MUSC Health Institute of Psychiatry

“I was not compelled to write a review until I saw someone’s review from eight months ago explaining that they didn’t take her family member’s crisis seriously. This exact issue was the reason my life nearly ended and my family’s lives were almost destroyed. This is unacceptable. I could write about some (not all) of the nurses and staff who were unprofessional and lacked basic decency; the fact that visitation was so limited it felt cruel; the fact that we could barely go outside and get fresh air; how they repeatedly mishandled my MRI appointment to the point that the MRI staff complained about it to me; how one of the nurses couldn’t properly place an IV, left it in my arm for days, and it still wasn’t correctly placed when I arrived for my MRI; or the fact that they repeatedly assured me and my family they would arrange outpatient care after my release, and they did not; and that there’s no talk therapy, to name just a few issues. However, my biggest gripe is exactly what this other reviewer described more than two years later. The doctor (whom I could have sued had it not taken me more than two years to process my trauma, by which point the statute of limitations was up) did not take my life threatening condition seriously. We were in the psychiatric ER for almost 12 hours, and my condition was dire. After discussions about admitting me, the doctor recklessly sent me home. What followed was an event that nearly ended my life. It is a miracle that I’m here. I was told that this incident was reported, but clearly the lesson has not been learned if they’re still failing to take people in crisis seriously. I am so thankful for my husband and family, who constantly checked in with me and with the doctors and staff to make sure I was treated properly. Otherwise, I don’t know how things would have ended. If nothing changes, I wouldn’t be surprised if MUSC eventually faces litigation over a similar situation, but more importantly, they are being reckless with people’s lives.”

“I’ve been a patient here (Daniel Island location Primary Health with Dr Hund) for some time, and I want to be very honest about my experience. Dr. Hund is a wonderful doctor in person —knowledgeable, compassionate, and attentive. I have always felt heard and respected during my actual appointments. Unfortunately, the office communication has been extremely disappointing. I have been corresponding for over a week trying to get an important medication refill. Over the last few days, I made it very clear that this was an emergency and that I was struggling with my mental health — and I was still blatantly ignored. This is now the second serious issue I’ve had with lack of response and delayed follow-through. It feels like the practice has become too busy or too popular to properly manage patient needs. When it comes to timely prescriptions, especially for mental health, there is no excuse for this level of neglect. If you choose to go here, be prepared for the possibility of delayed or ignored messages and not receiving time-sensitive medications when you desperately need them. That is unacceptable, and I truly hope the office addresses this issue.”

“Worst Institute I’ve ever dealt with horrible communication. They refused to answer the phone if they do answer the phone they put you on hold for hours then hang up on you. A family member was in there for nearly 5 days with only being allowed to make one outside call per day it would not allow us to communicate with anyone even though paperwork was signed from what we’re told. They also had an arrest arrested and sent to directions to the wrong person. The worst I’ve ever dealt with in my life.”

“I traveled to MUSC for the first time today for business purposes. I was lost and had six heavy bags with me. The Nurse Manager, Claudia, from Unit 3 North of the Institute of Psychiatry approached me to offer help and spent approximately two hours assisting me. She certainly has numerous responsibilities, so I am especially grateful that she took the time. I am impressed with her efforts to exceed the highest standards of care and service. MUSC is fortunate to have such an outstanding leader. I would appreciate it if Claudia could be recognized for her endless compassion and dedication.”