Finally! A vacation! A visit with relatives and friends in Virginia!!!! And the planning - arrange to board my dog (pack her bag and send instructions, etc.), decide what I'm wearing, do laundry, clean out the fridge of any biology experiments gone bad, etc......
It all started with Amtrak. I made my reservations nearly 2 months ago and paid for them. It seems that they're doing the airline routine now about the same seats going for different prices, depending upon when they're booked. I got a really good rate for both ways and paid. Now all I have to do is visit the ticket machine before my trip, swipe my card, and tickets will appear. NOT SO FAST!!!! I was checking my bank statement and found a REFUND from Amtrak. ??????? When I called (waiting forever for a live person to answer), I was informed that I had canceled my reservations at an "e-ticket machine." Sorry....no.....haven't been near once since last year. The agent proceeds to tell me that I had. Okay, time for a supervisor. After being on hold again - this time with no music - I was told that "several calls had to be made," but I had my precious tickets at the same price and same reservation number returned.
When I asked how it happened and where were the safeguards, I was informed that anyone could have punched in an incorrect reservation number and hit "cancel" without bothering to read the instructions. Again - where is the safeguard? Had I not checked my account, I never would have known and would have ended up fighting with a ticket agent - probably missing my train because of the long lines in the station - and there would have gone my vacation. You see, Amtrak and the airlines operate by one policy: THE PASSENGER IS ALWAYS WRONG!
Fortunately, my kennel operates differently, and Gwyn has been pre-registered, with all instructions duly noted in her record - including meal servings, walks, play-time, etc. Sounds more like summer camp, huh?
My to-do list is such that I'll need a vacation from the vacation! UGH!!!!
At any rate, once I'm on the train, I plan to lean back with a cup of coffee and a good book (or my CD player) and watch the scenery as we head further south. When I get off the train, it will be in Manassas, VA at the old station which one of my uncles and my great-grandfather had restored - back in the 30s or 40s. Some of the original wood carvings are still there. On Sunday morning, I'm guest soloist at the church where members of my family have gone for years! And there I'll be - a Wiccan singing in church, but surrounded by cousins and close friends. Okay - one day is a working vacation, but in spite of all the preparations and extra to-do chores, when all is said and done, I will return home 5 days later feeling refreshed and ready to get back to my usual life.
Y'all have a nice weekend.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
It all comes down to the salsa!
Let me start this off by giving credit where credit is due: My life-long friend, Leslie Bahler, accomplished violist and soprano, living in the Buffalo, NY area. She is an active instrumental and vocal performer, as well as a teacher, wife, and mother – and married to my other life-long friend, Peter Bahler, also an accomplished double bassist and singer, teacher, husband, and father. (Oops – they’re both also grandparents!)
Leslie was recently invited to perform as the soprano soloist on a concert series. The series does not pay, but it is well worth participating in because of the publicity and the possibility of there being future performance opportunities. This is just too good to pass up. Leslie worked incredibly hard, preparing arias by Mozart and Handel (perfectly suited to her lovely voice, by the way). She spent hours rehearsing with the chamber orchestra and hours of vocal coaching with her teacher.
The performance was a rousing success. Leslie was truly “on her game.”
There was a reception for performers and audience following the concert – and the performers actually had to provide the food! (See? Told you the pay was nothing.) Leslie brought a mango salsa and the chips. Part way through the reception and mingling, a lovely lady approached Leslie, program and pen in hand. You all know where this is going – the autograph! Here’s what the lady asked for:
“Where did you get the salsa?”
So, perform your hearts out, do your very best work – and
DON’T FORGET THE SALSA!
Leslie was recently invited to perform as the soprano soloist on a concert series. The series does not pay, but it is well worth participating in because of the publicity and the possibility of there being future performance opportunities. This is just too good to pass up. Leslie worked incredibly hard, preparing arias by Mozart and Handel (perfectly suited to her lovely voice, by the way). She spent hours rehearsing with the chamber orchestra and hours of vocal coaching with her teacher.
The performance was a rousing success. Leslie was truly “on her game.”
There was a reception for performers and audience following the concert – and the performers actually had to provide the food! (See? Told you the pay was nothing.) Leslie brought a mango salsa and the chips. Part way through the reception and mingling, a lovely lady approached Leslie, program and pen in hand. You all know where this is going – the autograph! Here’s what the lady asked for:
“Where did you get the salsa?”
So, perform your hearts out, do your very best work – and
DON’T FORGET THE SALSA!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Graduation
It's that time of year - proms, graduations, etc. So let me tell you a graduation story.
A friend is getting her Master's degree after MANY years of part-time classes and too much reading and too many papers, etc. She turned to her best friend often to find books on-line or to talk her out of screw-ups on her computer and finally to be interviewed as a "subject" for a very personal and difficult topic (for the "subject" more so than the writer).
Comes time to invite people to graduation. The "subject" hears about the date just two days ago and finds out she's not invited because she "wouldn't be interested." Ouch. Graduation morning: The "subject" receives an invitation to dinner the same evening - no notice. The "subject," you see, has no life. "No thank you." A semi-argument ensues in which the subject points out the interest shown over the past few years, etc... and that it would be nice to see the finished product. Response from the graduate? "I didn't even invite my brother and felt guilty inviting you."
This is, by the way, from a PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR!
The "subject" told her to enjoy her day and the fancy dinner tomorrow night (given by her rich friends), that she had earned it through hard work and should be proud of her accomplishment, but the "subject" has made plans for today to work and then relax this evening.
Needless to say, the graduate was not pleased, but the "subject" is feeling pretty good for standing her ground and refusing to be last-minute or second-best. As a country song says, "Second fiddle is one instrument I never learned to play."
A friend is getting her Master's degree after MANY years of part-time classes and too much reading and too many papers, etc. She turned to her best friend often to find books on-line or to talk her out of screw-ups on her computer and finally to be interviewed as a "subject" for a very personal and difficult topic (for the "subject" more so than the writer).
Comes time to invite people to graduation. The "subject" hears about the date just two days ago and finds out she's not invited because she "wouldn't be interested." Ouch. Graduation morning: The "subject" receives an invitation to dinner the same evening - no notice. The "subject," you see, has no life. "No thank you." A semi-argument ensues in which the subject points out the interest shown over the past few years, etc... and that it would be nice to see the finished product. Response from the graduate? "I didn't even invite my brother and felt guilty inviting you."
This is, by the way, from a PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR!
The "subject" told her to enjoy her day and the fancy dinner tomorrow night (given by her rich friends), that she had earned it through hard work and should be proud of her accomplishment, but the "subject" has made plans for today to work and then relax this evening.
Needless to say, the graduate was not pleased, but the "subject" is feeling pretty good for standing her ground and refusing to be last-minute or second-best. As a country song says, "Second fiddle is one instrument I never learned to play."
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Big Girls Do Dance!
Here's a frivolous post for a change - I'll save my "pissed-off post" for later.
Dancing with the Stars. This is fun to watch! Granted, the format is exactly the same week after week after week, but that handsome Tom Bergeron, coupled with Len Goodman's ballroom knowledge and British wit, well..... we can excuse the sameness.
There's a cyclone celebrity contestant - Marissa Janet Winokur - who played Tracey Turnblad in the Broadway production of "Hairspray." Marissa is a plus-sized petite dynamo with a smile that lights up the stage. You also need to know that she survived cancer 7 years ago and that she and her hubby are expecting their first child - via a surrogate. Nothing stops this lady!
She's not the best dancer on the show, but each week her hunky pro partner (Tony Davolano) puts her through choreography that would have most of us in traction or hitting the barf bag. She spins, flips, gets lifted (yup - LIFTED), girates, and keeps going. Last night, she did a beautiful rhumba and proved that big girls do dance and dip and girate and look fabulous doing it. This was preceded by a quick-step, one of the most difficult dances in ballroom - and except for missing one jump, she completely nailed the routine and looked lovely doing it! About two weeks ago, she did a Vienese waltz - again very difficult because of its shading (see - I'm learning the lingo). At the end, one of the judges called her a princess. A teary-eyed but smiling Marissa thanked the judge and said that she'd always wanted to be a princess. Moments like that just can't be bought. Every so-called "pudgy" little girl needed to be watching that show to find out that there's a princess hiding inside, and no one can change that fact.
While she may not make it to the finals next week, she is a winner already: cancer survivor, mom-to-be, and a role model for a girl of any age - be yourself! Wear a bright smile and carry yourself with pride - and dance from the heart.
And Marissa - please write a book!
Dancing with the Stars. This is fun to watch! Granted, the format is exactly the same week after week after week, but that handsome Tom Bergeron, coupled with Len Goodman's ballroom knowledge and British wit, well..... we can excuse the sameness.
There's a cyclone celebrity contestant - Marissa Janet Winokur - who played Tracey Turnblad in the Broadway production of "Hairspray." Marissa is a plus-sized petite dynamo with a smile that lights up the stage. You also need to know that she survived cancer 7 years ago and that she and her hubby are expecting their first child - via a surrogate. Nothing stops this lady!
She's not the best dancer on the show, but each week her hunky pro partner (Tony Davolano) puts her through choreography that would have most of us in traction or hitting the barf bag. She spins, flips, gets lifted (yup - LIFTED), girates, and keeps going. Last night, she did a beautiful rhumba and proved that big girls do dance and dip and girate and look fabulous doing it. This was preceded by a quick-step, one of the most difficult dances in ballroom - and except for missing one jump, she completely nailed the routine and looked lovely doing it! About two weeks ago, she did a Vienese waltz - again very difficult because of its shading (see - I'm learning the lingo). At the end, one of the judges called her a princess. A teary-eyed but smiling Marissa thanked the judge and said that she'd always wanted to be a princess. Moments like that just can't be bought. Every so-called "pudgy" little girl needed to be watching that show to find out that there's a princess hiding inside, and no one can change that fact.
While she may not make it to the finals next week, she is a winner already: cancer survivor, mom-to-be, and a role model for a girl of any age - be yourself! Wear a bright smile and carry yourself with pride - and dance from the heart.
And Marissa - please write a book!
Friday, April 11, 2008
A Personal Subject - comments welcome!
A lot has been going on the past 10 days or so - friends needing moral support, helping a friend with a rather sensitive paper for a class (I was the "subject"), and tending to my own health problems - i.e., knee osteoarthritis, which brings me to the reason for this blog.
Most hospitals now ask if a patient would like to record his/her religion. This is in the recognition (a little late, but I'll take it!) that spiritual health and needs are just as important as the physical problem. I was at the outpatient registration area at Pennsylvania Hospital - founded by Ben Franklin, with claims to be the "nation's first." Okay..... And I digress.
A very pleasant registrar asked me the question, and I very politely said, "Wiccan." She scrolled through to the "W" section and found nothing. "How about 'Pagan'?" She scrolled through the "P" section and found nothing. So she diplomatically put "other." Well, that covers a lot of "other" territory.
We finished the registration, and wished each other a good day, and off I went for the x-rays.
From what I've read (and I could be wrong), the US Military recognizes Wicca as a formal religion! Why not the hospitals? Suppose I have to be admitted. Unless my sister from SC flies up here or contacts someone in this area, I do not get the same "pastoral" care as the other patients.
Instead of complaining, I wrote a friendly letter to the Pastoral Care Department and explained the dilemma. I don't know if anything will be done, but I hope that my letter was received in the spirit in which it was intended - spreading a little bit of awareness and making my potential needs known. I did not go into huge detail, just stated a simple case, expressed my thanks for reading my letter, and then got on with my regular work for the day.
Another case: Back in January when the new Mayor was sworn in, he had a big ceremony and bragged about having representatives from "all faiths" participating. Let's see, based on those on the dais, that meant Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant were represented, so they got double), Judaism, and Islam are "all" the faiths. I'm going to chalk this one up to simply a case of not knowing. Was I represented at the inauguration? Nope. Am I ever represented at large public functions or so-called "ecumenical" gatherings? Probably not. What am I going to do? Take some responsibility and start sending polite letters, asking that my voice be heard, asking that my Pagan sisters and brothers be recognized - not outed - just that those who put together these events know that if they truly want to represent "all" faiths and traditions, they need to realize that we are part of "all."
Most hospitals now ask if a patient would like to record his/her religion. This is in the recognition (a little late, but I'll take it!) that spiritual health and needs are just as important as the physical problem. I was at the outpatient registration area at Pennsylvania Hospital - founded by Ben Franklin, with claims to be the "nation's first." Okay..... And I digress.
A very pleasant registrar asked me the question, and I very politely said, "Wiccan." She scrolled through to the "W" section and found nothing. "How about 'Pagan'?" She scrolled through the "P" section and found nothing. So she diplomatically put "other." Well, that covers a lot of "other" territory.
We finished the registration, and wished each other a good day, and off I went for the x-rays.
From what I've read (and I could be wrong), the US Military recognizes Wicca as a formal religion! Why not the hospitals? Suppose I have to be admitted. Unless my sister from SC flies up here or contacts someone in this area, I do not get the same "pastoral" care as the other patients.
Instead of complaining, I wrote a friendly letter to the Pastoral Care Department and explained the dilemma. I don't know if anything will be done, but I hope that my letter was received in the spirit in which it was intended - spreading a little bit of awareness and making my potential needs known. I did not go into huge detail, just stated a simple case, expressed my thanks for reading my letter, and then got on with my regular work for the day.
Another case: Back in January when the new Mayor was sworn in, he had a big ceremony and bragged about having representatives from "all faiths" participating. Let's see, based on those on the dais, that meant Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant were represented, so they got double), Judaism, and Islam are "all" the faiths. I'm going to chalk this one up to simply a case of not knowing. Was I represented at the inauguration? Nope. Am I ever represented at large public functions or so-called "ecumenical" gatherings? Probably not. What am I going to do? Take some responsibility and start sending polite letters, asking that my voice be heard, asking that my Pagan sisters and brothers be recognized - not outed - just that those who put together these events know that if they truly want to represent "all" faiths and traditions, they need to realize that we are part of "all."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL ASSISTANCE KILLS!
SHAME, SHAME ON THE PA MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM!!!!!!!!
I just heard on the news that a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, who survived a liver transplant a few years ago, is enduring constant pain, and has to take hundreds of dollars a month of medicines to stay alive was rewarded for his efforts by the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. His monthly income was $1176 - $76 OVER the limit for Medical Assistance. So, without regard for his particular situation, THE GOVERNMENT HE SERVED FOR 20 YEARS CUT OFF HIS HEALTH BENEFITS OVER $76 A MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This gentleman, after enduring years of painful recovery from his transplant, walked into a hospsital emergency room bathroom and shot himself in the head because he knew that he would no longer be able to buy his medicine and that he did not want to put his wife through any more.
Enough said.
The person who "signed off" on the notification letter, well......one can only hope that he/she is able to come to terms with this in some way. There are simply no words to say over a situation such as this. This person was "only doing his/her job" and was "following the rules under the system."
My sympathies lie with this police officer's wife and family, with the people at the hospital who found him, and - believe it or not - with the person who simply "signed off" on the termination notice.
$76 a month - that's the going price for a human life in PA!
I just heard on the news that a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, who survived a liver transplant a few years ago, is enduring constant pain, and has to take hundreds of dollars a month of medicines to stay alive was rewarded for his efforts by the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. His monthly income was $1176 - $76 OVER the limit for Medical Assistance. So, without regard for his particular situation, THE GOVERNMENT HE SERVED FOR 20 YEARS CUT OFF HIS HEALTH BENEFITS OVER $76 A MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This gentleman, after enduring years of painful recovery from his transplant, walked into a hospsital emergency room bathroom and shot himself in the head because he knew that he would no longer be able to buy his medicine and that he did not want to put his wife through any more.
Enough said.
The person who "signed off" on the notification letter, well......one can only hope that he/she is able to come to terms with this in some way. There are simply no words to say over a situation such as this. This person was "only doing his/her job" and was "following the rules under the system."
My sympathies lie with this police officer's wife and family, with the people at the hospital who found him, and - believe it or not - with the person who simply "signed off" on the termination notice.
$76 a month - that's the going price for a human life in PA!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
You mean the Met is in on it too??????
Have you noticed the new look in Hollywood and on the runway - anorexia! Bone-thin women. The only bulges and curves are the rib cage and bone bulges and pointed chins from gaunt faces. Nothing pretty here.
I was reading my latest issue of Opera News, which is a great way to keep up with who's singing where and what, only to find a recital picture of Jennifer Larmore - a marvelous mezzo, who must have been a "porky" size 10-12 at most. Even the reviewer of this concert commented that she was too thin and that he wanted to "go home and cook her some macaroni and cheese!" Renee Fleming - probably one of the best sopranos in the last 10-15 years, was probably a normal size 12-14. Nope - she's been slimmed down too. The list is longer and longer - all women.
The story has been going around for quite some time, and it's not false. Directors are casting operas based on looks first - if you can sing, well....that's good too. This has prompted once sensible women, who accepted their body types and sizes, to hire image consultants and trainers and go on diets and do who-knows-what to their bodies to squeeze into single-digit sizes. And at what price?
Anyone remember Beverly Sills and Joan Sutherland and Jesse Norman? We're not talking about even a size 12! These are/were big, beautiful women, with curves and meat on their bones. Yes, say it's a myth, but there IS a relation to the size of the body and the quality of the voice - the body IS the instrument.
For myself, I had gotten a decent amount of weight off (down to about a 16-18) or a size "large/extra-large." Everyone said I "looked normal." Hey - I could wear a smaller size, so it must have been good for me. Uh...... if someone sneezed in the next county, I ended up with a cold followed by bronchitis and 3 months of wheezing and coughing. If someone farted in the next block, there went the GI tract. I was constantly sick! To maintain what the Met would call heavy, I was eating diet food, Slim Fast, and going out for dinner meant a salad with a few token pieces of chicken! So, I've re-gained the weight (not intentionally - age, genetics, and gravity do catch up eventually). I'm not as heavy as I once was, but the size 16-18 clothes are out of my closet. I haven't had a cold in over 2 years! The voice? NEVER BETTER!
After writing all this, I feel that I've just lost ten pounds!
I was reading my latest issue of Opera News, which is a great way to keep up with who's singing where and what, only to find a recital picture of Jennifer Larmore - a marvelous mezzo, who must have been a "porky" size 10-12 at most. Even the reviewer of this concert commented that she was too thin and that he wanted to "go home and cook her some macaroni and cheese!" Renee Fleming - probably one of the best sopranos in the last 10-15 years, was probably a normal size 12-14. Nope - she's been slimmed down too. The list is longer and longer - all women.
The story has been going around for quite some time, and it's not false. Directors are casting operas based on looks first - if you can sing, well....that's good too. This has prompted once sensible women, who accepted their body types and sizes, to hire image consultants and trainers and go on diets and do who-knows-what to their bodies to squeeze into single-digit sizes. And at what price?
Anyone remember Beverly Sills and Joan Sutherland and Jesse Norman? We're not talking about even a size 12! These are/were big, beautiful women, with curves and meat on their bones. Yes, say it's a myth, but there IS a relation to the size of the body and the quality of the voice - the body IS the instrument.
For myself, I had gotten a decent amount of weight off (down to about a 16-18) or a size "large/extra-large." Everyone said I "looked normal." Hey - I could wear a smaller size, so it must have been good for me. Uh...... if someone sneezed in the next county, I ended up with a cold followed by bronchitis and 3 months of wheezing and coughing. If someone farted in the next block, there went the GI tract. I was constantly sick! To maintain what the Met would call heavy, I was eating diet food, Slim Fast, and going out for dinner meant a salad with a few token pieces of chicken! So, I've re-gained the weight (not intentionally - age, genetics, and gravity do catch up eventually). I'm not as heavy as I once was, but the size 16-18 clothes are out of my closet. I haven't had a cold in over 2 years! The voice? NEVER BETTER!
After writing all this, I feel that I've just lost ten pounds!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
It's been an interesting few days, and.....
I'd rather be bored!
The saga of the knee is being resolved. After phone calls and e-mails, I FINALLY got a call from the administrator of Dr. Israelite's practice to call me, and she feigned shock and surprise over my experience. "Oh, how could this happen in MY practice?" No answer needed. I also got an e-mail from the famous doctor, stating that he would correct his mistake in the dictated report (the wrong medication was put into the report, and he neither proofread the typed report nor checked it against the chart). Okay, onto the next.
I got my blood test results from my physical last week (my GP sends me records without needing reminders). The demon cholesterol is dropping nicely, thanks to the proper medication he recommended. The blood sugar is at 76!!!! Whoopppeeeee!!!!!!!!!! All is well on that front.
As a consumer, well, there's another story. I purchase a probiotic medication for my dog, who has colitis, from a firm in CA. It's far cheaper than my vet sells it, and it arrives FedEx! What can go wrong? Plenty! It was due to arrive last Friday, and I tracked the shipment. It was "On FedEx truck for delivery." All of a sudden, it was 4:30 - and no package. I called and was placed on hold forever. After numerous attempts, I finally got a supervisor, who admitted that the route was assigned to a "fill-in" driver, who didn't know the route and who simply returned to the terminal with a number of boxes undelivered - with no attempt made. Ya think maybe this half-brain-cell could have called the dispatcher for directions or asked for help? Nooooooo! I called the firm in CA to tell them that they were do a refund of their shipping charges. They were more than responsive and - get this - apologized for FedEx's screw-up. They refunded my delivery charge and assured me that they would go after FedEx and get their money back. Okay, my regular driver returned to work yesterday - and the medicine arrived safely. The important thing here is that I always order medicine and dog food long before her supply will run out, just in case something goes wrong.
Question: Why are things so blasted complicated?
Answer: MANAGEMENT! Youngsters graduate with an MBA, lots of rules and theories and NO practical experience in the actual field they're going to manage. So, their rules tell them how many people are needed to do a job and even how to do the job. Whatever you do: Don't ask those who do the work for input! The end result: under-staffed/under-qualified staff because the wages have dropped and the duties increased. That translates to dissatisfied customers, who have to chase after the simplest of things. If we don't fuss, then management doesn't see a problem, and the sloppy way of doing things and the lousy way of treating customers will stay.
So, maybe not having a boring week was good. Even if I'm the only one doing the fussing, it has to be a tip-off that there are more people who are unhappy with lousy service. Now, if everyone of us would start making those phone-calls, we could shake things up a bit.
The saga of the knee is being resolved. After phone calls and e-mails, I FINALLY got a call from the administrator of Dr. Israelite's practice to call me, and she feigned shock and surprise over my experience. "Oh, how could this happen in MY practice?" No answer needed. I also got an e-mail from the famous doctor, stating that he would correct his mistake in the dictated report (the wrong medication was put into the report, and he neither proofread the typed report nor checked it against the chart). Okay, onto the next.
I got my blood test results from my physical last week (my GP sends me records without needing reminders). The demon cholesterol is dropping nicely, thanks to the proper medication he recommended. The blood sugar is at 76!!!! Whoopppeeeee!!!!!!!!!! All is well on that front.
As a consumer, well, there's another story. I purchase a probiotic medication for my dog, who has colitis, from a firm in CA. It's far cheaper than my vet sells it, and it arrives FedEx! What can go wrong? Plenty! It was due to arrive last Friday, and I tracked the shipment. It was "On FedEx truck for delivery." All of a sudden, it was 4:30 - and no package. I called and was placed on hold forever. After numerous attempts, I finally got a supervisor, who admitted that the route was assigned to a "fill-in" driver, who didn't know the route and who simply returned to the terminal with a number of boxes undelivered - with no attempt made. Ya think maybe this half-brain-cell could have called the dispatcher for directions or asked for help? Nooooooo! I called the firm in CA to tell them that they were do a refund of their shipping charges. They were more than responsive and - get this - apologized for FedEx's screw-up. They refunded my delivery charge and assured me that they would go after FedEx and get their money back. Okay, my regular driver returned to work yesterday - and the medicine arrived safely. The important thing here is that I always order medicine and dog food long before her supply will run out, just in case something goes wrong.
Question: Why are things so blasted complicated?
Answer: MANAGEMENT! Youngsters graduate with an MBA, lots of rules and theories and NO practical experience in the actual field they're going to manage. So, their rules tell them how many people are needed to do a job and even how to do the job. Whatever you do: Don't ask those who do the work for input! The end result: under-staffed/under-qualified staff because the wages have dropped and the duties increased. That translates to dissatisfied customers, who have to chase after the simplest of things. If we don't fuss, then management doesn't see a problem, and the sloppy way of doing things and the lousy way of treating customers will stay.
So, maybe not having a boring week was good. Even if I'm the only one doing the fussing, it has to be a tip-off that there are more people who are unhappy with lousy service. Now, if everyone of us would start making those phone-calls, we could shake things up a bit.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
MEDICAL ALERT!
WARNING: A visit to the doctor's office can be dangerous!
When you visit the doctor, particularly a specialist, INSIST on receiving a written copy of his dictated report. You do need to put this request in writing to comply with Federal regulations.
So, why is this important? You decide after reading my story.
I've talked about the infamous visit to Dr. Israelite, an ortho surgeon. After over a month and NUMEROUS phone calls to a non-responsive support staff, I finally got a copy of the dictated report - and I had filled out the form at the time of visit, indicating where reports were to be sent! I began reading, noting a few minor, trivial discrepancies (which is expected). However, rather than seeing the CORRECT medication listed, something totally different, but sounds the same was typed instead. The doctor should have caught this before he signed off on the report. Now I have to hassle with the office some more to get the report corrected! Instead of the anti-inflammatory medicine, he had me listed as taking SLEEPING PILLS!
I read the rest of the report quite carefully, only to find that whoever typed it was NOT familiar with the English language. Red flags went up (I'm a 30-year-plus medical transcriptionist!). When I looked at the coding at the bottom of the report, it became obvious to me that this was typed by a company who sends its work overseas to INDIA!
You see, the decision of who types a doctor's report is NOT made by a doctor, but by a penny-pinching, non-medical administrator, who cares nothing for accuracy, but for the bottom line. He will spend $10 to save a nickel!
So, the moral of this story - DEMAND a copy of your medical reports and READ them carefully. Complain loudly and persistently until the report is corrected and you receive a corrected copy. If this is not done in a timely manner, file complaints with your insurance company, the local medical society, the hospital administrator, chief of staff, AND the administrator of the practice, telling him/her that you will continue to file complaints with regulatory boards.
No longer is healthcare really "care." It is a function of management. You can either relegate the management to an MBA with absolutely NO knowledge or concern for medical quality - or you can manage your care yourself. Remind the doctors and administrators who pays the bills. They work for US. They are responsible to US. But we have to take on a less passive and more assertive role in how our care is managed, even down to how a report is typed.
When you visit the doctor, particularly a specialist, INSIST on receiving a written copy of his dictated report. You do need to put this request in writing to comply with Federal regulations.
So, why is this important? You decide after reading my story.
I've talked about the infamous visit to Dr. Israelite, an ortho surgeon. After over a month and NUMEROUS phone calls to a non-responsive support staff, I finally got a copy of the dictated report - and I had filled out the form at the time of visit, indicating where reports were to be sent! I began reading, noting a few minor, trivial discrepancies (which is expected). However, rather than seeing the CORRECT medication listed, something totally different, but sounds the same was typed instead. The doctor should have caught this before he signed off on the report. Now I have to hassle with the office some more to get the report corrected! Instead of the anti-inflammatory medicine, he had me listed as taking SLEEPING PILLS!
I read the rest of the report quite carefully, only to find that whoever typed it was NOT familiar with the English language. Red flags went up (I'm a 30-year-plus medical transcriptionist!). When I looked at the coding at the bottom of the report, it became obvious to me that this was typed by a company who sends its work overseas to INDIA!
You see, the decision of who types a doctor's report is NOT made by a doctor, but by a penny-pinching, non-medical administrator, who cares nothing for accuracy, but for the bottom line. He will spend $10 to save a nickel!
So, the moral of this story - DEMAND a copy of your medical reports and READ them carefully. Complain loudly and persistently until the report is corrected and you receive a corrected copy. If this is not done in a timely manner, file complaints with your insurance company, the local medical society, the hospital administrator, chief of staff, AND the administrator of the practice, telling him/her that you will continue to file complaints with regulatory boards.
No longer is healthcare really "care." It is a function of management. You can either relegate the management to an MBA with absolutely NO knowledge or concern for medical quality - or you can manage your care yourself. Remind the doctors and administrators who pays the bills. They work for US. They are responsible to US. But we have to take on a less passive and more assertive role in how our care is managed, even down to how a report is typed.
Friday, March 14, 2008
KNEE REPLACEMENT? NOT!!!!!!!
I picked up some valuable information this week, courtesy of my general internist, Dr. Smith. I was having my annual physical, and we were discussing the predicament with my knees, particularly the left. I explained the cavalier attitude of the orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Israelite - ha! I'm naming names), who reviewed the "procedure" the same way one gives instructions on changing a light bulb. I also reviewed the complete incompetence of his office staff - especially his medical assistant.
BTW, when I told Dr. Israelite that I lived on the 2nd floor and had a dog who required 3 walks a day, his response was, "Well, you won't be walking your dog." Yeah - and I wont' be earning an income either, bub.
My GP was not amused. Here's the info he relayed, and I hope that it will help even one person make a better decision.
1. The rehab period after knee replacement can often be longer than the predicted 8 weeks.
2. The rehab is intense and painful.
3. For those of us with fibromyalgia, we may not be able to withstand the rigors of this PT (aka "pain and torture") and could end up exacerbating the FM, thus, extending our period of disability and discomfort.
We came to a mutual decision that I would seek care from a rheumatology group to whom he sends numerous patients. I contacted the group and was greeted by a real person on the phone - no voice mail limbo! After a few brief questions and answers exchanged, I was offered an appointment and was told that I would receive written instructions and forms in the mail. I was also told that they do not like their patients to have to be responsible for carrying around Synvisc injectable vials. THEY keep it in the office! THEY take care of everything!
So, bottom line: IF you go to an orthopedic surgeon, who recommends a knee replacement, STOP! Talk to your family doctor. Ask him/her to help you find another solution. If you're willing to manage the pain with medications and isometric exercise (if appropriate) and to accept that you have to make adjustments in how you get around (stairs one at a time, even using a cane) in order to postpone surgery, even for a year or 2, please give it a try. The outcomes from knee replacements are not all sunshine, as surgeons and knee replacement manufacturers would have us believe. Besides, the technology is improving and may be much better by the time I get to the point when I sign the surgical consent and book a room. But it will NOT be with Dr. Israelite!!!!!!!!
Oh - what happened to the Synvisc vials that I'd been storing here at home? I called the bio-tech firm, and they sent me a pre-paid FedEx box to ship them back - no charge!!!! So, three cheers for US Bioservices!!!!!!!
BTW, when I told Dr. Israelite that I lived on the 2nd floor and had a dog who required 3 walks a day, his response was, "Well, you won't be walking your dog." Yeah - and I wont' be earning an income either, bub.
My GP was not amused. Here's the info he relayed, and I hope that it will help even one person make a better decision.
1. The rehab period after knee replacement can often be longer than the predicted 8 weeks.
2. The rehab is intense and painful.
3. For those of us with fibromyalgia, we may not be able to withstand the rigors of this PT (aka "pain and torture") and could end up exacerbating the FM, thus, extending our period of disability and discomfort.
We came to a mutual decision that I would seek care from a rheumatology group to whom he sends numerous patients. I contacted the group and was greeted by a real person on the phone - no voice mail limbo! After a few brief questions and answers exchanged, I was offered an appointment and was told that I would receive written instructions and forms in the mail. I was also told that they do not like their patients to have to be responsible for carrying around Synvisc injectable vials. THEY keep it in the office! THEY take care of everything!
So, bottom line: IF you go to an orthopedic surgeon, who recommends a knee replacement, STOP! Talk to your family doctor. Ask him/her to help you find another solution. If you're willing to manage the pain with medications and isometric exercise (if appropriate) and to accept that you have to make adjustments in how you get around (stairs one at a time, even using a cane) in order to postpone surgery, even for a year or 2, please give it a try. The outcomes from knee replacements are not all sunshine, as surgeons and knee replacement manufacturers would have us believe. Besides, the technology is improving and may be much better by the time I get to the point when I sign the surgical consent and book a room. But it will NOT be with Dr. Israelite!!!!!!!!
Oh - what happened to the Synvisc vials that I'd been storing here at home? I called the bio-tech firm, and they sent me a pre-paid FedEx box to ship them back - no charge!!!! So, three cheers for US Bioservices!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
This is for all who suffer pain!
FINALLY! Someone gets it. The problem is, this doctor is NOT from the US and does NOT have to deal with the DEA and FDA and insurance companies and our gate-keeper, over-control of medications. Read this article and see what common sense looks like.
Is the answer for us moving to Australia?
http://www.joacp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125
Is the answer for us moving to Australia?
http://www.joacp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
PICK UP YER OWN TRASH!
So, our new "Philly's Back" Mayor Michael Nutter (HONEST - that's his name!) wants to have city clean-up day on April 5th, stating that it will make us "feel better" and help lower the crime rate. Okay........
Philthandsmellphia comes by its name naturally. The municipal flower is a pile of trash. Sidewalks and subway entrances are public urinals. Even our trash trucks say: "CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, MUNICIPAL WASTE."
Hey folks - it's not for the government to launch a one-day feel-good clean-up party. It's up to every single person in town. Don't throw your trash on the street. CLEAN UP YOUR DOG POOP! Pee in restrooms - not on the sidewalk, in alleys, or in the subway station.
Case in point: I was watching the high school kids walk past our building this afternoon - they're students at St. John Neumann-Maria Goretti and BOK Vo-tech High Schools (one Catholic school, one public school) - yes, I'm mentioning names. One of them tossed a water bottle onto the sidewalk. Uh......not a smart move in front of me. I poked my head out the front door and asked him to kindly use the trash can on the corner - or take it home, that our sidewalk was for him to walk on ONLY - not dump his trash. His friends glared at him, and he sheepishly picked up his now filthy bottle and carried it away.
Mayor Nutter - You can go for BLOCKS in my neighborhood without seeing one trash receptacle. We used to have at least 2 per block! What happened?
To the guy who owns the men's clothing store at Passyunk and 12th - why do you allow the 12th Street side to become a huge trash dump? Why do you not either clean up the trash or make sure that the no dumping rule is enforced?
In the end, it's NOT the job of the government to tell people to clean up and to waste city resources on a one-day project that will most certainly be just that - one day. Folks, let's keep the sidewalks in front of our homes free of trash.
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU PASSING THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, CARRY YOUR TRASH AND DOG POOP ELSEWHERE - WE DON'T WANT IT!
Philthandsmellphia comes by its name naturally. The municipal flower is a pile of trash. Sidewalks and subway entrances are public urinals. Even our trash trucks say: "CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, MUNICIPAL WASTE."
Hey folks - it's not for the government to launch a one-day feel-good clean-up party. It's up to every single person in town. Don't throw your trash on the street. CLEAN UP YOUR DOG POOP! Pee in restrooms - not on the sidewalk, in alleys, or in the subway station.
Case in point: I was watching the high school kids walk past our building this afternoon - they're students at St. John Neumann-Maria Goretti and BOK Vo-tech High Schools (one Catholic school, one public school) - yes, I'm mentioning names. One of them tossed a water bottle onto the sidewalk. Uh......not a smart move in front of me. I poked my head out the front door and asked him to kindly use the trash can on the corner - or take it home, that our sidewalk was for him to walk on ONLY - not dump his trash. His friends glared at him, and he sheepishly picked up his now filthy bottle and carried it away.
Mayor Nutter - You can go for BLOCKS in my neighborhood without seeing one trash receptacle. We used to have at least 2 per block! What happened?
To the guy who owns the men's clothing store at Passyunk and 12th - why do you allow the 12th Street side to become a huge trash dump? Why do you not either clean up the trash or make sure that the no dumping rule is enforced?
In the end, it's NOT the job of the government to tell people to clean up and to waste city resources on a one-day project that will most certainly be just that - one day. Folks, let's keep the sidewalks in front of our homes free of trash.
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU PASSING THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, CARRY YOUR TRASH AND DOG POOP ELSEWHERE - WE DON'T WANT IT!
Monday, March 10, 2008
BLESS ME, FATHER, FOR.......
I drive a gas-guzzler, allow my dog to poop on the street and not clean it up, throw empty beer cans and used condoms from out my pick-up truck......
So, the Pope has deemed it his job to add a new class of sin to the ever-growing list. Check out this article.
http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/general/2008/03/10/NEWS-POPE-SINS-DC/
Okay - this is nothing new, folks. We pagans have revered the Earth and life since time immortal. We've known for millennia what the so-called "church" is now trying to claim as its newest mission - saving the earth. I don't care about the Go-Green-Vatican! And while I'm at it here, doesn't His "Holiness (?)" know that stem cell research DOES NOT cause harm to either an unborn, still-born, and healthy-born child? While he sits in his bejeweled throne room, does he not care about the lives that could be saved (some of whom may even make contributions to his bank vault)?
This is either a move to make the "Church" more relevant (UGH - echoes of Vatican II) - or it's a further statement of lack of touch with reality.
So, the Pope has deemed it his job to add a new class of sin to the ever-growing list. Check out this article.
http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/general/2008/03/10/NEWS-POPE-SINS-DC/
Okay - this is nothing new, folks. We pagans have revered the Earth and life since time immortal. We've known for millennia what the so-called "church" is now trying to claim as its newest mission - saving the earth. I don't care about the Go-Green-Vatican! And while I'm at it here, doesn't His "Holiness (?)" know that stem cell research DOES NOT cause harm to either an unborn, still-born, and healthy-born child? While he sits in his bejeweled throne room, does he not care about the lives that could be saved (some of whom may even make contributions to his bank vault)?
This is either a move to make the "Church" more relevant (UGH - echoes of Vatican II) - or it's a further statement of lack of touch with reality.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Who's worse: Insurance companies or doctors?
Try calling a specialist to tell him/her that your knee pain has rendered you just about completely disabled and that you're in pain and would like the precious Synvisc injections. You get put into a voicemail loop of pressing every number from 1 to the "star" key - and end up with - the voice mail of the medical assistant! No return phone call. So after 2 business days, I call back and get - HER VOICE MAIL! She calls back and says that she sent the paperwork to the insurance company so they could authorize the Synvisc injections. That paperwork then gets sent to the bio-tech company for "processing," and the vials are sent to me. Only when I get the medicine in my hands may I dare make an appointment.
So, I get on the phone with Blue Shield of PA - the money-grubbers about whom I've written before. JOE FRICK, THIS MEANS YOU, MR. CEO.
I called Blue Shield on Monday, who told me that the request had been approved and that the paperwork had been faxed, and I should receive my medicine in 10 days. 10 DAYS?????
I called the bio-tech company yesterday, who had received NOTHING from Blue Shield, but the gentleman (Marco) gave me his direct phone number and fax number and said HE would contact Blue Shield so I could get my medicine.
I then called Blue Shield again yesterday, who proceeded to give me not only serious attitude, but yet another date that the paperwork was allegedly faxed. How about NOT! After at least an hour on the phone yesterday (twice with Blue Shield, who obviously lied about having sent the authorization to the bio-tech firm to ship the Synvisc), I finally got the precious stuff shipped Fed Ex overnight, which is standard procedure.
This morning the doctor's medical assistant (who mispronounces everyone's name and everything) called to tell me to make an appointment for the injections. I get a scheduler on the phone, who asks me whether or not I have the medicine in my hands. "No - it's on the Fed Ex truck, and Tanya told me to call for my appointment." Tanya gets on the phone, stating that I misunderstood her message and that she told me to call when I get the medication. Uh..."Tanya, you called my cell phone and left the message. Would you like me to play it for you?" "Well, if you're going to be adamant about it, come in next Wednesday at 8:00 AM."
I'm losing confidence in this doctor - based solely upon his support staff and the fact that when they got this stuff authorized, they specified "right" knee instead of left.
Do I want them sticking me - or worse, ultimately operating??????? I mean, if they can't tell left from right.......
I talked to Fed Ex, and the box is on the truck out for delivery, meaning I'll have it in an hour or so (if it's my usual driver - cute red-head that he is). I could go back to my former physiatrist and get the injections and tell him that I'm not happy with the ortho practice where he referred me.
Meanwhile, I actually walked up the stairs today like a big girl. I've been doing isometrics taught to me years ago by a PT and switched over to ibuprofen, which is actually stronger than what I'd been using. The Synvisc shots will do more good now, but I found it interesting that when I called and left the message last week that I was in trouble - no one called me back to find out what was going on. Hm.............
And yesterday, my sister had to fly from SC to GA to get her pain pump refilled because SC has NO pain centers who can properly care for a pain pump. She's still recovering that little field trip.
Up till now, I've been really good about not naming names (except for JOE FRICK AT PA BLUE SHIELD). But my good behavior is going out the window, and I will start naming names of every doctor who screws up and every insurance clerk who lies.
The medical system is so broken that my friend Eddie (my beloved cynic) may be right when he says the whole thing is going to have to crash in on itself and then start over again.
RON PAUL - WHERE ARE YOU??????????
So, I get on the phone with Blue Shield of PA - the money-grubbers about whom I've written before. JOE FRICK, THIS MEANS YOU, MR. CEO.
I called Blue Shield on Monday, who told me that the request had been approved and that the paperwork had been faxed, and I should receive my medicine in 10 days. 10 DAYS?????
I called the bio-tech company yesterday, who had received NOTHING from Blue Shield, but the gentleman (Marco) gave me his direct phone number and fax number and said HE would contact Blue Shield so I could get my medicine.
I then called Blue Shield again yesterday, who proceeded to give me not only serious attitude, but yet another date that the paperwork was allegedly faxed. How about NOT! After at least an hour on the phone yesterday (twice with Blue Shield, who obviously lied about having sent the authorization to the bio-tech firm to ship the Synvisc), I finally got the precious stuff shipped Fed Ex overnight, which is standard procedure.
This morning the doctor's medical assistant (who mispronounces everyone's name and everything) called to tell me to make an appointment for the injections. I get a scheduler on the phone, who asks me whether or not I have the medicine in my hands. "No - it's on the Fed Ex truck, and Tanya told me to call for my appointment." Tanya gets on the phone, stating that I misunderstood her message and that she told me to call when I get the medication. Uh..."Tanya, you called my cell phone and left the message. Would you like me to play it for you?" "Well, if you're going to be adamant about it, come in next Wednesday at 8:00 AM."
I'm losing confidence in this doctor - based solely upon his support staff and the fact that when they got this stuff authorized, they specified "right" knee instead of left.
Do I want them sticking me - or worse, ultimately operating??????? I mean, if they can't tell left from right.......
I talked to Fed Ex, and the box is on the truck out for delivery, meaning I'll have it in an hour or so (if it's my usual driver - cute red-head that he is). I could go back to my former physiatrist and get the injections and tell him that I'm not happy with the ortho practice where he referred me.
Meanwhile, I actually walked up the stairs today like a big girl. I've been doing isometrics taught to me years ago by a PT and switched over to ibuprofen, which is actually stronger than what I'd been using. The Synvisc shots will do more good now, but I found it interesting that when I called and left the message last week that I was in trouble - no one called me back to find out what was going on. Hm.............
And yesterday, my sister had to fly from SC to GA to get her pain pump refilled because SC has NO pain centers who can properly care for a pain pump. She's still recovering that little field trip.
Up till now, I've been really good about not naming names (except for JOE FRICK AT PA BLUE SHIELD). But my good behavior is going out the window, and I will start naming names of every doctor who screws up and every insurance clerk who lies.
The medical system is so broken that my friend Eddie (my beloved cynic) may be right when he says the whole thing is going to have to crash in on itself and then start over again.
RON PAUL - WHERE ARE YOU??????????
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Two Maestros - One World
Many of you may have read about the NY Philharmonic's Asian tour - including their concert in North Korea. Thankfully, this was taped for broadcast on PBS.
The concert hall was sparse in design, very functional, but actually quite pleasing to the eye. My guess is that the acoustics were about as good as anyone can get.
What a thrill it was to hear the NY Phil, conducted by Loren Maazel (one of my all-time favorites) play the Gershwin "American in Paris!" As the camera panned around the audience, most of those in attendance sat with a look of total absorption. Some were smiling. Some were moving their heads with the music. Very few sat stoically. The orchestra was giving its all, and this was evident not only in their playing, but in their energy levels, which even came through on the tape!
Ah, but the conclusion. Tradition has it that when an American orchestra tours abroad, there are at least three encores. The second encore was the "Overture to Candide" by Leonard Bernstein, who had been their conductor for years and was a friend to many of the veteran players sitting on that stage. Since this would be the year "Lenny" would have turned 90, Maestro Maazel paid him the ultimate tribute. He announced the overture and left the stage. This greater than 100-piece philharmonic played the overture without a conductor on the podium! To those of you who know this piece, it is rhythmically complex, and there are entrances that are too easy to miss. It's far to easy for an ensemble to lose its rhythmic togetherness. Not so here. The concert master (first violin, first chair) Glen Dichterow, gave the first two beats - and they started. It was perfection from note one to the final cord. Everyone played together. 100 people playing as tightly as a well-rehearsed string quartet. And there was the empty podium. But it was not empty. Lenny's spirit was very much there.
The final encore was a Korean folk song, which had been exquisitely orchestrated. Respect will not allow me to even try to write the name because I simply can't spell it! The orchestra played it with great love and respect, and the audience accepted this as a gift.
Music - the language that knows no boundaries, that bridges gaps between worlds.
The concert hall was sparse in design, very functional, but actually quite pleasing to the eye. My guess is that the acoustics were about as good as anyone can get.
What a thrill it was to hear the NY Phil, conducted by Loren Maazel (one of my all-time favorites) play the Gershwin "American in Paris!" As the camera panned around the audience, most of those in attendance sat with a look of total absorption. Some were smiling. Some were moving their heads with the music. Very few sat stoically. The orchestra was giving its all, and this was evident not only in their playing, but in their energy levels, which even came through on the tape!
Ah, but the conclusion. Tradition has it that when an American orchestra tours abroad, there are at least three encores. The second encore was the "Overture to Candide" by Leonard Bernstein, who had been their conductor for years and was a friend to many of the veteran players sitting on that stage. Since this would be the year "Lenny" would have turned 90, Maestro Maazel paid him the ultimate tribute. He announced the overture and left the stage. This greater than 100-piece philharmonic played the overture without a conductor on the podium! To those of you who know this piece, it is rhythmically complex, and there are entrances that are too easy to miss. It's far to easy for an ensemble to lose its rhythmic togetherness. Not so here. The concert master (first violin, first chair) Glen Dichterow, gave the first two beats - and they started. It was perfection from note one to the final cord. Everyone played together. 100 people playing as tightly as a well-rehearsed string quartet. And there was the empty podium. But it was not empty. Lenny's spirit was very much there.
The final encore was a Korean folk song, which had been exquisitely orchestrated. Respect will not allow me to even try to write the name because I simply can't spell it! The orchestra played it with great love and respect, and the audience accepted this as a gift.
Music - the language that knows no boundaries, that bridges gaps between worlds.
Friday, February 15, 2008
RE: I'VE HAD IT!
MEMO
TO: HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
RE: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!
FROM: A DISSATISFIED CONSUMER
Yeah, like this will get their attention!
My employer called me yesterday evening (we've got a great relationship - mutual admiration society, etc., and we communicate openly with each other). Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania, the money-grubbing scoundrels, upped the insurance premiums 32% a month - with no prior notice. So, here's the third increase in as many years, which my employer has absorbed - at least until we can do something else. Hence, we're getting quotes from other carriers and, since we're all independent contractors, other groups. Virtually every quote I've gotten has been about 50% per month less FOR THE SAME COVERAGE!!!!! When I questioned this, I was told that being in a group is a disadvantage because insurance companies INCREASE premiums to cover (get this) WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES, STROKE, ARTHRITIS, AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS. That's the majority of the population! So, the hunt for coverage continues, and I think I've narrowed the field sufficiently and will simply go with the HMO Plan offered by the money-grubbers at Blue Shield.
BTW: The CEO is JOE FRICK. I worked for him when he was a nice guy, but that's ancient history.
NEXT: AETNA has gone mad! These pencil-pushing bean-counters have now told doctors that they MAY NOT USE PROPOFOL (a strong sedation) for COLONOSCOPIES! It will not be paid for. Their claim is that the discomfort is minimal, and strong sedation is not necessary. So, would they like a garden hose with a camera passed up their anal orifices? This is not a step towards controlling medication costs. IT'S A WAY TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF COLONOSCOPIES! Let's face it, IF I were to allow myself the risk of that procedure, I'd want to be lights-out, knocked out, and with a case of amnesia - only provided by propofol. Propofol is NOT expensive - it's a generic. The issue isn't over the drug - it's over the procedure.
So, my memo is to the greedy insurance companies: Enjoy your fat profits at our expense. You will soon price yourselves so far out of reach, that no one will have health insurance, and you will cease to exist. Is this what you want?
TO: HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
RE: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!
FROM: A DISSATISFIED CONSUMER
Yeah, like this will get their attention!
My employer called me yesterday evening (we've got a great relationship - mutual admiration society, etc., and we communicate openly with each other). Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania, the money-grubbing scoundrels, upped the insurance premiums 32% a month - with no prior notice. So, here's the third increase in as many years, which my employer has absorbed - at least until we can do something else. Hence, we're getting quotes from other carriers and, since we're all independent contractors, other groups. Virtually every quote I've gotten has been about 50% per month less FOR THE SAME COVERAGE!!!!! When I questioned this, I was told that being in a group is a disadvantage because insurance companies INCREASE premiums to cover (get this) WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES, STROKE, ARTHRITIS, AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS. That's the majority of the population! So, the hunt for coverage continues, and I think I've narrowed the field sufficiently and will simply go with the HMO Plan offered by the money-grubbers at Blue Shield.
BTW: The CEO is JOE FRICK. I worked for him when he was a nice guy, but that's ancient history.
NEXT: AETNA has gone mad! These pencil-pushing bean-counters have now told doctors that they MAY NOT USE PROPOFOL (a strong sedation) for COLONOSCOPIES! It will not be paid for. Their claim is that the discomfort is minimal, and strong sedation is not necessary. So, would they like a garden hose with a camera passed up their anal orifices? This is not a step towards controlling medication costs. IT'S A WAY TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF COLONOSCOPIES! Let's face it, IF I were to allow myself the risk of that procedure, I'd want to be lights-out, knocked out, and with a case of amnesia - only provided by propofol. Propofol is NOT expensive - it's a generic. The issue isn't over the drug - it's over the procedure.
So, my memo is to the greedy insurance companies: Enjoy your fat profits at our expense. You will soon price yourselves so far out of reach, that no one will have health insurance, and you will cease to exist. Is this what you want?
Monday, February 11, 2008
MANNERS?????????????
Manners? YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!
This has irritated me for some time, and it’s time I got it off my chest – maybe some of you will agree. To those who do not, no apologies will be offered.
Since when did it become acceptable business/professional etiquette to address a FULLY GROWN, OBVIOUSLY BORDERLINE SENIOR ADULT by his/her first name?
Case in point: I went to see a surgeon last week because the inevitable is looming in my future – a knee replacement. I walked into the orthopedic practice, a highly recommended practice, to find the waiting room jammed with people, 5 “check-in” desks, with only TWO of them staffed, and a line just for me to sign a piece of paper to let some phantom worker to know of my arrival.
“STEPHANIE!” I approached the desk with insurance card and copay in hand, wondering if I were going to the Principal’s Office. “Uh, did you mean “Miss Patterson?” “Yeah, Stephanie.” Well, I knew I wasn’t going to get very far with this kid. So I handed over my insurance card and check and waited to have the card and receipt returned. “Have a seat.”
Three minutes later.
“STEFANYA!” I didn’t look up. That’s NOT my name. “STEFANYA!” “Did you mean “STEPHANIE PATTERSON?” “No, “STEFANYA.”
Two minutes later.
“STEPHANIE!” “I’m Stephanie Patterson.” “Yeah – Stephanie. Come with me.”
I was escorted (running actually, with bad knee and all) down the hall and was shown into an exam room, only to have the door unceremoniously slammed. Okay, real good first impression.
Two minutes later.
A gentle knock. “Miss Patterson?” Was I dreaming? The young resident who does the scut work for the surgeon came in and took a history and gave me my preliminary exam.
Two minutes later.
“Miss Patterson? Hi, I’m Dr. Cut-up (fictional name, okay?).” He reviewed my x-rays, drew diagrams, performed his exam, pronounced my sentence, along with a few options, shook hands, and wished me a good day.
Back in the “Check-Out Area.” No – it wasn’t K-Mart.
5 desks – ONE person working. I handed the lady my paperwork. “Stephanie – do you need another appointment?”
“No thanks, Doris. I’m to call in a few months.” I give up - they won. Time to give them a dose of their own medicine. Doris, needless to say, was not very pleased that a patient had the nerve to use her first name.
Interesting – the doctors, from two different generations, addressed me as an adult of 58 years old, while the staff, young enough to be my children, took it upon themselves to use my first name.
This is not only a doctor’s office experience, but it happens on the phone for business calls. “Is Stephanie there?” My sarcastic response is, “This is Miss Patterson.” Silence………… “Oh, is this Stephanie Patterson?” “Right the first time.” “Okay, Stephanie,” I’m calling about…..” “Uh, You’re speaking with Miss Patterson. What is the nature of your call please?” Silence….. “I’m looking for Stephanie.” Finally I give up, tell the person calling that he/she has reached the correct person, but being an adult, I only allow friends, family, and my colleagues at work to use my first name – or others to whom I give permission.
This is how I was raised – and most civilized people in prior generations: Adults are addressed by their surnames and a title. I was afforded this courtesy even by some of my high school teachers and ALL of my college teachers.
What happened?
This has irritated me for some time, and it’s time I got it off my chest – maybe some of you will agree. To those who do not, no apologies will be offered.
Since when did it become acceptable business/professional etiquette to address a FULLY GROWN, OBVIOUSLY BORDERLINE SENIOR ADULT by his/her first name?
Case in point: I went to see a surgeon last week because the inevitable is looming in my future – a knee replacement. I walked into the orthopedic practice, a highly recommended practice, to find the waiting room jammed with people, 5 “check-in” desks, with only TWO of them staffed, and a line just for me to sign a piece of paper to let some phantom worker to know of my arrival.
“STEPHANIE!” I approached the desk with insurance card and copay in hand, wondering if I were going to the Principal’s Office. “Uh, did you mean “Miss Patterson?” “Yeah, Stephanie.” Well, I knew I wasn’t going to get very far with this kid. So I handed over my insurance card and check and waited to have the card and receipt returned. “Have a seat.”
Three minutes later.
“STEFANYA!” I didn’t look up. That’s NOT my name. “STEFANYA!” “Did you mean “STEPHANIE PATTERSON?” “No, “STEFANYA.”
Two minutes later.
“STEPHANIE!” “I’m Stephanie Patterson.” “Yeah – Stephanie. Come with me.”
I was escorted (running actually, with bad knee and all) down the hall and was shown into an exam room, only to have the door unceremoniously slammed. Okay, real good first impression.
Two minutes later.
A gentle knock. “Miss Patterson?” Was I dreaming? The young resident who does the scut work for the surgeon came in and took a history and gave me my preliminary exam.
Two minutes later.
“Miss Patterson? Hi, I’m Dr. Cut-up (fictional name, okay?).” He reviewed my x-rays, drew diagrams, performed his exam, pronounced my sentence, along with a few options, shook hands, and wished me a good day.
Back in the “Check-Out Area.” No – it wasn’t K-Mart.
5 desks – ONE person working. I handed the lady my paperwork. “Stephanie – do you need another appointment?”
“No thanks, Doris. I’m to call in a few months.” I give up - they won. Time to give them a dose of their own medicine. Doris, needless to say, was not very pleased that a patient had the nerve to use her first name.
Interesting – the doctors, from two different generations, addressed me as an adult of 58 years old, while the staff, young enough to be my children, took it upon themselves to use my first name.
This is not only a doctor’s office experience, but it happens on the phone for business calls. “Is Stephanie there?” My sarcastic response is, “This is Miss Patterson.” Silence………… “Oh, is this Stephanie Patterson?” “Right the first time.” “Okay, Stephanie,” I’m calling about…..” “Uh, You’re speaking with Miss Patterson. What is the nature of your call please?” Silence….. “I’m looking for Stephanie.” Finally I give up, tell the person calling that he/she has reached the correct person, but being an adult, I only allow friends, family, and my colleagues at work to use my first name – or others to whom I give permission.
This is how I was raised – and most civilized people in prior generations: Adults are addressed by their surnames and a title. I was afforded this courtesy even by some of my high school teachers and ALL of my college teachers.
What happened?
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