fairbanks memorial hospital? (buy, cost, relocating)

[lma1770]

thinking of relocating, does anyone know the reputation of Fairbanks Memorial?

[RayinAK]

Very expensive, and a lot of complains from the locals, but this hospital has a tight grip on that sort of business in town. I believe it's controlled by a company from the Lower-48. I was told that because of the Alaska's laws, there can't be other medical systems competing with it, so they either squash the competition, or just buy it.

But the whole thing could just be rumors (??).

[shellbell21883]

I don't know much about it but the company in the lower 48 that manages it is Banner Health. I believe they are based out of AZ...not sure about that, but definitely know it is a Banner Health facility. I'm wondering about the hospital myself. I moved away from AK, am a RN, and trying to get back!

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by lma1770

thinking of relocating, does anyone know the reputation of Fairbanks Memorial?

Don't know, went there a couple of times and was able to walk back out, so that was a positive.

I know a couple of the doctors and they seem ok, have a couple of friends that are nurses there, and they seemed to like the jobs they did there.

[NorthWord]

They are 1:4 with my family.

Pros:
Good birthing center

Cons:
Healthcare monopoly = expensive care
So-so doctors. Some are outstanding, others seem to be constrained by the "system."
Confusing billing (an emergency room visit, cost me $4k - paid out to 4 different entities).
Under-staffed at all levels,

I could go on, but I can sum it up in one sentence:
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where else are you going to go?

[mitgreb]

They are hard to work for.