A nearly fatal delay
Turns out Rob didn’t need to come so close to dying last night. His family doctor wanted him to have the stress test Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning, but Blue Cross/Blue Shield wanted to review the decision of a doctor who had found a dangerous irregularity in Rob’s EKG.
When it comes to heart problems, every hour delay can be life-or-death.
Rob should have had that surgery at least 24 hours before he did. That delay, made so some mid-level insurance flunky with an MBA could second-guess Rob’s doctor, very, very nearly cost him his life.
Rob’s primary care doc read the surgery report today and was shocked at how close he had come to dying. She called me to say how glad she is that his surgeon was skilled enough to save his life.
Me too. But it’s time to put a stop to their abuses. I’ve had it with how big money is allowed to prey on American citizens every day.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
Post a comment