Prior to my last surgical experience, I sung the praises of Union Memorial. Especially, Orthopedics. Now, not so much. I'm forced on Medicare, so a month prior to surgery I attempted to learn my out of pocket costs. These amounts require preparation. After many attempts I was repeatedly told zero or unavailable. Naturally on the day of surgery I'm jammed with laying out $980. My remaining max out of pocket was $630 and yet another battle to be waged. During prep for surgery a rather loud conversation was overheard between an obviously inept administrator and the nurse prepping me. What happened to behind closed doors? The gist of the discussion was aimed at strong arming the nurse to report for work at Union, while simultaneously donating her time, in the Philippines with Doctors without Boarders. The only heard justification was, she needed her. This immediately keyed me that under-staffing might be a problem. As the day progressed and yet more of these discussions were heard. I was convinced. Then it bled over to patient care. Attitudes were less than optimal and an overall minimalist, get through the shift mentality. Easily I could see a thinly stretched , overworked staff. That, exacerbated by adhering to legal guidelines. FYI, If you are really in pain. Don't fall prey trying to tough it out. When they ask that ludicrous question, gauging between 1 and 10. Never answer less than 7. Otherwise you get, nothing. Pain is pain and no one in it, needs that BS. A simple blood test would weed out the abusers. Everyone admitted has blood drawn.

So far, my doctor and surgical team were top notch. Support staff leave a lot to be desired. When admitted to a facility 99% of contact is with support staff. I intend to make these observations, crystal clear at my post op. Any return visits to Union are questionable. There has been a considerable degradation since MedStar took over. I have been a patient since the 1950's.

My wife had a survey at this hospital and we were very satisfied with her surgeon, Dr. Gupta and his team. We sincerely appreciate their efforts.

Dr. Karami

I went here for a simple emergency this lady name Jill was being so nasty and disrespectful towards me and I was being nothing but kind to her then the remark she said as she walked out it sounded as if she said just wanna strangle them some time was she referring to black people I do not know I have white friends and actually friends of almost every race but never have I been treated with such disrespect in my life and only one nurse was very respectful towards me and very polite can't remember her name but this nurse name Jill she is a older woman of white decent maybe in her 50's she was very rude and nasty and said so many things under her breath it was just very bad experience

Very unhappy with this place. Don't take your family member there for Cath tests. Nurse was ok but never recorded I have drug allergy even states on my paper work no drug allergy after I told every single person that worked on me. Meds gave in lab were given after the doctor started work therefore I felt everything. The doctor was too worried about getting to where he was going that night and was the next patient ready. EXCUSE ME DOC YOU ARE WORKING ON MY HEART HOW ABOUT YOU PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!!!!!!!!!! Will never go near that place again!

Union Memorial is one of the best hospitals in Balti