UCI Medical Center - Orange, California

Isaiah W.

Horrible emergency room staff that completely abused the crap out of their patience via medical procedures. I asked for them to give me an experience nurse and they refused to and this was the result of my arm. Also the unit I stayed on for the second time after they messed up on my gallbladder surgery was horrible the nurses treat you according to your insurance. And the overnight nurse Jacob the moment I was put on that unit refused to care for me. I hate this place and will NEVER Ever come back again.

Beren K.

Horrendous staff and policies.

Hopefully, you will not have to get treatment at this facility. Not worth a single penny. The gentleman I spoke to on the phone at UCI Single Billing Office, Matthew, called me broke because I did not want to pay a bill of $1348.40 for popping a shoulder back in. My insurance already paid $4000+.

They want to make a buck off of you. You are nothing but a number to them. They will disrespect you if you do not want to pay. Make them beg for that money. They don't deserve your good side.

Matthew your wife is passed around. Respectfully.

Monica G.

One month ago, I visited the UCI Emergency Room after being involved in a car accident, and I am just getting to a place where I am comfortable enough to share the deeply disappointing and unprofessional care I received.

When I arrived, the 7am-7pm shift was still on duty, but when they left for the day it was clear that the staff’s priorities were misplaced. My assigned nurse, Oscar, failed to introduce himself and never once checked on me during my time in the ER. Despite begging for pain relief for over an hour, I was ignored until Dr. Lily intervened—though even after her help, I waited nearly another hour for medication.

To make matters worse, I was left cold and naked under blankets in a hallway until Dr. Lily kindly helped me into a gown. The charge nurse, Kate, was the only one who displayed a shred of compassion, bringing me water and socks while giving me a lousy apology that it was a busy night. She stated that they all help each other, and I let her know that wasn’t evident to me. After this interaction she checked in on me one more time in 10 hours.

None of the nurses passing by would even give me a reassuring smile.

Meanwhile, I observed Nurse Oscar assisting the same patients repeatedly and engaging in horseplay with female nurses, rather than addressing the needs of all patients equitably. When Nurse Cherry eventually took over my care, her bedside manner was cold, adding to my frustration and discomfort. I accepted it because at least she was consistent.

As a nurse myself, I understand the challenges of this profession, especially on busy nights. However, everyone who enters this field knows the importance of providing equitable care to all patients. The lack of professionalism and empathy I experienced was unacceptable and disheartening. I sincerely hope the staff at UCI ER reevaluates their approach to patient care to ensure that no one else endures the treatment I did.

S

This hospital has really gone downhill over the years. It used to be one of the best hospitals in OC and now it turned into a typical government facility.

If you’re in need of a transplant, you’re an amputee, cannot walk on your own, have a foley in and/or you have infections or wounds… you cannot get the transplant that you need to live. They will not give you the transplant and they do not tell you any of this until your transplant evaluation. They have you wait for this evaluation but they do NOT give you all the information beforehand to properly prepare you for this life changing procedure.

This hospital needs to do better! If you DON’T love your family members, go ahead and take them here. If you DO then take them to a facility that will care for them the way that they should be cared for. If you don’t like helping people or doing your job then you should quit and leave the hospital to those that genuinely care about other human beings.

Jetuane M.

I am a nurse and I am appalled at the care my father received while recently at UCI. My father was recently diagnosed with aggressive metastatic lung cancer. He was transferred to UCI thinking he would receive proper care. My father left UCI AMA before we could get homecare set up because he was treated indignantly. Embarrassed, he didn't reveal his experience until after he was back home. He was on a unit that has a "no feet on the floor after 6pm" policy. Now, I understand the call light system but what followed is ridiculous! He used the system when he needed assistance for the bathroom. He was given a poor excuse for a bedpan. When he refused to use what was given to him, the staff enlisted the "help" of 2 big guys to "help" him onto the "bedpan" anyway. Not only did my father have to endure that humiliation but he wasn't cleaned properly and developed sacral irritation as well. My father endured even more pain because of people who don't have the capacity to provide care in a decent manner. I am a nurse who doesn't just give meds. I also provide personal care to my patients, changing briefs, etc making sure they are properly taken care of. We who have chosen the healthcare field are supposed to help people not cause them harm. If you are in this field and you can't provide proper care because you just don't care about others, then do us all a favor and find work elsewhere. Preferably with inanimate objects. Be careful how you treat people because you never know when you'll be in the same situation.

Hani V.

In May 2024, when I found out I was pregnant, I was referred by my OB to an MFM doctor at USI since I was considered a high-risk patient due to my age . It took three weeks of back-and-forth and dealing with a lot of attitude from the front desk staff to finally get an appointment. I was seen by Dr. Hatfield at 8 weeks, and they told me I had to stop seeing my OB because they wouldn't allow me to see both at the same time.
On August 8th, due to unusual discharge I went to the USI emergency room at 4 PM and messaged Dr. Hatfield. I was in pain, and an intern finally checked me at 2 AM. Yes, 2 AM! He was inexperienced and panting heavily while examining me, which scared me. While I was in unbearable pain and discomfort No one was listening to me. The restroom there was dirty and not working, and I didn't even have a pad to use while I was bleeding and having a water discharge.
At 5 AM, they finally gave me a bed to lie down on after hours of sitting in an uncomfortable chair. At 10 AM, I was discharged and sent home, being told that my baby and I were okay since it wasn't my water breaking and everything looked good. However, at 11 pm the same day, I miscarried my baby at home. My baby came out in my hands!!!. 911 took me to Saddleback Hospital, where the medical staff were understanding, thoughtful, and experienced. They discharged me in the morning and told me to see my doctor at UCI as soon as possible. After many messages to Dr. Hatfield's office, they finally called and scheduled an appointment for that day. She was beyond careless and showed no sympathy. She said I needed an ultrasound to ensure nothing was left but insisted it be done six weeks after the miscarriage. I was worried and asked radiology to expedite it, but they notified me that Dr. Hatfield insisted on the six-week wait, and if I wanted it sooner, I would have to pay out of pocket as insurance wouldn't cover it.I did the ultrasound six weeks later, which showed something in my uterus. Dr. Hatfield messaged me that the ultrasound should have been vaginal!!!!! While the ultrasound was done abdominal, I had to wait another six weeks for that. When I asked for a sooner appointment, she said the same thing: I had to wait more weeks. I was in pain and bleeding the whole time after the miscarriage and kept messaging her, but nothing happened except being told to take over-the-counter painkillers. When the second ultrasound results came out, Dr. Hatfield said I needed a biopsy for confirmed thickness in my uterus. I messaged and called the office many times, asking if it could be remaining products from the pregnancy and if I needed a D&C procedure. I was told they couldn't do anything before the biopsy. I asked for a sooner appointment but was told it wasn't possible and had to wait another month.
During that month, I still had pain and bleeding. After two weeks, I had terrible pain similar to my miscarriage pain and called USI, only to be told to take over-the-counter painkillers. I couldn't believe the lack of care and understanding, so I kept calling and messaging. Luckily, Dr. Hatfield was on vacation, and another doctor contacted me and scheduled a D&C procedure, confirming no biopsy was needed and that the thickness was due to remaining pregnancy products. The night before the procedure, with terrible pain, I passed a large tissue, which was the thickness shown on the ultrasound. The next day, they confirmed I didn't need the D&C anymore since my uterus had passed the tissue on its own.
I am still suffering from that night, which caused a lot of damage to us. The carelessness and ignorance I received after my miscarriage were unbelievable. I am taking therapy sessions to overcome my PTSD, but I am not sure if the people who did this to us can forgive themselves because we DO NOT!

Monique L.

Buyer beware. I took my daughter to see an ophthalmologist at UCI. In addition to the provider fee (that is billed separately) they charge an additional $180 facility fee for every appointment. I was not notified of this verbally and they bury this information in the paperwork that you sign.
The billing department acknowledged that it is very deceptive, but legally there is nothing one can do if they signed the intake forms.

Javier R.

I've been here many times. Had my brain surgery 😫 and came out a new man. I do all my appts and mri procedures here at this location. Beyond my stay, the hospital is growing. In the last 10 years they have completely remodeled and up ended all the important facilities. From new machines, to new buildings, to better parking, to mobile units to accommodate new tech to friendly people and super professional associates, I can say that uci has grown into a fine facility.