The Traveling Wheelchair

Clinical Center -West Campus
3rd Floor
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston , MA  02215
Phone: 617-667-2515
http://www.bidmc.org/CentersandDepartments/Departments/Radiology.aspx

Yesterday, my mom, Tony, Ric and I traveled to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for an appointment in the Radiology Department, located in the Clinical Center of the West Campus. Dr. Danzinger, my Kidney doctor ordered an ultrasound to see if the hematoma on my left kidney was gone; I sustained this injury in an auto accident in May of 2008.

In June of 2008, I wrote a 5 Star wheelchair accessibility review of the  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Radiology – Rabb Building, located on the East Campus. This review is of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Radiology – Clinical Center, located on the West Campus. I’ve written reviews of all the buildings at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center which you can find by clicking on my category Hospital.

Valet parking is available right in front of the Clinical Center or in the public parking garage, located on Lowry Street. Remember to get your parking ticket validated at the Reception Desk, located in the lobby to get your discount rate for patients.

Access is easy for the front entry door is a push button automatic door; this push button is positioned in a spot that is very easy for me to reach; the door is wide with plenty of room to fit my chair. Once inside you’ll see the Receptionist Desk; there is a lower wheelchair accessible counter that is of a perfect wheelchair height.  The receptionist told me Radiology is located on the 3rd floor and kindly directed me to the elevators.

The elevators are very wide and spacious with plenty of room to fit me in my chair, my mom and friends. I pushed the 3rd floor button which is easy for me to reach from my chair.

The hallway of the third floor is wide; the doors are all automatic. Access to the Radiology reception area is easy for the door is wide and automatic; the waiting room is spacious with plenty of room for my chair to wheel around. The customer service desk where you check in has a lowered accessible counter on the side, which is a perfect height for my wheelchair. 

I waited only a short time before my name was called. A very nice Radiology Technician, whose name is Vanessa took me, my mom and friends to an examination room where I had my ultrasound. The examination table is adjustable; Vanessa lowered the table which made access for me easy and Tony and Ric helped me transfer to the table. Vanessa kindly explained to me everything she did; I could easily view my kidney on the ultrasound monitor screen.

I told my mom that I thought the hematoma was gone; both Ric and my mom bet me $5 that a little of the hematoma would still be there. Vanessa finished the procedure; we asked if she could tell us if the hematoma was gone; she told us she couldn’t but she would bring a Radiologist in to check the films.

Vanessa left the room to get the Radiologist; Ric and Tony could tell I was nervous so they started joking around; Ric pretended he was a technician and Tony pretended he was the Radiologist; Tony showed me my kidney on the screen and told me the hematoma was gone. My Mom just watched and laughed at us all being silly! She told me that I should have called us Kenny & comediens instead of Kenny & company.

Vanessa came back with the real Radiologist; he was very courteous and kind; he performed more of the ultrasound on my kidney and surrounding areas. We were all delighted hearing his news. My hematoma seems to have totally vanished! I felt relieved that I no longer had a hematoma on my kidney! Tony, Ric and Mom were all thrilled at the good news. Then I reminded Ric and Mom that we had made a $5 bet and I won! I was really happy for not only was my hematoma gone but I was $10 richer too!! :>)

We told Vanessa and the Radiologist about   House 3785 and  Senate 1948 : “An Act relative to the transportation of individuals seated in wheelchairs”. They were pleased to hear this important legislation was filed for it will help ensure safer travel for wheelchair-seated travelers.

I give BIDMC Radiology Department in the Clinical Building FIVE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. I give Vanessa and the Radiologist FIVE STARS for being caring, warm and kind. Thank you very much!