, doesn't fall asleep while gripping things.

James Harper

That VA is OK the problem that i have is the parking they should have it like the VA on 15th street you don't have to worry about parking they will do it for you all you have to do is drive in and give the person your social security number and they will do the rest

Matthew Kaitschuck

Worst pharmacy ever. Lazy attendants. Poor management. I waited two hours for an incorrect prescription. Thanks for caring about our veterans, you worthless people.

Christopher Hagan

Hurry up and wait. Cancelled appointments, cancelled referrals, cancelled labs, ...the reward for getting injured in service to the country is to be ignored, talked down to, shifted from primary care physician to new primary care physician 9 times in 5 years so nothing gets done. I've never felt more like people would rather their intended populace that they care for would die than to ever help. We are a bother instead of veterans. ...but they "support veterans" if you ask them.

J Hammar

Wait time is significantly shorter than most civilian doctors. I find the concern for the patient is genuine.

Jonathan Barnes

Wish the operator would be a little more helpful in looking for solutions and have a more patient centered attitude. Common courtesy and phone etiquette go a long way. Also tried calling the cardiology department to discuss a mutual patient, no answering service available, call would automatically hang up after no one picked up on the other line. Pharmacy hours listed on website state closing time is at 5pm but they stop answering the phones at 4pm..... Wish our veterans had at least equal support from the government as they could get outside....

CASseal de'El

They always treat me with respect. I have been coming here for 13 years. They have great doctors and staff. Thank you!

Cm 123

I called to check on my father and one of the nurses were very UNPROFESSIONAL and told me he was "chillin". I kindly asked her what that meant and she said that she didnt have to tell me anything about my father. Maybe you need to hire better staff or give a class on customer service etiquette.

Alan Rainer

Solid wait times and knowledgeable doctors, did not have a run-in with any subpar medical personnel. Reception could use a little work, however I've noted that they are stretched thin and thus likely more stressed. The parking lot, on the other hand, is absolutely atrocious, and is my only true reason for knocking down a star. They really need to revisit the lot, as I've seen some disabled vets without tags struggle to exit their vehicles.

THE GREAT1

This hospital is ran all wrong. No help with PTSD. They don't stick with what helped before u more here they try new programs that dont work. Called today because I'm sick was told Dr would call. I called back they say it takes 72 hours to be seen. I guess they want u to die and save the government money

Charles Way

Had a simple herina repair in 2015 and ending up on life support and a medical coma, will never go back to that VA

AzyA 01

The VA hospital in Augusta treated my husband with honor and respect, and gave him the quality care and attention he deserved (Uptown & Downtown locations).

Marilyn Orange

Very good facility for veterans, physical therapy helps with my knee pain. Taking good care of their veterans

brian dockery

They nearly killed my dad. He's there for back problems, but the didnt give him his seizure meds and he dropped on the floor with 2 massive attacks. Then they only say there will be some disciplinary reports. Before that they lost my dads hearing aids (orderly cleaning they said) and took two weeks to replace them. Also when being wheeled to another part of the hospital, the guy pushing the wheelchair was so drunk he could barely stand. All of these things really happened here and i have documented it. Unbelieveable. criminal, and a ton of smaller things that show they are hiring just anyone they can to work there. Cant believe this is a VA hospital. Could not get ahold of anyone 'in charge' so posting on web. Do not go here, ask to be reassigned to another VA or stay where you are.

vern john

Been sitting at the pharmacy for more than 45 minutes and not one person since I pulled my number has been called? Very slow Another reason the VA and over entitled staff needs to be privatized. Updated post may 16 2017 Customer service is extremely lacking primary care team A is rude. The staff gave me wrong information and I spent the entire day trying to fix it just to be told o well that sucks glad it's your problem. The VA system needs to be privatized.

Linda Hollingsworth

Good experiences over all. Some departments have very little wait time. The medical staff is excellent in my opinion. The biggest problem I encounter is telephone service. Hard to get through some departments. Mondays are impossible. I believe they need more staff for phones but with that said I have received excellent treatment from specialty departments and my primary care team at the Aiken Outpatient Clinic. I have received several (outside the VA) medical appointments for mammography, pain management and all were excellent. With all the negative attention thrown on the VA I am surprised in that my experiences in Atlanta, Pennsylvania and Augusta have all been very positive. I have been in the system for 30 years and have had only minor problems. I would recommend they increase staff for answering phones. I am a happy patient and appreciate the excellent medical treatment I have received.

keith haynes

Great place. Appointments run on time. Staff is extremely helpful and most of all friendly

Ben Ward

Found the people that assisted me to be very professional and pleasant to work with. I was surprised.

Ginny Duncan

My husband is a disabled Veteran. He had carple tunnel surgery and ended up worse than before surgery. The doctor's aren't knowledgeable about anything really. The nurses seem more interested in what's going on then the doctor's. Most of the patients we see that are staying there seem doped up and out of it, or hostile.

Jen Tsukinata

These people are notorious for canceling appointments on short notice. The overall professionalism at this facility is subpar. The doctors here mostly want to push meds on the most basic of issues. Coming from a 4 star VA facility a few years ago to this is just sad.

Melvin Roberts

Other people have said they had problems here but this is some of the best medical care that I have ever received.

Bonuscivis Eques Auratus

I don't even try to call because no one will answer unless I have a direct extension. My experiences here so far (since JAN17) has been ok. However if you want your issue to be treated with more than treating your symptoms with a ton of medication that doesn't work, I recommend you use private insurance and see a non government employed provider if you can.

Jason Yurek

Asked my dentist to check to see if I could have teeth cleaned in my hometown instead of driving 90 minutes. Dentist assured me she would check never heard back. Called nobody would answer the phone. This is why the VA is a disgrace! They lie and our fellow Service Members are killing themselves.

Henry Watkins, Jr.

It was awesome

Eric Heffner

Always helpful and kind

Manfred Edelmann

Calling the main number for a question. Had tons of hang ups (over 12) been on hold for 34 minutes, all I wanted to know is when the Lab is open for business tomorrow. The Lab/Pathology is not listed on the published phone directory list, FAQ, or web page. I would call the CEO of the hospital but why bother a 6 figure appointee when the minimum paid or volunteer person can't answer a phone call. Did call Social work Svc, Pastoral care, speech, residency, minority, volunteer svs, PLUS OTHER numbers on the "directory" and the three numbers someone gave me for the lab (they all went to voice mail). This is stupid and crazy. The Charlie Norwood VA's own web page lists the main phone number twice separated with an "OR". NOW that really shows they really think we are :stupid. BTW Lab opens for business M-F at 7:30am, found that out from calling specialty services, hope this is correct!!!!