CentraCare Health-Sauk Centre Hospital: Emergency Room

“I went into the Sauke Center ER today with severe thumb pain. I arrived around 2 PM, and after spending 4-5 hours there, I left frustrated and beyond disappointed with the care I received from Dr. Rebecca Stepan. Honestly, had I known what was coming, I would have demanded to see someone more experienced. During my visit, I had a fantastic nurse who brought some humor to the situation, which was much needed, especially after the doctor essentially told me I could lose my thumb and have permanent joint damage. I had X-rays done, my vitals and blood work were nearly perfect, and I received IV antibiotics, yet somehow, this doctor demanded I drive 60 minutes to another hospital to sit and wait until Monday, just to "secure a bed." Are you kidding me? I’ve got a family and commitments, and her demands caused me to miss out on important activities. When I asked for oral antibiotics so I could go home and see another doctor on Monday, she flat-out refused. The cherry on top? She threatened to report me to my insurance and said they wouldn’t cover my visit if I didn’t follow her orders! I’m pretty sure she’s not the one paying my bills, but let’s do the math: even if there’s a slim chance insurance doesn’t cover today’s visit, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of a 3-day hospital stay and potential surgery. It’s beyond frustrating that rural healthcare is already so difficult, and this doctor made it even worse. If it wasn’t for the great nurse who helped make the situation bearable, this visit would’ve been a total disaster. I’ll be sure to avoid Dr. Rebecca Stepan in the future and would suggest anyone reading this do the same. Thank you to the surgeon who I randomly encountered, who had the sense to tell me I’d be fine until Monday. That’s the kind of care we should be getting, not the fear-mongering and inflexibility I was put through. Ultimately, in conclusion I went to the ER and among multiple people stating her actions were out of line I was giving oral antibiotics. So glad the hand surgeon is a specialist and not just a regular MD.”