About VA Medical Center-Palo Alto: Dorn Martha MD
The VA Medical Center-Palo Alto offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere, with an urban garden on site. Patients can expect efficient and prompt medical care, with no wait times and thorough attention to their needs. The hospice team provides dignified and comfortable end-of-life care, earning heartfelt gratitude from patients and families. While there may be some issues with phone communication, the medical staff and support teams, such as Dr. Giori, Fernando in the travel office, and the release of information office, demonstrate exceptional care and attention to detail. Overall, the VA Medical Center-Palo Alto strives to provide high-quality medical care and compassionate support to its patients.
8/7/2023: I parked in the Disabled Parking; upon parking my truck, I walked along the pathway towards the Hospital's Entrance and WOW . . . I was taken aback in utter disbelief seeing an urban garden at the PALO ALTO VA HOSPITAL????? WOT???? I squealed, "Whoa~I'm surprisingly delighted--Palo Alto VA Hospital are growing an urban garden! AWESOME!!!" Aside, I had to visit Palo Alto VA Hospital for my medical appointments which I might add, there are no wait times, the medical staff thoroughly addresses my medical requirements without delay, and immediately resolves my medical issues the same visit!
It seems odd to post a review of a facility providing hospice care, but at the same time - what could be more important than caring for the dying? I had to confront my image of VA hospitals based on what I have seen in TV and movies. Our experience was anything but that. The care of the hospice team was just humbling. My dad was checked-in with a cancer diagnosis that was clearly going to end his life. That is a scary proposition for patients and family. His end of life care was the most dignified and comfortable outcome we could have wished for. There are no words for the gratitude I have for the VA Hospice Team. As one doctor said, "There are lots of ways our government has not taken great care of our service men and women, but THIS they got right." Amen. Amen.
The bad: We had been calling the phone number to make an appointment and they were not answering. While sitting in the same office we called and they did not answer until we told them. When the supervisor came in they gave us a different number to use that worked. I told my wife they still did not fix the problem if everyone calls the other number. The good: The surgeon Dr. Giori was great. He answered all my wife's questions and showed us the xray regarding her condition. So patient. Also, the travel office and release of information offices were really good too. A man named Fernando in the travel office helped us with every step of the travel voucher process so much, we left with it completely filled out and submitted. Would give it 5 stars for Fernando if it weren't for the bad part above. Will update with another review later this year when she comes back for surgery.