Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center's Online Review Report Card

I’ve had nothing but good experiences here. Thank you to everyone on my surgical team, nurses and patient care technicians you were all wonderful made me feel welcome and safe! You guys are appreciated!

I grew up at Sanford, but last year I decided to switch Avera and I must say the quality of care and the experience has been amazing. I never feel rushed during my appointment's at Avera and My doctor's truly listen to what I have to say and also take the time to explain any treatment options and plan of care. I have been very pleased with Dr. Dix my Orthopedic doctor who has been working with me on my 5th right ankle sprain. I would highly recommend him! He is friendly and so thorough! I also would recommend Dr. Barker for Urogynecology. He is funny, friendly, and thorough and genuinely cares for his patient's. Avera will listen to their patient's concerns and take ample time to answer your question's. I just love the quality of care I've experienced at here. Thank you Avera!

There is a lot of unnecessary drama within and was promised things that did not happen.

I had two procedures (not surgery), one in Dec 2020, and one in Jan 2021.  the procedures went ok, but the BILLING DEPARTMENT IS TERRIBLE!!!   They assured me several times it would be a screening test, which is why I proceeded with this on December 10th, 2020, (when I could have easily waited three weeks, as I had not met any of my 2020 deductible), then proceeded to bill me $4000 for it.  Before I even got that bill, I had to have the procedure repeated in January 2021, and again precertified through my insurance.  Avera gave me an anesthesiologist who didn't accept Cigna, so in addition to $4000 in December 2020, and $3500 for January 2021 (Please note my total out of pocket is $3000 per year!!) they also billed me $1400 for the anesthesiologist "as they are out of network" to Cigna!!  And that doesn't go towards my maximum out of pocket!!   They have repeatedly told me that they while they bill for the anesthesiologist, they don't precertify them, so there is no way unless you specifically ask prior to the procedure that you would know you will be paying an additional $1400 out of network charges for a screening test!!!!!!!!1) They precert a procedure, but don't precert the anesthesiologist, and it is somehow my problem??  2) They have anesthesiologists who are in network, but chose to give me one that doesn't accept Cigna, and charge me an additional $1400 for a screening test??????3) Cigna is not a small insurance company, so how are the anesthesiologists even able to work if they aren't in network with major insurance companies??BEWARE OF THE BILLING IF YOU GO TO ANY AVERA FACILITIIES!!!   They then won't even talk with you on the phone, but refer you to your health insurance, who will refer you back to the clinic for the billing that they sent in.  They are a NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!

I guess there is no need to actually provide competent care when you recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" every morning on the PA. Token public patriotism is way more important than actually taking care of patients.

I have received excellent physical care from Avera Hospital. They have saved my life. Late the night of 10-3-2011, I ended up in ICU. Dr Kristina Hill-Jensen saved my life. She and her surgical team performed emergency surgery there in ICU. I am so grateful to Drs and nurses, and Techs. It was first at Avera, Plaza 2 imaging that it was learned the severity of my Ankylosing Spondylitis and now I receive Radio Frequency Ablation from Dr Scott Lockwood. He works with lower back and neck. He is skillful. I’m grateful to Interventional pain clinic. I’m grateful to Avera. Charles E Taylor. 9-11-51

This is conveniently right next to my workplace and hotel - so it was a no brainer. Everyone here was so extremely friendly and helpful, especially the lady at the front desk. I was no feel-good mind to talk or converse but she was so caring and expressive that it made me want to converse back and in turn, I felt a bit better without seeing a doctor yet. (Mind over body)

My father spent a week with the caring and helpful Nurses and Doctors. They were very attentive to his needs and also the family. Cannot be more greatful. God bless you.

This review is long overdue, as I received my card from Babymoon in 2018. In the American medical system where patients are herded around like sheep, this facility is a FREAKING BREATH OF FRESH AIR! Having been my first pregnancy that made it past 8 weeks, I wasn't sure what to expect for maternal care throughout my pregnancy.

Worst ER experience I have ever had. I brought my daughter here on Christmas Day because she was having chest pains and trouble breathing. The nurse at the front desk actually asked my daughter why do you think you need to be here? Then, she proceeded to seat us in the waiting area and basically forget about us until we finally just got up and left and went to Sanford where she received service right away and wasn’t made to feel like she was doing something wrong by going to the hospital. Will never set foot in that place again!