Duke University Health System

The best hospital ever for serious illness and head trauma. Thank God we have Duke!

Accolades especially for Duke University School of Medicine!

Me dieron la oportunidad de seguir con vida doctores y enfermeras con gran dedicación Dios los. Bendiga.

Duke University Hospital, while renowned for its medical expertise and research, has been subject to systemic racism that permeates both its staff and patient experiences. Employees of marginalized backgrounds often face unequal opportunities for advancement, wage disparities, and subtle discriminatory practices that hinder professional growth. Patients, too, encounter disparities in healthcare outcomes, with racial and ethnic minorities experiencing barriers to access, quality, and culturally competent care. These systemic issues are deeply ingrained in the institutional fabric, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that adversely affects both the workforce and those seeking medical assistance. Addressing and dismantling these systemic barriers is crucial for fostering an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Duke University Hospital.

Regrettably, as a former employee at Duke, I have observed a disheartening lack of initiative towards change. Rather than prioritizing improvement in the quality of care we offer to our patients, maintaining the status quo has taken precedence. This stagnation hinders progress and overlooks the potential for positive transformations that could benefit both staff and those seeking medical assistance. Acknowledging and addressing these concerns is essential for fostering a more dynamic and responsive environment at Duke.

I would advise patients and staff of color to consider avoiding an institution that appears resistant to meaningful change and improvement. It's important to prioritize environments that actively work towards inclusivity, equity, and a commitment to addressing systemic issues. Choosing institutions that value diversity and actively strive for positive transformations can contribute to a more supportive and fair experience for both patients and staff of color.

The alarming rates of maternal mortality, coupled with the stark reality that black children are three times more likely to face mortality when not cared for by a person of color, underscore the urgent need for healthcare reform. Additionally, Latinos often encounter language barriers in hospitals that lack representation of their cultural backgrounds. These disparities highlight systemic issues that disproportionately affect minority communities. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, improve cultural competency, and ensure equitable outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Duke must do better, but not at the expense of our lives.
#disparitiesinhealthcare #systemicracismpersist #themodernjimcrow #whitesonlyhospital #dukeplantation

My mother had mitral valve surgery at Duke by Dr. Donald Glower MD. This would replace a pig valve that had lasted 13 years, with a new mechanical valve. There was a slight risk of scar tissue from the previous surgery that could cause a problem but we were told it was minimal risk. All surgeries carry risk.

But something went terribly wrong during the surgery which caused her to suffer a major stroke during the procedure. What's more, they did not know she had the stroke until after she came out of anesthesia, which was too late. Her life would never be the same. She struggled and suffered from the stroke for 17 long years before she passed away in 2013.

I believe with all my heart that it was because a medical student was allowed to participate in the surgery. It took much longer than it should have and my Mother was NOT a smoker and led a healthy lifestyle.

I blame Dr. Glower since he was responsible for the surgery. And what took so long when it was supposed to be a typical procedure? Something took the extra time... student learning, awareness of the stroke? We are talking about an extra 2 hours of surgical time, something was going on that was not routine. Painfully, we will never know. None of us know what is happening to our loved ones when they are behind those closed doors.

So if you want to take a chance with your life and be a guinea pig, go ahead and have health care performed at Duke Medical Center. It's a teaching hospital so patients are used to teach students so they get hands-on training. My Mother had faith in Duke because of the previous surgery she had done with a different surgeon several years before.

The rehab center there was also a nightmare. I had an incident with a nurse that would not take my Mother to the bathroom after repeated calls to the nurses station. Mother required proper handling to prevent a fall and I was not qualified. I over-heard the nurse say "just let her wait". This nurse did not know I was standing behind the door and if I had not been there, my Mother would have been neglected in this manner. NEVER leave your loved one in a hospital or rehab alone....ever...at any hospital.

Over the years I have heard numerous stories about mistakes and careless, arrogant health care at Duke. But the average patient cannot penetrate or argue with the "fraternity" of doctors and the attorneys that protect them. Not to mention the disclaimers that you sign when admitted to the hospital that give them free reign to do as they please, because you have released them from any liability.

Good luck.

I can truly understand why this organization has such a low review rating.

What kind of compassionate and caring healthcare system literally sends a patient to collections without first making contact to state there is an outstanding bill?

I not only find this appalling and completely inappropriate, but this is an unacceptable dent on my well deserved credit rating. There are other health systems out there, my future healthcare needs will be given elsewhere, other than duke!

Loretta Braxton PhD an assistant professor at Duke University Health System and an employee of the Durham Va has orchestrated wickedness upon me, committed intentional federal medical record and overlooked the fact that I was physically assaulted (on voice recording) after being denied treatments, medication and provoked. Loretta has not responded to my request for evidence as to why she red flagged me at the Va, labeled me a threat and overlooked the fact I was assaulted. Additionally, Loretta had her colleagues at the Durham Va specifically seek me out while waiting two hours pre-op to intimidate, harass and provoke me and avoid social distancing and covid precautions, the reason I was where I was.

Longtime patients of Duke Health Care and qualified for COVID vaccine, but were unable to get appointments til Jan 19. Meantime, neighbors who are NOT Duke patients already got their vaccinations. REX only distributed to its own patients - shouldn't Duke have offered to their own patients first? Very disappointed.

My ENT got the privilege of aligning with Duke Health and my bill for the exact same services tripled. Called insurance, Duke Health and NCEENT and none of them know where the extra money is going but that it is just Duke charging higher prices. Glad they are a nonprofit, great work!

This letter will be copied and placed on the webpages of all companies. My story begins almost a year ago. My husband ( a Duke Internal Medicine pt) was scheduled for a follow up colonoscopy after having multiple polyps found the year before. In the course of the year, my insurance changed and we secured Market place insurance with United Health Care. This was premium insurance, very expensive monthly premiums and a 250.00 deductible. The providers office did a referral, and here is where the water goes murky. Duke, at the time did not take the type of UNC insurance (compass platinum), so an appointment was mad via the providers office with UNC healthcare. My husband called UHC prior to the visit to make sure the paperwork was in order and was told" the procedure was a covered 100%"). He had the procedure, and received a bill. Part of the bill was covered but 2900.00 was not. Upon investigation per UNC, the "referral was for a screening, not diagnostic and needed a new number. The provider office said the referral did not need a number and would look into it. UHC said the referral was not correct as well. After multiple phone calls with all three groups and a lot of finger pointing between companies, the bill was turned over to collections, and UNC will not return phone calls. A customer service rep from Duke has also looked into the situation and told us today, everyone is blaming someone else. Here is the sad thing, all these companies advertise "patients first, patient centered care" etc. The patient should not be responsible for making sure referrals have a correct number, should not be responsible for making sure codes are correct. He did due diligence to make sure prior to the procedure that it was covered.
The final disservice and disrespect to the patient is making them jump through hoops to find out no one is accountable but him. $2900.00 may not be a lot to some, but it is a lot to us. Add the monthly expense of the insurance premiums, for what should be covered and this is shameful.

Sat in emergency service for 7hrs before see my mother in law. Sat in the back 45 and still waiting to be seen😡🤬

Atrocious, yet not always deadly right away.