Christel Steffen's Online Review Report Card

This provider seems unsafe at the least. She sent a chronic alcoholic who came in intoxicated to a holding place that had no medical or detox facilities likely knowing that the patient would experience severe withdrawals which can lead to seizures because of abruptly stopping alcohol intake. Usual intake of alcohol for patient was hourly around the clock. Patient experienced DTs and the unkind staff ended having to call 911 for medically assisted withdrawal. Unsafe. Unkind. Judgmental!

The worst kind of doctor. She forms an immediate narrow opinion of the patient before getting any information face to face with the patient. After that she absolutely does not listen to the patient and will just keep repeating her initial opinion (and incorrect facts) even if they are wrong. Previous to having this encounter with her at Asante Ashland ER I thought their ER doctors were pretty good. Now my family and I are tempted to go to Providence in the event we have to use an ER.

Terrible ER doctor. Immediately forms a narrow, focused opinion about the patient and situation. Doesn't listen to patient. One of the worst doctors I've ever been to. I'm thinking of not going back to Asante Ashland because of the treatment from this doctor.

Doctor Steffen was on duty today at ACH when I checked in. She was very personable and thorough and spent a good amount of time explaining her diagnosis and recommendations. I give her the highest recommendation and would definitely refer others to her. Marshall Malden

Dr Steffen was quick thinking and knowledgeable. She thought outside the box when assessing the situation, was clear with instruction, kind, and personable. I would choose her as my primary care physician

First thing Dr Steffen did before asking about my history, asking what I was being seen for, or evaluating my heart was to tell me that "in Full disclosure before we start, we will not be giving you any narcotic pain medication." First off I did not ask for any narcotics or any medication of any kind even though I was in extensive pain. I had only been to that hospital one other time in 6 months and the other visit was when my trach came out in the shower and had to be replaced right away. I was being sen this time for chest pain and a b/p of 170/110 as the request of my palliative care nurse. I was profiled and treated horrifically before I had even had labs, an xray or spoke one word. I have an extensive cardiac history with multiple intubations and moved to Oregon 7 months ago. I eneded up being so fearful for my care and receiving adequate care that I left the ER 2 hrs later. I had also waited in the lobby 3 hrs with Chest Pain unrelieved by 3 rounds of nitro at home. A guy with a sprained pinkie was seen and discharged before I had been seen. I am now extremely fearful for the future of my medical care and worried I will suffer my 2nd and final heart attack due to the biased and hateful care I received. With a tracheotomy and extensive cardiac history, it is unacceptable that I was so fearful I had to risk my life and health due to this physicians profiling. Not only is what she did illegal but it is unethical as well. Having tattoo's is not a reason to violate my medical rights. Nor is having a extensive medical history that she did not take the time to understand. I have been on the ventilator 24x. This is not an exaggeration. Does anyone have any idea how painful that is? Yet I did not ask for anything during this visit, nor the visit before. My health history and diagnosis is well documented. But this Dr took one look at me and made her opinion which transferred into her care and the care provided by the rest of the staff. What's even more messed up is that she can write what ever she wants on me chart, no matter how biased or inaccurate and there is nothing I can do. I am now afraid to seek care if I need it. This is unacceptable and I feel like I have no recourse to protect myself. Dr Steffen broke the basic oath of patient care by disabling any possible trust I could have in my physician who should be the one person I could be honest with and get medical support from. Being in pain and seeking care DOES NOT make me a pain seeker especially since I had only been to this ER one other time which was a true emergency. I will be filing a complaint with the hospital administration, JACHO and any other avenue I can find. Hopefully this will prevent another patient from having the same experience and the save the life of someone who may leave as I felt forced too and die at home.