The Urgent Need for Expertise With Medical Issues
Ralph Rose
Rabbi Abram was admitted to a local hospital to take care of a gallstone. The entire procedure was to be no longer than an hour, two tops. Five hours later the family was called and told that the rabbi was near death. During the procedure a stent in his heart was shredded and he was now on life support. A week later he was gone and the family was shocked and devastated.
Miriam was recommended to a “five star” rehabilitation facility after undergoing knee surgery. Every day she waited for the physical therapist to come and evaluate her so that they could get started doing the necessary exercises to strengthen her leg so she could walk well again. Days came and went and the PT did not show. First she was told that she couldn’t start because of her high pain level and that she needed to get stronger. After a week and a half she told the staff that she was in much less pain and feeling better. Still the PT did not show. When her nephew came to visit her he was told that the PT that specialized in knee recovery had left the home and that they were still looking for a replacement. It took another two weeks before Miriam started her therapy which was very disappointing. She was bitter and disheartened by the whole affair and wondered how she could have avoided all of the difficulties she encountered.
Chaim was a very independent 75 year old who had no family that lived nearby. After being hospitalized for pneumonia he was discharged back home with the understanding that a nurse would come to evaluate his physical needs and to assign whatever specialists would be appropriate to help him get back on his feet. Once home Chaim found out that the agency that was assigned his case no longer took his insurance. The hospital social worker who was handling his discharge needs said that she would find him another homecare agency but a week later he was still waiting and without help or support. He was told that the first agency had not released his case so a new one could not pick it up. In the meantime, Chaim fell in his home and badly wounded his leg. By the time a registered nurse came to check on him he was in poor condition and had a third degree wound that was in urgent need of attention.
It used to be that going to a hospital or a nursing facility meant a patient was going to be assessed for their presenting symptoms. There would also be an evaluation of any other comorbid conditions. Then the medical team would create a comprehensive plan on how to achieve the best health outcomes and the patient would be closely monitored to insure that these goals were met. This is no longer the case. For whatever the reason there are far too many cases of people going in for minor surgeries and not coming home. Patients who are getting hurt in long term care facilities with no one willing to take responsibility for the matter. There are too many people who are entitled to home care services that are receiving little to poor care.
Med-Aid is an organization designed to help you and your loved ones get the best, most efficient care in your most vulnerable time.The staff has over 35 years of experience dealing with these medical bureaucracies and forging positive outcomes. Don’t delay. Call Lisa at 917 754-6278 and set up your free consult.
