Pocono Medical Center: experiences/opinions about birthing there?

[indigosky]

What can anyone tell me about Pocono Medical Center as a place to give birth (assuming one wants a relatively natural, low-intervention birth)? Their c-section rate is pretty decent according to the state statistics, but that's all I know about it.

Thanks!

[crambo]

I have yet to give birth there, however after doing a lot of research my husband and I have chosen Pocono for our delivery. Our son was born at Hackettstown Hospital, great place. Too far. Due in September our next will be closer to home at PMC. 

[serenbat]

as far as comparing to other hospitable in the area they do not have a stellar reputation - they have had recent "staffing" issues 

personally they got fined by the state for what they did to my DS (he was not born there but had his PKU done there) - and if you really like to pay (since they have a great reputation of OVER billing)- this is the place to go! not only in my case did they SAY they conducted tests on my DS that they DID NOT DO and had no authorization to do (this is where the state got involved), they over billed my insurance company 500%!  

talk to locals who have been in the area for years to get a better picture - read the Pocono Record archives as well

my ped has privileges there but UNDERSTOOD and had us use another ped friend at a LV hospitable for our birth

I still have the message saved on my answering machine when they asked us not to sue them! 

unless you can't get some place else - I would sooner say home and this is not just for a birth

I have had a bad experience and I know others that have had far worse things happen to them- I know many in the medical profession in the area and none go there.

check our what you are being told and verify it the best you can and see what other options you might have

regarding the c rate - this might have to do with them not doing births for awhile not a true picture 

ETA - the local editorial staff backed the workers - you might find the comments at the papers web site - http://www.seiuhealthcarepa.org/hospitals/pmc/default.aspx (on right hand side) 

http://www.mamapedia.com/article/can-anyone-recommend-a-good-obgyn-in-the-east-stroudsburg-pa-area

you just need to do some digging and check on personal recommendations in the community - MOST go to the LV for a reason

this happened at the same time of our problem and no one could even answer my complaint at the time because I was told "we are currently in turmoil" but they had to answer to the state dept of health and my insurance co http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/NEWS/801250355

in a timely manner NOT me according  to Pocono!

Edited by serenbat - 3/14/12 at 10:41am