Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

laura leslie, lawrence, KS — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:48:06 GMT

I've been in the healthcare business for nearly 20 years. The company I currently work for works with hospitals to collect money from patients upfront before service or at time of service or enroll the patient in an extended payment plan that we administer. Almost all hospitals have something similar. If the patient's credit is decent, many financial companies will upfront the money to the hospital and let the patient make payments with interest. This is after the patient has been screened for the hospital's charity program. When I hear of a patient who is not being treated without upfront payment, it makes me wonder if the patient has previous bad debt at that facility and hasn't made an attempt to resolve it. My point is stories like this often do not provide all the details. They are written with an agenda in mind. Most hospitals carry way too much bad debt and it is the paying customers that pay the price.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Kit Perrien, MD Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:58:08 GMT

As a doctor, I find this author's attitude infuriating.

If I were to walk into a store and pick up a gallon of milk and walk out with it, without paying, I would be arrested. Yet people think that they can take the risk of not having health insurance, because they "have other expenses" - skiing, 4 wheelers, as mentioned above...
Then, if something happens to them, it is the doctors' responsibility to take care of them. Sure, just have the doctors and hospitals pay for it...

Medical care costs money. Physicians like myself have rent, nurses and staff, equipment, malpractice insurance, and hundreds of thousands in debt, procedures, laboratory tests, and radiographic studies that we are responsible for. That doesn't even start to include the money that you are supposed to be paying me for my medical expertise, expertise that I spent years to obtain, at the sacrifice of family, friends, and other aspects of my personal life. Hospitals have many more expenses. But according to the above article, and very common attitudes, I should be treating you for free.

Something about that doesn't make sense.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Sandra A. Malone Englewood, Florida — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:24:03 GMT

I believe that people need to know that insurance is usually ONLY buyable while you are healthy. The gal who doesn't buy it because she is healthy could find herself in an awful mess if anything happens while she is uninsured. Once she has a problem, Insurers are going to decline her, rate her up, or waiver coverage of any condition presen when she applies. I realize health insurance is becoming outrageously expensive, but even the poor could take a really high deductible and coinsurance. If you were running up a $100,000 bill and owed Deductible and Coinsurance of $5000, chances are the hospital and physicians would work with you because they are going to get the other $95,000 from your Insurer. Your rate will be low because of the large Deductible. Everyone should be serious about having catastrophic insurance. If your Employer doesn't offer insurance, then get out there and buy your own private plan Hospitals and physicians DON'T work for nothing, DO YOU ?????

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Jamie Hill, Garden Grove — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:53:24 GMT

I agree with the article and I agree with some of the responses - BUT WHAT WE REEEALLLLLY NEED IS TO STOP GIVING FREE-BEES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!!!!!! HELLO!

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

John Sabine, Columbia, MS. — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:12:52 GMT

Lack of insurance is often not the fault of the individual. I'm 41 years old, haven't been to the hospital in 20 years, don't smoke, have no medical condition, and take care of myself. In spite of this the least expensive full coverage health insurance I've found is over $400 per month! My business loan and my house payment are the only expenses that I have that cost more than that. Even when I tried to shop for high deductible major medical insurance it was a maze of weird requirements, exlusions, screenings, and one company even tried to make me pay for my own physical! They wanted me to pay for their screening process!
I have accident and disability insurance and they were easy to get. No problems. I've even filed a couple of claims on the accident insurance and it was no big deal. Even insurance with a $5,000 deductible had an endless number of hoops to jump through and was going to cost me more than my car note is every month, forever, even if I never used it.
Insurance companies are making record profits right now, not record sales, record PROFITS and while I'm all in favor of businesses making a profit, I'm not in favor of this happening at the expense of everyday people who do without necessities in order to allow some executive the ability to make another yacht payment.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

David Tyrrell, Austin, TX — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:05:47 GMT

The responders are absolutely correct. Let the poor die and there will be more for the rest of us.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Sean, Alexandria, VA — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:09:28 GMT

You know what...I LIKE the idea of paying up front. Most of the time, when you go in to a hospital, you are implicitly telling them: "here, fix me up, then send me a bill for whatever you want". Basically, hospitals never tell you up front how much something might cost.

To the outraged Dr. Perrien... I see your points, but let me extend your analogy a bit further...When you go to a store to get a gallon of milk, the price is clearly labelled BEFORE you but it, and BEFORE you walk out the door. So the consumer has enough information to intelligently decide if they can afford this purchase.

Hospitals, on the other hand, hand the milk to you, then tell you to take it home and wait for the bill to arrive. A few months later, after you already drank the milk, you get a notice saying that the milk actually costs $550/gallon. Does that seem like a resonable or fair way to conduct business?

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Denise T — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:15:18 GMT

Don't get me started on everything that is wrong with our healthcare system! I am even more disappointed in the comments by the Dr. It begins with the FDA, goes right through the AMA and the drug companies are as crooked as they come. Finally, because the health insurance carriers are squeezing the hospitals now they want to squeeze us. Let them just try to turn away an illegal whose haveing a baby - the ACLU and the lawyers would be all over that one. Of course, we can treat our own like dirt and no one cares. We had an employee who was in the hospital recently. He has health insurance but when it came to his coinsurance which equaled only about $3600.00 , the hospital refused to work with him on payment and told him if he couldn't pay the amount they wanted, then he could just wait for it to go to collections and they could work with him there.
Why is it I can go to a dentist and if someone needs alot of work , they offer you a plan, much like a line of credit or a credit card so you can set up a payment plan right away. (By the way Doc, cars and houses work the same way - very few of us pay for those things in cash and in full before we move in or drive them off the lot) It is a sad sad day in our country.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Sean, Alexandria, VA — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:52:56 GMT

If you follow the link in the aricle to the original video, there is a VERY telling comment at the end.

As it turns out, the patient described in the article DOES does have the money. She could pay her bill in full if she liquidates her retirement fund. But she doesn't want to do that.

So there you go....She made her own choice. She values her retirement fund more than her health.

Look...the healthcare system is definitely messed up, as I expressed in an earlier post, but this particular woman decided that she DID NOT WANT to pay, even though she could. Basically, she decided that she didn't need to buy health insurance, and she would instead set aside money in her retirement plan instead.

I find it very frustrating that Eve (the author) did not address the fact that this woman DID have the money, but simply did not want to spend it. Eve, did you think that little nugget didn't matter???

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Bill Corish, Front Royal, Virginia — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:40:46 GMT

One Business Owner's Thoughts:

My wife and I do not pay for "sponsored" health insurance. By sponsored, I mean a pool of money to which we have limited access, and only for health care. The author says my wife and I are "living on the edge".

No, we've made what's called a "financial decision". For the most part, we only purchase insurance that is either
- required by law (e.g. the minimum levels of car insurance required by Virginia), or
- required by contract (e.g., liability insurance required by a project I commit my engineering company to).

I pay for a sponsored health insurance policy for my employee and his family. But I do this because we were able to settle on the policy he wants and I get a tax break, as opposed to just paying him the extra money so he could purchase it. My employee understands he is really the one paying for his insurance in the form of a reduced wage. This is the fundamental reality of sponsored health insurance which is glossed over or ignored by those pushing for mandates and/or tax incentives. Reaching their goal requires a moral crusade to overcome most citizens' sense of liberty and personal responsibility. And no crusade is complete without a bad guy. Labor groups point to corporate ownership or management. This article points to health care providers. (And it seems virtually everyone ridicules folks like my wife and I, who are so naive, reckless or socially irresponsible as to actually decide not to buy even that level of sponsored insurance we can fit in our budget. And let's face it, almost everyone can fit some level of insurance in their budget. The trick for those pushing mandates for sponsored programs is keeping the perception of the "minimally-required" amount of insurance above what most folks can easily acquire.)

I suspect most insurance professionals would consider my wife and I to be vastly underinsured, particularly as a business owning family who can afford some level of sponsored insurance. But we happen to view most sponsored insurance as a bet on failure. Government should treat our judgement on this matter in a neutral fashion. Should my wife or I become seriously ill, we have some money in the bank and various investments. Should that money run out, we would take out a mortgage on our home or attempt other means to secure a loan. Should that not suffice, we will swallow our pride and beg our family, friends, church or neighbors. If that doesn't raise the money, or the ailment can not be cured no matter how much treasure is expended, I hope we will face reality with faith in God and Jesus Christ. In other words, I hope we'll do what believers have done for centuries when calamity strikes.

What I hope we won't do is try to get a hospital or anyone else to provide a service for free or at reduced cost. Hospitals are businesses, even those that are non-profit. Expecting any business to provide free service is akin to expecting their employees, suppliers or subcontractors to do so. And labeling a hospital's requirement for upfront payment as a "draconian" action abuses the concepts of trust and charity.

This article looks like so much of the so-called "news" in this age: Simple facts of life are presented in such a way as to amplify the sense of crisis over some aspect of our temporal existence on Earth. A spiritual battle has been raging in this world since Adam's time. I submit this article only plays into the hands of the bad guys. I'm not accusing the author of being in league with Satan, but I suspect he'd approve the intellectual tactic she employs. The more we're frightened of the realities of our physical existence, the more energy we'll focus on protecting that existence. This means less time and resources for, and ultimately less reliance upon, God. Instead, we'll hand over more responsibility, time and resources to another manmade system. I believe this is how past generations were talked into Social Security and the other welfare/entitlement programs we struggle with today.

In my opinion, America is a blessed, successful and charitable nation. I whole-heartedly include our health care industry in that assessment, including our hospitals. I just happen to believe we've received these blessings in spite of "progressive" government programs, mandates and enticements, not because of them.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Win Denham, Eugene, Oregon — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:58:15 GMT

Eve Tahmincioglu has an agenda. Stories like these have been appearing ever since NFIB changed to support of nationalized health care. I read the Wall Street Journal article she writes about here. I came away with a very different opinion. There is no doubt that the price of healthcare and health insurance is painfully high for the small business. I still think cost shifting for government underpayment, state mandates for what employers have to include in coverage (overutilization anyone?) and free healthcare to uninsured is driving fees and premiums through the roof. It is always somebody else who should be responsible for the bill.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

H.C. Benson, Russellville, AR — Sat, 10 May 2008 21:11:24 GMT

I have a perspective I haven't seen expressed. I have virtually always been uninsured or under insured. This is not all bad. It motivated me to take a much greater interest in maintaining my good health by acquiring as much knowledge as I could about the human body and how it functions.

I am 67, take no prescriptions for anything, haven't had a cold or influenza since 1984, and since 1990 have been teaching others how to be similarly free of respiratory viral disease. Had I been well enough insured that it would not have posed a hardship to be attended by a physician, I might never have developed a prophylactic procedure to prevent clinical respiratory disease.

Prior to the visit to the optometrist and ophthalmologist last year, who confirmed my assessment that I had cataracts, I hadn't seen a physician for more than two decades. Not in 1992, when I had a rapidly growing neoplasm, and not for the stroke I had almost three years ago.

I'll be talking more about cataracts soon on my blog and a few other sites, so I need not elaborate about my activities to extend the time before cataract surgery is required. Currently, the intra ocular lenses which would work out best in my situation require an out-of-pocket expenditure of $2000+ PER EYE. As patents get closer to expiring, that will change, or Medicare may eventually elect to pay some additional portion of that cost. The problem is, there is no way of predicting when.

I have some perspectives which differ from some of the posters above, but if I am to argue a point, I like to do so in a venue which does not shy away from a certain vigor in expression.

So I am going back to my blog, which I have been neglecting for a while. Those with cataracts, especially, should find my posts thought-provoking. And for those who wish not to get colds and flu, hunt around the archives a bit. The information is there. Or Google Anthropositor.

My point is, most of us can become much more self-reliant with regard to our health and well-being than we are.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Stephanie — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:17:37 GMT

I couldn't believe some of the comments on here, particularly from the MD's themselves. Has the medical system changed so much that Doctors take an oath to ensure profits, in front of a photo of Ayn Rand?

I mean, yes---docs--we certainly do expect you all to make money. However, you are now working with a smaller pool of people who can afford treatment. There is a much smaller piece of the pie for you all to share.

I suggest a reality check; our medical system has turned into quite the little elitist establishment. How embarrassing for this country.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

JJ Portland, Oregon — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:09:01 GMT

The bottom line is that we wouldn't be having this discussion if we lived in the European Union or Canada or Australia or New Zealand... or even Costa Rica.

People in other western nations all have health care- and almost all of them score higher on leading public health indicators than the United States, despite spending substantially less money than we do.

And their citizens don't end up going bankrupt, losing their homes and retirement income when a family member is injured or has to be hospitalized for an illness (which happens all too often even though one has paid many years for insurance).

America really is exceptional in that regard.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Ellen Lincourt Worcester, MA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:52:35 GMT

So, if you don't have the money, you should just die?! My, we aren't far out of the caves are we? Doctors should beware. This type of treatment will get us to single-payer health care than any lobbying or hybrid plan. It's coming, but it's coming slowly. Doctors in most other countries do not make the kind of money you do. Keep pushing and you will get a drastic pay cut as we start to truly manage our health care.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Lily, Dallas, TX — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:50:13 GMT

I work for a small business that does not provide health insurance. I went online to find help with the cost of my meds. At www.rxdrugcard.com I found a prescription discount card that costs me only $4.50 a month. They have their drug prices posted to check before you enroll. Anyone can have this card. They don’t ask about age or income or pre-existing conditions. All the major drugstore chains accept RxDrugCard. Wouldn’t it be great if small business owners bought this plan for their employees?

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

shenricks, CA — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:05:34 GMT

The health insurance problem is an epidemic and is spreading rapidly. As an Insurance broker we often stuggle to get the necessary group enrollment even with the employer offer to pay 80 even 100% of the employees health insurance premium. The reason... "well with the health insurance we would have a deductible. I can just give a fake name and social security number and not have to pay anything."

I am dead serious about this reponse. We hear it more often then not and in many cases it keeps companies from getting group coverage as it can't meet participation levels.

This attitude will continue to keep health insurance costs skyrocketing. It is time to start holding eveyone accountable. Not just the few who struggle to pay their bills and be resposible.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

John B. Houston, TX — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:09:18 GMT

The inflated price of healthcare is a problem both the insurance companies and hospitals need to take equal responsibility for. The insurance companies are reducing the percentage of total payout costs to hospitals and the hospitals, in turn, are raising rates for services to continue turning a profit. Unfortunately, it's the consumer that gets screwed in this situation if they have inadequate insurance or no insurance at all.

I had a recent accident that required me to be sent me to a trauma center. Fortunately, the time in the hospital was brief and I received a bill for all services that totalled $20,000. To my surprise, once my insurance company paid the hospital, the hospital agreed to accept $4,000 from the insurance company to pay for all services.

What I don't understand is if I had come into the hospital for these services without insurance, why can't the hospital offer me the same pricing for services as they accept from the insurance companies? This my friends is one of the biggest forms of accepted corruption I've seen in the U.S. and will only continue to worsen.

I don't agree with offering services for free, but the hospitals should at least offer the same lower cost to the public that you're willing to take from the insurance provider, especially when the expenses are to be payed out of pocket.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Jacob Chernov Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:37:53 GMT

I read all these comments from people who work in the health care system and they are making me very angry. To all of you money hungry doctors, and people who are collectors for health care coverages and hospitals... A Band aid does not cost $45 and your time isn't anymore valuable than anyone else on this planet. I have my own company and work in a hospital that makes more than an effort to work with people on payment. Many of you doctors have done nothing more then hand out prescription medications without even spending 15 minutes with a patient and expect to be compensated in the tune of $150 or more sometimes. Get over yourselves you are nothing more than people who had parents who would pay for your schooling. According to the World Health Organization you are responsible for more deaths than violent crimes in America. Get a clue, and get over yourselves you greedy bastards.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Brent Harris, M.D. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:14:17 GMT

GOOD...About time some hospitals and physicians started treating medical care as a business instead of getting walked all over by the rest of America.

Look around Americans. New cars. Nice New big Screen TVs. Fishing boats, two story houses. Mortgaged to the limit. And crying..."I can't afford health insurance"

Any of you JACKASSES that says health insurance is TOO EXPENSIVE better not have cable TV, Internet connection, a CELL phone, or a car worth more than a couple thousand dollars. If you do, It is your priorities and SELFISH Behaviors in life that is the cause for the current health care costs and your inability to pay....you're to blame for hospitals and doctors going broke. I'm quiting medicine because the American Public seems to feel ENTITLED to everything. GET REAL people...MOST of you do not work a job that can pay for your lifestyle..You don't deserve that fancy vacation, full digital cable TV system, beauty salon treatment, or new car. You're Just an AVERAGE Joe like the rest of us. You're not a Superstar, So stop acting like one. GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT AMERICA!!!

Brent Harris, M.D.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Lawrence Smith augusta georgia — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:33:49 GMT

I hadn't planned on reading these blogs but got dragged in after glancing over the first few. Now, I can't resist. America is deep doo-doo with it's health care programs. I'm 56 years old and the survivor of two open heart surgeries, a defibrillator implant, two kidney stone operations and pnemonia treatment just weeks ago. All of these ailments occuring over the last six years. Up till my first open heart surgery I was and always had been seemingly healthy as a horse. Worked out regular, no smoking etc. My hospital and doctor bills have totalled almost 400,000.00, thankfully I have been insured and owe only a small amount to the folks who nursed me.

Over the last six years I have seen my health insurance policies change each year, assigning a higher and higher percentage of deductable, out of pocket to me. A sign of the times I'm told. The sad part of this steady progression of changes is that the higher fees are not intended to help the insurance company actually pay for the services, but to discourage the policy holder from using the insurance period. I see more and more people letting subtle signs of heart attack, stroke, cancer etc go as they ponder their monthly bills and opt to "wait it out for more substantial signs". The bottom line is that lack of preventive care and early detection is dooming more and more to early death.
There simply has to be a better way. Life and death is on the line. While I do not think health insurance should be given away, I do believe that only the government can steer this runaway train back on the tracks and deliver health insurance pathways to the masses. America is becoming the lone civilized country that has the best health care that no one can afford to have. Think I'm wrong, you better think long and hard. I know so many people who were previously insured that now are not because they cannot afford even entry level coverage. I know lots of people who have forgone checking out odd twinges in their bodies and wound up dead.
Everyone here is pointing fingers at insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and deadbeats patients, but that's clearly not getting the debate steered in the right direction. Where do we go from here? I'm grateful to be alive today with the wonderful healthcare I have received in the past. with my history it's only a matter of time before I'll need it again. I hope I still have insurance then, and hopeful still that the coverage will pay enough that i don't become bankrupt in the process.
Let's see....650.00 a month for insurance 40.00 copay on meds, 50.00 copay to see my doctor. 7,000.00 deductable .....even if I only break my leg I'm going to have to pay a couple of thousand right out of the gate.....this is depressing
I

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Jacob Chernov Phoenix, Arizona — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:14:02 GMT

After reading Brent Harris M.D.'s Tirade on people not having their priorities in line I would reccomend that any patients that see this person for health care find a new doctor. Obviously his priorities are only about money, and not the care that people need. What a joke and you are a doctor? Wow I'm amazed that you even passed medical school with it costing so much. I mean what a strain on your poor wallet.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Beth, Topeka, KS — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:51:53 GMT

About 1.5 years ago, I went to the emergency room for an asthma attack. Had no insurance, was working 35 hours/week for 7.00/hr. And believe me, none of my income was going to luxury items.

I received a bill for $720. Not unreasonable, but not affordable in one chunk. I called the hospital, told them I could afford to pay them $20 every two weeks as I got paid. They said they'd take no less than $120 per month. This was something I simply couldn't afford at the time.

They told me my other option would be to apply for charity write-off. I thought this was dumb. It wasn't that I couldn't pay, it was that I couldn't pay what they were demanding. And the hoops in the paperwork for write-off were unnecessarily complex and discouraging.

If a hospital won't accept what a patient can pay, and if their only other option seems constructed so that nobody uses it, is it any wonder they don't get their money? Instead, the hospital got added to my bankruptcy along with legitimate creditors. I'd have gladly paid them - I have a very high respect for the medical field, particularly after my husband's illness and death - but ya know, if hospitals don't want to accept what the patient can afford simply because they won't get the money as fast, they should probably expect not to get paid instead of wondering where their profits have gone.

Furthermore, not only did they lose the $720 they could have had by now (I got out of the one job a couple of months after, too, so they'd have had the money even sooner), they lost future business: Now that I do have insurance, I won't ever go back to that hospital, nor will I take any of my dependents there, and I discourage people I know from going there.

The IRS was more co-operative when it came to my back taxes while I was at that income level.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Brad, Burke, VA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:21:36 GMT

I stumbled across this article and was drawn into reading all the comments, being that they reflect the views of those who have money/coverage and those who don't. And as a struggling, working, uninsured, White, red-blooded, 34-yr-old single American who's paid into the system my entire working life, I, too, express the frustration of feeling pain and being denied care because of my lack of financial resource. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism? These are all disorders and diseases that no one asks for, afflictions that shouldn't be costly to treat. Yet my employer held a meeting informing everyone of their canceled benefits. And the answer shouldn't be as simple as, "Just get another job." Now sick people come to work and get other people sick, other people who can't afford to get better! And if company's are complaining about healthcare costs, what are individuals supposed to do? I don't even get a single paid sick day and missing any time from work makes it that much harder for me to get out of this mess. I have two bad teeth that are causing shooting pains to my neck, back, and ears. No dental insurance. Listen, I'm not saying I have the answer. On one hand, we can't expect to live in a structured society where everyone is bumping off each other trying to get stuff for free. On the other hand, how can anyone against affordable healthcare or "special" services for those in extreme need? I'm not asking for a transplant, just basic treatment. Someone above made the point that a pregnant woman can't be turned away. Does that mean being pregnant is "her fault" and so is the huge expense she's gonna get billed for? I'll admit -- I'm naive when it comes to all this stuff. But I do know we donate enough money to other countries to help them while our lower-wage working own struggle to stay afloat. And I also know it's a sad state of affairs when bureaucracy and red tape are used to thwart a poor, sick person though I could go on a tv show and get a free makeover.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Marcus More,Chicago,Illinois — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:13:42 GMT

I'm now ill.I have no money whats so ever.so I have to just sit here and suffer until I magically become rich or die.I know I haven't always made the best decisions when comes to money or school,but if we are saying that forget about people like me and just let me die then at least give me That bill upfront instead of having me wait in false hope that somebody in this world cares about me.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Jacob Thorne — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:35:24 GMT

I'm insured from the day I'm born to the day I die: and I pay for it whether I like it or not. Because I have a good job, I pay £80 a month. Which covers everything, cancer treatment, broken bones, quitting smoking (not that I do) child birth, and no medication cost more than £6 per prescription.

No terms and conditions, no refusals or price hikes. No one left untreated because of their bank balance.

I pay more than average, because I earn more than average. But I still pay about 1/3 of the price of equivalent cover in the US.

The USA has an elephant in the room - perhaps some of the $561,000,000,000 (2008 CIA World Factbook) spent on military pursuits would be better spent looking after the nations sick?

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Laura J. , Tempe Arizona — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:04:17 GMT

I'll start off with I am 19 and this is insane I hate hearing what all the doctors seem to be saying. If you're poor it's your fault and you deserve not to be treated. It's horrible. I really don't think they take into consideration the people who are out there with no car, can barely afford the rent, and are working there asses off. Because according to Brent Harris, M.D we don't do that. Oh yea and we don't have cable too by the way can't afford that either Mr.Harris. : ) What about us younger american's just starting off? It's hard when your parents don't care enough to help you. I have been a chronically ill child since I was young. I am in extremely poor health but I can't see a doctor because I have no insurance. If I try to apply for insurance it's outrageously expensive. My mom took my off her insurance a while back, and at this moment I really need to go to a doctor, but I don't have the money for it. So I go to work intensely ill running fevers on a two and a half mile walk in the summer heat, I just have to really push myself which is making it worse. There are a zillion health problems that I have, such as, Fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, Acid reflux, achilles tendonitis, Migraines, and a few other things that I don't even have the slightest idea what they are . And to Mr. Harris again I might add, I DO have my priorities straight. I have to pay my RENT FIRST, because with out a home over my head what really can I do?

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Stacey Memphis TN — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:41:31 GMT

I'm really shocked about some of the comments by the DR. I have a family member that just found out that he has cancer and works 50 hours a week and makes pretty good money and HE CAN"T AFFORD to even go get help!So my point is don't act like your so much better than other people because one day you yourself or someone you LOVE will be in the same place you LOWLIFE!

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Susan, Phoenix AZ — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:53:59 GMT

What a blog, it almost made me cry, To the MD's out there that think the people are not paying for their health care because of ski weekends, fishing boats, big screens etc..., Please don't confuse your lifestyle with mine. I have never had those things and probably will not. I don't worry about mortgage, I worry about rent and feeding my teenage son. I am a single mom and I suppose that is my fault too, as his father went to the First war in Irag and has not been able to deal with anything since then, I plug along, work, And ACTUALLY I work at the answering service that pages YOU on YOUR Holidays, ski weekends and at YOUR second home, So please do not tell me I do not have my priorities straight, I do not have health insurance and unless something actually changes, probably won't till I am eligiable for Medicad. Here is the biggest problem - HEALTH CARE SHOULD NOT BE A BUSINESS! The reason other countries manage to take care of people is they understand it is PEOPLE. You as a DR should not be SELLING me ANYTHING we should be talking about my health and you should be paid for your expertise. When I go to a store I understand it is the job of the people employed in that store to try to get me to buy their item which I then have the choice of purchasing or not. When I go to a hospital I am NOT going on a SHOPPING TRIP! I am going because I am ill and I need help, yes you could just let me die and it seems you would but then you would have to pay higher taxes to take care of my son who would become a ward of the state. PEOPLE understand this, We are all connected and if you devalue my life to the point of letting me die because I can not pay, you are devaluing EVERYONE and that includes your own children. Life is Sacred and should be treated as such, not dismissed because of a bank balance. As for Brent Harris MD., GOOD! get out medicine you do not belong there.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Donelle, Visalia, CA — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:45:57 GMT

I agree with this. I live with my parents because my father has cancer. He has been on disability for less then 6 months because of chemo. Last month we recived a letter saying that they were dropping him from disability because his insurance will not cover him any longer. This is with us paying the 700 dollars a month for the insurance out of pocket. When they drop him the only way he will be able to get health insurance again is to get a job that has it. He is not going to recover from his cancer and requires more chemo and two more operations, work is out of the question. I beleive America needs a serious slap in the face and all those doctors who think that health care is a luxury need to remember why they became doctors.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

John Hastings, Lanett, AL — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:10:34 GMT

Frankly it seems this is a two edged sword. I have a friend in college that wanted to become a doctor for the money. He always said he would not treat freeloaders and deadbeats. He always said he wanted a fine home and a collection of fast cars. He finally became a doctor. Yay for him. But the primary interest for everyone concerned in this argument is... the individual. The doctor is concerned for himself, the patient is concerned for himself. The patient could care less about the dr. and his overhead, and the doctor could care less about another pack of hamburger meat on the cutting table. Where does this leave us? It leads us to see that doctors are angry and patients are angry and money is the problem. Now healthcare in america is at an all time crisis. But we are constantly told how great healthcare is in the usa... Like many other things, the usa is great at promise, and long on delivery. The usa is quite frankly not 1st at many things, among them, education, and health care. A long list of things the usa is not great at can be found on the net. I understand what the doctors are feeling, and what the patients are feeling. I was turned away from a hospital when I was 4 years old b/c my parents were poor, as a result I nearly died on the long ambulance journey to a hospital in chattanooga tennessee. My mother begged for help and finally a benevolent group that raises money for children stepped in and saved my life. I vividly remember being 4 years old and with blood running all over my face and a towel being pressed into my eyes, how it felt to be turned away. Well I am here to tell you friends, the usa is simply not the best at anything. It's all a pack of lies. This country is run by one thing and one thing only - money. Had it not been for the kindness of one very wealthy man in an organization that helps children, I would have died. My father had a 3rd grade education, and my mother a 6th grade education. People at that hospital looked at us like we were trash, and treated us much the same. Unfortunate. I had a friend whose father died b/c he had no insurance, the operation would have cost $100,000.00 and he might have lived to see 45. He had 2 kids. I bet he wished he lived in canada. I know his children wished it. The usa has always been driven by money and greed, why should we expect the medical profession to be any different? Yes I would love to see healthcare for all, but I don't think it will happen. You see, not treating those who can't pay, and treating those who are wealthy or have gold lined insurance policies is very profitable. Doctors are businessmen, if they are not, then they go out of business. But if they are getting this many poor who cannot pay, then perhaps if the govt. gave insurance to everyone, these doctors might realize that they could make a ton of money off of the poor alone.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Lisa A. — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:13:22 GMT

No one has mentioned the impact of frivolous lawsuits on the cost of healthcare. Certainly, there are and always will be legitimate lawsuits against hospitals and medical professionals, but what about the ridiculous payouts for ridiculous suits? I'm sickened when I see ambulance chasers on TV peddling their "services". THEY are the ones worried about their yacht payments. Hospitals often settle suits out of court (even when they are likely to win), simply because it's cheaper than fighting it out to the end. The lawyers get rich. And the malpractice rates go up. So healthcare costs go up. Of course, this is just one facet of a multi-faceted problem, but it's worth mentioning.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

jay, houston,tx — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:29:30 GMT

Three words: Universal Health Care

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Kim Garner, Birmingham Alabama — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:15:39 GMT

i have been seeing a doctor to which i pay $120.00 a month he writes me 30 loratab and 30 2mg xanex and paxil 20 60 count with a refill the loratab and xanex is a 10 day supply so when 20 days is up I have to see him agai. my loratab and xanex cost me 17.59 for both scripts every 10day which equal 90pills each. I need a doctor which i can pay one fee a month and get all my prescription one month suply 90 xanex and 90 loratab and the way he writes my paxil is 60 20mg to take 2 a day. so wallmart charges me $8.00 Thnak you, kim garner

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

wanda cornell elizabathtown il — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:53:12 GMT

I'm a single mom 2 teenage girls still home I have chronic pain after a fall from a ladder developed rsd in both wrist hads feet ankles lgs and hips the pain is soo bad sometimes I wish to die!!!! Yes I do work but have no insurane and make just enogh to barely get but and I do mean barely we mostly burn wood for heat because we can't even offord to buy gas.and we don't have cable tv I have the enternet because girls need it for home work.
I need to see a neorologist and have other test done but have been refused because I can't pay. I don't know how much longer I can endure the never ending pain, If we saw an animal in this much pain we would either get it treatment or put it out of it's misery, we spend so much money on war overseas but the government allows their own citizens to suffer, with no light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Joe Henrik (non-MD) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:51:03 GMT

I guess I'm too poor to be cared for in the USA, if I were to have a bad accident, or a disease. If the Omnivorous Medical Industry can get past all of those laws that lead to Socialism, i.e., medicare, etc., then the doctors and stockholders of the pharmaceutical Corporations, Insurance Companies, etc, can rely on a TAXPAYER FUNDED MASS BURIAL SITE - for all of those worthless poor people. Actually, to feed the poor, I'll be the first one to donate my body to a Soylent Green Factory. I would be proud to know that I would come back as a wafer to feed a hungry child.

Hospitals say, "no money, no care"

Lawonda, quad cities, IL — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:35:38 GMT

Message to everyone with a complaint against health care in the u.s.a.: Health care will never get better. The poor will get poorer and the rich will continue to get richer. That is why people now should invest in a future plan. One that will bring about permanent relief to all. At Revelation 21:3,4 it tells us that God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, no more mourning nor out cry nor pain anymore The former things have passed away. Former means things that are happening now will soon be done away with. So the best policy you can have, won't cost you a dime. It's free. A solid hope that soon God will correct all the unjustice that we see happening to so many people. A sure hope that if you do get sick and die you will have a ressurection, at a time period when life will be restored to Gods orginal purpose stated at Genesis 1:27,28. This is what he originally purposed for the human family not the conditions we see today. What a insurance! The Bible at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 gives a vivid description of attitudes we would see in the last days. It start out by saying critical times hard to deal with will be here. I'm sure you will agree that we are living in those times. We see today bible prophecies are being fulfilled. Now is the time to take hold of the truth in Gods word the bible before it's to late. Harder times are ahead. Read Matthew 24:21 A great tribulation, leading up to God's war Armageddon. When those time come the only protection any would have is God. No matter how rich we are. The bible tells us that money would be useless. Ezekiel 7:19 states "None of that will save them in the day of Jehovah". The first book of the bible "Genesis tells us how life begin", and why mankind suffered. Also how perfect life here on earth was taken from our first human parents because of delibertly sinning. Which brought about sin and death to all mankind. Adams offsprings. The last book of the bible "revelations" tells us how Gods orginal purpose for this earth will be restored. So the invitations is opened now. Please seek bible truths, don't dismiss it when it comes knocking at your door. Many volunteer their time out of love for neighbor to do what Jesus commisioned us to do. Matthew 24:14. tell other about that Heavenly Kingdom government that will bring lasting changes right here on earth. Jesus previewd what he will do as King of that government, (Daniel 2:44) when he was here on earth. He fed the poor, healed the sick, raised the dead. This is the government that I vote for. Please take the time to learn about that government. When the opputunity "knocks" take it. Jehovah God has Witness world wide given life waters for free.