The hospital just discontinued my mother's treatment.

[Pab Sungenis]

My mother went into Olean (NY) General Hospital earlier this week. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder.

She just called me and said that the doctors just came in, shut off her oxygen, and stopped all medication even though the pneumonia is still present and her blood pressure is through the roof. Why? Three guesses.

That's right. She doesn't have insurance.

Just one more statistic to throw onto the pile, I suppose.

©2008 P. Sungenis, All Rights Reserved.

[meegbear]

1. OMG!

What are you / your family going to do?

[Zodiak]

2. attempted murder by the insurance company

With nurses acting as the executioner.

A sick world we live in.

[dysfunctional press]

39. she doesn't HAVE insurance...

try again.

[Zodiak]

59. Alright I will

Death sentence issued by hospital administrators.

Execution carried out by nurses.

Because money is more important than human life.

As for the insurance companies.....they have priced this woman out of her life.

Better?

[malaise]

3. Send the details to Keith Olbermann now

Also send to Kos, Raw Story and John Edwards. DOn't forget Michael Moore either.

Add.

[Occulus]

56. As for Kos, specifically, the diarist nyceve

She's been on top of this for quite a while now.

[OhioChick]

4. That's Terrible.

I hope that your Mother will be okay. :hug:

This shit has to stop.

[demnan]

5. Do you have a local tv station

especially one with consumer reporting?

call them and give us the details and we'll all call them.

[Pab Sungenis]

9. There's no local TV station in Olean.

The closest stations would be the Buffalo affiliates.

In case you're curious, Olean General's number is [phone]. The patient's name is Linda Andrews.

[truedelphi]

77. I'm on board for that also. n/t

[shaniqua6392]

6. I am so sorry!

I don't even know what else to say. You are in my thoughts and prayers. As are all of the victims of the American health care crisis. I sure wish someone could fix this. Blessings and peace to you and your Mom. Keep us posted as to how she is doing.:cry:

[crim son]

7. That is unacceptable. I can't believe it.

:hug: So sorry and I hope your Mom will be all right.

[Th1onein]

8. You have the phone number for the hospital?

We can call them and raise hell. That helped my sister. They tried to pull the plug on her, too.

[Pab Sungenis]

12. [phone]

Patient is Linda Andrews.

Of course, now, all the people at the Other Sites® will start calling demanding that they kill her outright.

[Th1onein]

31. They didn't do that with my sister. They helped us.

There are some things that unite us. The people on the right wing sites helped my family, and my sister, immensely. They put down their quarrels on the rest of the issues and they stood up to fight for what they believed in, even if it was for a Democrat.

We are liberals, remember? Liberals believe that mankind is essentially good, not evil. That goes for conservatives, too.

[demnan]

13. I just looked up their webpage

http://www.ogh.org/

[demnan]

10. Give us names

I just looked up the Hospital on their website, give us her name so we can all call in.

[TwilightGardener]

58. Um, there's a HIPAA/confidentiality problem here--the hospital can't go around

giving out information about a patient, or discussing a patient, with strangers. Everybody needs to take a step back.

[Hoof Hearted]

89. They don't have to discuss it with us, all they have to do is listen, and know

that this time they don't get away with it.

[OzarkDem]

11. Is there a public hospital near?

They should at least transfer her to a publicly funded (county or city) hospital that is required to treat uninsured patients.

[Pab Sungenis]

No.

There WAS a non-profit hospital when I went to college there, on the western end of town. In the intervening years they were bought out and there's a strip mall where it used to be.

[raccoon]

14. I already rec's--one more for Greatest, c'mon somebody! nt

[spinbaby]

15. Get over there and find out what happened

Before you blow your top, make sure your mother didn't misinterpret what the doctors are doing. Then, if they're really doing what she thinks they're doing, go nuts on them.

[Pab Sungenis]

18. It's 8 hours away

and I don't have a working car right now.

[EFerrari]

19. They must have an Ombudsman you can call.

I'm so sorry.

[eShirl]

25. Patient Representative716-375-6348

http://www.ogh.org/contact.asp


I just wrote their PR department with the link to this thread!
Subject line "BIG PR problem on your hands"

[EFerrari]

29. These locusts count on people being vulnerable and alone.

Amy Goodman might be interested in this story.

[bdamomma]

34. that would be a good place to start.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

42. NIce. :-)

MKJ

[TwilightGardener]

43. I wouldn't threaten the hospital, or call Senators or TV stations, until

a family member at least speaks to the caregivers--the OP didn't even talk to the RN, it sounds like--that's the FIRST step. Easy, everybody--let's not overreact.

[eShirl]

45. I was stating that a PR problem already exists

I wasn't threatening to cause one (looks like they've got that covered).

[TwilightGardener]

47. No, it doesn't--we have no idea what the story is, the PR dept. has no

inkling of what is going on, the OP just said mom called her and complained about being shut off for lack of insurance. There are plenty of reasons why her treatments may be changed or adjusted, and it behooves the OP to talk to her caregivers first--mom might have it wrong, or she might not NEED the treatments any more, medically speaking. Obviously, she can use the phone.

[eShirl]

48. well until such time, this is a pr problem

thank you and good night

[TwilightGardener]

52. How is it a PR problem for the hospital, when the OP didn't even bother to talk to the

professionals caring for her mom, apparently? It's kind of weird for anonymous internet forum posters to start emailing a hospital with "PR" problems when for all we know this story is not straight. We have people suggesting calling Presidential candidates, for God's sake. Talk about mass hysteria.

[Hoof Hearted]

90. Why are you shilling for the hospital who discontinued necessary medical care?

Hmmmmmmmm?

[baldguy]

66. Olean Times Herald contact page.

http://www.oleantimesherald.com/contact_us/

[patrice]

16. Been there with My Dad.

He's passed on now.

My Family is still all torn up about it.

You keep wondering if things are being managed the best that they can be . . . .

"God" be with you and your family pabsungenis.

[Bright Eyes]

17. I'm so sorry for you mother.

If I were you, I'd make a scene. Call newspapers, radio, and local TV. Contact state and federal Representatives. Bad press may make them change their minds.

Take care.

[Deep13]

20. I'm sorry for you and your Mom. ...

I was sorry for my Dad and my Grandma when she was in the hospital with essentially the same thing. Pulmonary obstructive disorder is another term for emphysema. It is always fatal. In my Grandma's case, her condition had degenerated to the point that there really wasn't anything more that could be done. I have to wonder if your mother is in a similar situation.

[DemReadingDU]

21. Is your mom on medicare?

I hope things get better

[BonnieJW]

37. If she isn't old enough for Medicare,

and can't afford insurance, she should be eligible for Medicaid.

[radfringe]

22. might not help much but who knows

post story over on Michael Moore's site -- send him an email about it too

[bdamomma]

23. that is uncalled for.

and these are Doctors?? doing this. Sickening. Yes, and I noticed someone mentioned John Edwards yes, inform his campaign managers also.

[TwilightGardener]

24. I'm sorry, did the hospital tell you that's why her treatments/meds

were discontinued? Did you talk to her doctors? Who did you talk to? I worked in ICU for years, and I could never imagine saying "Sorry, Mrs. Johnson, your oxygen sats are at 90% without your mask, and your blood pressure is 210/110 without your meds, but I'm shutting you off unless you find some money--hope you survive without it." There must be some miscommunication here, or something. As a medical professional, I'd rather be fired than commit such an act, and so would most nurses and doctors. Please call the hospital and her caregivers and clarify exactly what is going on.

[bdamomma]

30. maybe they should call Risk Management Dept, in the hospital and form

a complaint.

[TwilightGardener]

38. If she's an inpatient, talk to the nurse first, because they're easy to call, and

nurses know more than anybody about what's going with a particular patient, and bedside nurses don't get involved in insurance decisions. Track down the doctors and make them explain why they ordered what they did, get a hold of the case manager (usually a nurse), call the Ombudsman as someone suggested above--there are patient's rights representatives in most hospitals. Many layers of people to talk to--I wouldn't file a complaint until I know the whole story. Sick people, and especially sick elderly people, are often very confused about what's going on with their treatment.

[Mojorabbit]

75. I agree

I worked critical care for 20 years. I never would have turned off a patients O2 if they needed it even if a doc told me to. Call her doc and speak with him.
Call the floor and speak to her nurse. This does not sound right.

[demnan]

26. I called Chuck Shumer's office

But they referred me to a NYC office where the phones just ring. Somebody call Clinton's office. Maybe some of our Hillbots can help out here. I looked up the Congressman and he's a Republican at that damn retreat.

Somebody get a hold of a Clinton staffer now I have to go into a meeting in a few minutes at work.

[Nite Owl]

27. Here'some numbers to call

from the NYS Dept of Health. NY is pretty good with services. If you know of any lawyer to call the hospital or the state that might be effective.

[bdamomma]

28. Yes, call your reps or senators, hmm... maybe Hillary or Chuck

could do something.

[Coexist]

32. Not to be opportunistic, but I would CALL, FAX and EMAIL your story to all three candidates.

They are all spouting healthcare! healthcare!

If the hospital finds out (by a BCC from you) that they might get some publicity as your mom is made an 'anecdote' at the next debate, they may re-think their decision.

I hope all goes well with you and yours.

[demnan]

33. Keep kicked

I called the hospital switchboard and told them the story was all over the internet

NYC city office for Shumer 212-486-4430 Call that number and if you don't get a response call this one 202-224-6542 and tell them that number isn't answered.

[eShirl]

35. get this: "THE MISSION OF OLEAN GENERAL HOSPITAL"

The mission of Olean General Hospital is to provide excellent patient care in response to the health care needs of the community.

In support of this mission, Olean General Hospital is committed to the following:

1. Compassion........our sympathetic awareness of each person’s needs
2. Integrity.............our dedication to honesty
3. Innovation..........our pursuit of creativity
4. Respect..............our commitment to treat everyone with dignity
5. Community.........our understanding that we exist to serve those among us
6. Education............our belief that knowledge fosters excellence

Vision Statement
Olean General Hospital will be recognized as a progressive, innovative, rural community hospital that is acknowledged for the development of programs and services which enhance the health status of the community. We will exceed the expectations of those served, maintain standards of the highest quality and promote a rewarding work environment for staff and physicians.




hmmm...

[EFerrari]

36. Looks like their mission statement needs an update.

Who do you have to be to turn off the oxygen someone needs?

[leftchick]

54. they forgot the biggest priority

PROFIT! :mad:

[Javaman]

73. you forgot to read the fine print...

"as long as you have insurance and bow down before the healthcare gods".

[radfringe]

40. call all the dem candidate offices

they all have expressed concern over healthcare - here's a chance to put their money where their mouths are

[Cass]

41. This is just unacceptable that this kind of thing is happening. It should be criminal to

withhold treatment like this. I am so sorry that you and your Mom have to go through this, pabsungenis. There are some really excellent suggestions from DUers on this thread.

Call the hospital and ask if they have someone on staff that assists with paperwork for medicaid funding. There should be someone who does that kind of thing. I would also contact an attorney who specializes in patient rights and ask for an emergency consultation. Many will give you a quick phone consultation at no charge. It will be of great benefit to know your Mom's rights in this situation at the outset.

Please keep us posted. I will be keeping you and your mother in my thoughts and prayers.

[flashl]

44. pabsungenis sending vibes for positive outcome.

:grouphug:

[Jim__]

46. That's unfuckingbelievable!

What a country! Supposedly the richest in the world.

[Dorian Gray]

50. That's awful...

Call the hospital... the doctors and the nurses. Try to find out what is happening. And if they can't get an explanation, tell them you are going to the press with this.

[Hallie Burton]

49. I've been a nurse for many years

and this sounds like a case of miscommunication to me. If I were you I'd call her nurse and find out what's going on. I'd hate to alert the media, bombard the switchboard and call senators over a simple misunderstanding. However, if your mother is correct I will happily join in opening the gates of hell on this hospital.

[shireen]

53. Hallie, welcome to DU!

:hi:

And I noticed that you're a fellow pastafarian!

[TacticalPeek]

83. Welcome to DU.

:toast:

Nurses rule.

[shireen]

51. your mom, you and your family are in my thoughts

please keep us updated on her condition.

[demnan]

55. Keep kicked and keep calling!

n/t

[Ilsa]

57. OMG! That's outrageous! Can any of the nurses help her?

Shutting off her O2 is cruel and inhumane.

I wish someone could be there and turn her meds and O2 back on and help her remain. Make them f%@#$ing literally throw her out of the hospital and have camera crews from tv stations waiting to film it.

If I can get my head together and the anger to pass, I'll try to send good vibes and prayers her way, but my feelings of disgust are getting in the way.

[bdamomma]

60. Alot of good suggestions, start with the Nurses first to find out

what Drs. or Doctor ordered such a thing. Then continue to go up the ladder.

[zorahopkins]

61. This Is Just Awful!

I am so very sorry for your mother.

I hope she is OK.

It is just one more example of how the blood-sucking leeches within the medical "community" will sacrifice anything -- even the life of an older person who is terribly sick -- for the almighty dollar.

[Rosemary2205]

62. DU is unfreakinbelievable.

I love the passion around there. No problem to get folks riled to action when there is injustice! Plus, this place is WONDERFUL for blowing off steam when something like this happens in our lives and to bounce ideas off on solutions.

Hopefully the OP will pick up the phone and call Mom's doctor, or even her nurse, and verify what is going on before opening up a whole can of whoop ass with TV stations and US Senators. Gotta love the ability of DU to go 0-60 in 2 seconds flat, but I do wish people would make absolutely sure the facts are accurate before shutting down the hospital switchboard with calls of how mean they are.

[WillowTree]

69. A - effin' - men.

[davsand]

63. A couple of tidbits for you:

I'm sorry to hear your Mom is so ill, I do hope she feels better soon! With any luck you will get her care situation under control very soon. My hope is that maybe your mom is a bit overwhelmed with not feeling well and being in the hospital, and maybe they are discontinuing her treatment due to the fact that her docs think she doesn't need it any more. I do hope this is all a misunderstanding that can be cleared up with a couple of phone calls...

There are a couple of things for you to keep in the back of your mind as you deal with this whole thing. This hospital is showing themselves as a "non-profit" which means they probably have some obligation to provide a form of charity care for what they call "medically indigent" patients. If your mom went in there as an emergency patient, it is possible that the ER didn't have time to talk to her about billing or the availability of a charity care program. You may want to check on that for her. I will tell you that state law varies a LOT in what they require from "non-profit" hospitals, but the provision of some form of charity care is a pretty common requirement in many of the states.

Also, any hospital has an obligation to provide treatment up to the point of stabilizing a patient. They are not required to keep treating you to the point of wellness, but they DO have to make sure you will not die before they boot you out. If your mom is in a situation where her BP is not under control, you'd probably want to ask if they can at least get THAT under control before they cut her loose. They may or may not consider that a medical emergency--I am not a doc and have no idea. If it was my mom, I'd be worried about it, YMMV.

Good luck to you all, I do hope you are able to get it sorted out soon!



Laura

[1776Forever]

64. Unfortunately this is not a rare case - Many uninsured chronically ill are tossed out all the time!!

My 38 year-old son with progressive MS tried to end his life because he did not get quality care from so called Dr's here in Florida after he went on SSI/Medicaid. Jeb Bush has introduced a "new" Medicaid program here 3 years-ago that is still being looked at in 3 beta counties and it is very sinister in that there is a block of money that is given to each patient and if the care goes over that amount - Tough!!!! We need to keep vigilant on whomever gets in the Whitehouse next year to make sure they do not treat our neediest patients that way!!!!!!!!!

:rant:

[miles 2 go]

65. what actually was her oxygen level?

When I was in the hospital with pneumonia, the doctors let me go when I reached 90% and I had good insurance then that covered everything.

You can get an oxygen machine that keeps producing 02 for about 300 bucks on ebay (or u could, I don't know now)Yes they are old and outdated but compared to nothing, I think they might be an option. That's one thing I would consider if I had no insurance.

As for BP med, my doctor just prescribed one that cost about 6 bucks when he found out my insurance had changed and we weren't sure what my new insurance was going to cover.

I am outraged that they did this to this woman. Even if they were doing what they thought was right, they obviously didn't adequately inform her of what was going on because she shouldn't be having to be alone and freakin out.

Call the nurses first. Find out what is the hospitals actual position on this thing.

Can she go to another hospital?

Is there anyone close by her that can help you since you are so far away?

I am afraid that this same thing will happen to me with all my insurance problems and health needs. We are thinking about gettin a divorce (after 30 years)if our insurance through my husband is canceled so that they can't take our home that we spent our entire lives trying to get. Gonna talk to our lawyers about our options while we still have them.

Good luck to ya.

[question everything]

67. Call NY Dept. of Health

1-866-881-2809 and ask for their advice

http://www.nyhealth.gov/contact/

[applegrove]

68. That is truly awful.

[BattyDem]

70. Here's some info that might help

NY State Department of Health
http://hospitals.nyhealth.gov/psa.php?PHPSESSID=806f3c7a515e8bd6fdefbd7c345e6d8c

Plenty of information about receiving hospital care if you're uninsured, even if it's not an emergency. A hospital cannot deny medically-necessary care.




The New York Immigration Coalition (I included this link simply because it provides information about the rights of uninsured patients.)

http://www.thenyic.org/templates/documentFinder.asp?did=19

Rights to Non-Emergency Care: All uninsured New Yorkers, including people who are undocumented, can receive health care from federally funded community health centers, and from the public hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, long-term care facilities, and clinics maintained by New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC). These medical providers are not permitted to turn away patients who cannot pay for care, even if a patient’s medical condition is not an emergency.




LawHelp.org

/iTopicID/280/bAllState/0/ichannelid/2?CFID=8162236&CFTOKEN=7b580fd3cd1ffa9f-B294CAEE-E6E6-77EB-31F4BE103317175B&jsessionid=48308b55cb1c$3F$3F$ATR">Rights and Options for the Uninsured

Find an office or program that provides free legal services in New York.




Cattaraugus County Department for the Aging
One Leo Moss Drive, Suite 7610, Olean, NY 14760
[phone]
www.co.cattaraugus.ny.us/aging



What a horrible situation. I'm so sorry you're going through this. :-( Good luck. :hug:

[shanti]

71. horrible...whatever happened to

"first, do no harm"???

[MiniMe]

72. I would send the info to John Edwards

He is one that is really into this insurance mess.

[jtrockville]

74. SHARE YOUR STORY AT THIS LINK--->

http://aflcio.org/issues/healthcare/survey/index.cfm?source=hc_survey_aflciosite

So sorry to hear this. This is simply not acceptable.

[radfringe]

76. any update on what is happening? n/t

[Critters2]

78. According to their website, they have a "Needy Sick Fund"

"caring for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay". She needs to ask about this. And if they don't offer help through this, the state department of health needs to be contacted. I know of two hospitals in Illinois that were not offering indigent help, and lost their tax exempt status. They're helping the uninsured now!!

[davsand]

95. Thanks, Lisa, for pointing this out.

It does my heart good to see that the activist community in Illinois is not only aware of this but also keeping the pressure on the hospitals to live up to their obligations.


Someday the lawsuits will all be settled...



Laura

Check your inbox...

[Critters2]

96. I've learned I was kind of wrong. They're still fighting for the right to NOT serve the uninsured.

Bastards!! Saw your pm, Davsand. Those bastards!

[AZBlue]

79. K&R

And bookmarked so I can make calls tomorrow (it's too late now, I'll just get a night operator).

[GliderGuider]

80. Get the SiCKO Health Care Card

Go here:
http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/what-can-i-do/health-card/

SiCKO' Health Care Card

You now have the opportunity to print and carry your very own "'SiCKO' Health Care Card." Playing the 'SiCKO' card has worked for a family in DeBary, Florida, whose daughter suffered profound hearing loss and was denied a cochlear implant. Her father sent a letter to Cigna asking, "has your CEO ever been in a film before?" Before he knew it, his daughter's denial was overturned. It also worked for a family in Flint, Michigan who was stuck with a $66,000 medical bill until they posted their healthcare horror story on YouTube. Click here to see what happened next.

Download the PDF of the card and follow these simple guidelines:

1. Carry the card in your wallet with your insurance card.
2. If denied treatment, show your SiCKO card to your doctor/insurer.
3. Ask your insurer if they'd like to be in Michael Moore's next movie, DVD, or appear on MichaelMoore.com.
4. Tell them that, if denied, you will seek coverage from your local media.
5. E-mail your story to [e-mail].

[kelligesq]

81. With pneumonia if they stopped her meds she could die-call administrator hospital-stop dicking aroun

and tell them you will sue them if she does not survive and bring criminal charges! Either that or that put her back on meds and oxygen , you will take care of the bill (whether you will or wont - then sue them.))

AND it would be a good idea to get on a plane and get over there too.

[mahina]

82. Heartbreaking.

Can we help?

[Gormy Cuss]

84. Update for those who missed it

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2765964&mesg_id=2765964

"I spent most of the day on the phone to a number of people, including an attorney. The upshot is that the hospital has agreed to stabilize her condition, we've pulled together enough money to cover medication she will need immediately after leaving the hospital, and plans are underway to move her to another hospital, one closer to me, that she would feel more comfortable staying at if the condition worsens."

[orleans]

91. thank you. n/t

[defendandprotect]

85. "Above all, do no harm--" --- ??????

[orleans]

86. k&r it's been over 15 hours since you last posted

hope things are okay

we're all very concerned about you and your mom

[sellitman]

87. Compasionate according to their President.

Dear Patients, Families, and Friends:
Welcome to the Olean General Hospital website. We trust that it will provide you with helpful information about Olean General Hospital and assist you in becoming better acquainted with our many programs and services.

Throughout our 100 year history, Olean General Hospital’s mission has been the provision of excellent patient care in response to the health care needs of the communities we serve. Our expert hospital staff provides care that is compassionate, personal, and respectful of patients and their families. At Olean General Hospital we offer hope and healing.

All of us at Olean General Hospital are proud of our legacy of caring and we are dedicated to continuing this tradition of service and responsiveness to the greater Olean area.

Thank you for visiting www.ogh.org and for taking the time to learn about Olean General Hospital.

Timothy J. Finan
President & CEO

(Not very if the Poster is accurate.)

[McCamy Taylor]

88. Call your state hospital board and file a complaint.

Also, the hospital that accepts the transfer can file a complaint, too, if they believe that she was "dumped", i.e. the first hospital sent her to the second hospital in order to get rid of a nonpaying patient and not because she needed some service for her medical care that only the second hospital could provide. So, if she is going to a second hospital that is going to provide care for free or reduced cost, talk to the administrator or your doctor about coordinating a complaint against the first hospital for inappropriate transfer. If you and the second hospital/treating doctors do it together it will get a lot more attention.

[JDPriestly]

92. You went to the wrong hospital.

I am very close to someone who is a hospitalist. In this person's hospital, indigent patients are treated the same as patients with insurance. This is horrible. If your mother is indigent, why doesn't she have Medical? This is why Obama's plan is not good. Every single person in this country should have insurance and the right to adequate medical care.

[midnight]

93. I am stunned. Call the hospital and ask to speak with a minister .

I would like someone with your mom.

[Critters2]

97. Good idea. But don't expect too much in terms of advocacy.

Might get good pastoral care, but not much beyond that. The hospital chaplains I know are aware of who signs their paychecks, and do NOT criticize the practices of the bastards, err, I mean the hospitals they work for. I have one chaplain friend--at one of those hospitals that lost its tax exempt status--that I just can't talk about these things with.

This is why I think all clergy should be paid by local congregations or denominations--hospital chaplains, military chaplains,etc. They tend to forget who they're supposed to be working for.

Okay. Rant off.

[rambler_american]

94. Somewhat OT, but shows the attitude of bean counters in hospitals

I work in a hospital and during an informal meeting a couple of years ago I heard the CFO gleefully:bounce: announce that there was an impending flu outbreak and a shortage of vaccine.