Multnomah County Health Center

Until the recent healthcare act kicked into gear almost 2 years ago, I had been without real medical insurance for the better part of a decade. Most of my doctor visits took place in an Urgent Care clinic or ER where you randomly meet someone in a white coat, cough and say ‘ahh’, and then never see them again. I’ve always found the process of finding a new doctor quite unnerving — you blindly pick a name from a long list or simply call an intake coordinator and take the first available. Most of the time they’ll let you choose the sex of your doctor and that’s about as fancy as it gets. Through luck of the draw I was referred to Brooks Gaston, NP and I’ve been going to see him for about a year and a half.
I’ll be quite plain — he’s great. Personable, attentive, quick and to the point but he also doesn’t seem to mind my random ramblings and never makes me feel judged. He listens. He calls me personally with results. Side note: I’ve struggled with addiction for about 20 years and have been in recovery since 2013. This is the first time I’ve ever honestly shared that experience with my physician and used it to form a treatment plan. It’s great to be able to trust your provider and be open with them about your struggles. He seems to really care and that is wonderful. The nursing staff are great also and always return my calls within a few hours. They’re obviously very busy but they manage quite well. Every time I leave the clinic I feel relieved and hopeful.
Not sure if he’s accepting new patients but I highly recommend him.

I’ve been contemplating this one a while now. I recently had a very negative experience here. I didn’t want to post it until I had changed doctors and facilities. But screw it. What can they do… spit in my blood test? Care less about my health? I will probably write a seperate review for the dr (Dr Brooks Gaston). And the 2 stars I leave here are for the fact that I have oft had good experiences with the staff here. They don’t seem terribly ahead of the curve, but they are nice enough.
A trip to my dentist (OHSU school) revealed that my blood pressure was quite high. I used to take meds but had decided (with my Dr’s ok) to try to go without. I am often able to bring it down on my own. But the lower number was scarily high and she told me that one of her 2 Supervisers she suggested I go to the hospital. I was obviously concerned and had a bit of a panic attack at the time. After the appt, I called my dr and asked him to renew the Rx. The office called me back. I explained. The situation, the numbers, etc. She asked if I wanted to come in at that time to text my blood pressure. Ummm no thanks, I already know my blood pressure. But I got the 1^st appt they offered about 2 weeks ahead.
The pharmacy didnt have my script. I called again. I explained again. I was led to believe she would secure the script and get a return call. Neither happened. I That was a Friday. I called again on Monday morning. and asked that my Dr return my call. I was told he was out and would return calles the next day. I never heard from him. Ever.
I went in for my appt in two weks and told him how dissapointed I was. And that I didn’t wasnt to take it out on his staff since I didnt have names, and didn’t want to be unfair to anyone. So I would tell him instead. No apologies. No empathy. He told me that he was too busy, counted on his staff to take care of things, and didnt have time to call patients. Why didnt I come in at the time?
If accoutability, efficiency, empathy and actual concern for my health aren’t an integral part of your practice… why bother?