Slog
News & ArtsThursday, September 29, 2011
Death / Life Let's Not Let Him Die
Posted by Dan Savage on Thu, Sep 29, 2011 at 12:23 PM
The American health care system is cruel (45,000 Americans die every year for lack of access to health care) and unusual (we are the only industrialized nation that does not provide health care for its citizens). Americans who don't have access to health care—people who aren't insured, people whose insurers drop them the moment they get sick (listen or read this This American Life piece about "rescission"), people who are unemployed, people with pre-existing conditions, people who are "uninsurable" (a.k.a. ill people who desperately need health care)—are often reduced to begging for help.
Which brings me to my friend Steven Hawley.
Steven is a musician and DJ who lives in Milwaukee. I got to know Steven after Terry, a fan of Steven's music, brought Steven to Seattle to DJ a club night. In addition to doing his own music with his band Codebreaker and DJing (here's a track that Steven created with Kathy Diamond), Steven worked at a music equipment supply store as their keyboard/synth salesperson. His employer did not offer health insurance. Shortly after we met Steven—shortly after he released his first solo album—he began to have health problems. Crippling health problems that prevented him from touring to promote his album, then working, and finally living independently. Steven writes:
Seven months ago my life came to a screeching halt due to a sudden inability to properly exhale. My exhalation levels are less than 40% of what's normal so far nobody has really seemed to figure out why. I have NO history of breathing problems, but this did come on me suddenly after taking two rounds of the antibiotic, Amoxicillin for an apparent sinus infection last Feb. My symptoms are:
* Severe shortness of breath, primarily with an inability to exhale.
* Damp/wet feeling in the dead center of my chest cavity.
* Wet, non productive cough.
* Wheezing, whistling sound upon exhalation.
* Random chest pains
* Achy lungs
* Erratic heartbeats.My apartment for the last five years was very damp and musty, and there was some visible mold. What I'm not sure of, really, is if I'm the a victim of black mold some other fungus. Or if my issue isn't primarily mold, I dunno what it is. But it's now strongly suspected. Of course, no insurance company will touch me now due to my new 'pre-existing' condition and the charity/financial assistance programs here won't do any of the necessary workups—or anything pricey really—to diagnose or treat me.
I literally have been unable to do anything for seven month. I'm so depressed, distraught & confused. My day consists of trying not to move until it's time to go to bed. The shortness of breath 24/7 is literally that bad. My whole life as I knew it was taken away from me virtually overnight. Before this, I ate mostly raw foods, worked out, and had hardly ever been ill.
The rest of this post is a two-part bleg.
First, a crowd sourcing bleg. I want to tap the wisdom of any docs out there—particularly any pulmonologists in the Slogiverse—and tap the connections of anyone who knows any docs out there. Steven is desperate for answers and any expert advise, insight, or recommendations—that's expert advise, insights, and recommendations from concerned and qualified individuals—would be welcome. You can share your thoughts (and qualifications) in comments or email me and I'll pass your note on to Steven.
The second part of this bleg: Steven needs expensive diagnostic work done. He needs a bronchoscopy (a camera stuck down into chest to take a look around) as well as complicated, invasive, and expensive lung biopsies. Have I mentioned that these things are expensive? Steven is—again—uninsured and, under our current system, he is now uninsurable. He doesn't have family that he can fall back on. With great reluctance Steven has created a Chipin account to raise money to get the tests he needs. Like a lot of Americans who have to beg for for money to pay for their health care, Steven feels mortified and humiliated about asking strangers for help. He has raised a little more than $1700 so far; the bronchoscopy he needs costs $3000.
Finally: Steven has been in and out of ERs since he became ill. His frequent visits to ERs for emergency care—he goes in when he feels like he's about to suffocate to death, the ER docs stabilize him and send him home—will ultimately cost all of us more than a bronchoscopy, biopsies, a diagnoses, and a treatment plan ever could. The expense of his frequent ER visits will get passed on to the rest of us in the form of higher health insurance premiums and higher hospital costs. Which means we're spending more money to keep Steven in pain and in limbo than we would have to spend to heal him. It's the US health care system in a nutshell: cruel, unusual, and obscene. And speaking of obscene...
Sloggers will remember this moment from a recent GOP debate:
We spent a week on Slog telling ourselves that we're better than that, that we're better than they are, that we wouldn't let a hypothetical man die. Now let's prove it. Steven isn't a hypothetical. He's real. Don't let him die.
3
I'm a NALT Xian who got raised in a household that stressed the "do unto others" and "brother's keeper" parts. I deplore how the GOP and the religious right have demonized poor people (among many others) and have forged ahead with a warped "pro-life" agenda that will only increase suffering, disease, and death. I would have been a hypocrite if I didn't chip in on this. Put up or shut up time.
4
This guy needs a primary care doc more than a moron like Dan Savage.
Stay away from the ER and go see a doctor who has a priority other than getting you out of their ER. They can be cheap or free. VM and Country Doctor Community Health come to mind.
Stay away from the ER and go see a doctor who has a priority other than getting you out of their ER. They can be cheap or free. VM and Country Doctor Community Health come to mind.
6
Done. Best of luck to Steven and hope he gets a diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to good health.
7
@4: So your expert advice is that he not go to the ER next time he has severe symptoms?
And explain to me again how he is worse off with Dan telling his story than he would be without? Do you just mean the exposure to angry, arrogant assholes like you, or is there some material negative impact it's likely to have?
And explain to me again how he is worse off with Dan telling his story than he would be without? Do you just mean the exposure to angry, arrogant assholes like you, or is there some material negative impact it's likely to have?
8
@4 He lives in Milwaukee. I guess morons like you don't do well with reading comprehension or retention.
9
I had THE SAME symptoms. It took the some time to figure it out, but it turned out to be "the devil's grip", or in doctor speak, Pleurisy.
12
I just contributed but I want to complain about this phrasing:
>>> We spent a week on Slog telling ourselves that we're better than that, that we're better than they are, that we wouldn't let a hypothetical man die. Now let's prove it. Steven isn't a hypothetical. Here's for real. Don't let him die>>>
I don't think the point is that we're better because we would donate charitably to save a hypothetical man. That's the Republicans' point - that poor people can be taken care of by charity, so we don't need a functioning social welfare net.
So I challenge people to match their donation to Steven with a donation to Obama, or some other politician who favors eliminating preexisting-condition clauses.
>>> We spent a week on Slog telling ourselves that we're better than that, that we're better than they are, that we wouldn't let a hypothetical man die. Now let's prove it. Steven isn't a hypothetical. Here's for real. Don't let him die>>>
I don't think the point is that we're better because we would donate charitably to save a hypothetical man. That's the Republicans' point - that poor people can be taken care of by charity, so we don't need a functioning social welfare net.
So I challenge people to match their donation to Steven with a donation to Obama, or some other politician who favors eliminating preexisting-condition clauses.
13
He may have tried this already, but many medical schools/teaching hospitals have very generous payment plans or debt forgiveness programs. He could call any in the area or that he could get to and see if they are able to help for cheaper. Many also are able to find financial assistance through the help of social workers. Our hospital has a social worker visit just about everybody and is able to help many of the people they see.
14
Its been this way forever! but what was it that black guy in the white house said? Lead, follow or get your sorry ass out of my way.
16
eh, "expert advice". How about advice that might help and can't hurt? And is pretty cheap? He might try taking some MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) and some good quality fish oil.
Because I'm not an expert I will provide links
http://www.oilofpisces.com/emphysema.htm…
Damn, having a hard time finding pubmed references for MSM and lungs.
Because I'm not an expert I will provide links
http://www.oilofpisces.com/emphysema.htm…
Damn, having a hard time finding pubmed references for MSM and lungs.
17
That really sucks. Despite his physical problems, being without a diagnosis is one of the more stressful things we endure.
Related, but I'm not pretending this is any sort of qualified medical advice: Something I just recently invested in was a dehumidifier, and can't believe I've lived this long without one. The few mold issues I was having have since disappeared, and my place is way more comfortable to live in now.
At the first sign of mold, even just run-of-the-mill bathroom mold, I'd recommend picking one up. Costco sells a good 70-pint model for under $200.
Related, but I'm not pretending this is any sort of qualified medical advice: Something I just recently invested in was a dehumidifier, and can't believe I've lived this long without one. The few mold issues I was having have since disappeared, and my place is way more comfortable to live in now.
At the first sign of mold, even just run-of-the-mill bathroom mold, I'd recommend picking one up. Costco sells a good 70-pint model for under $200.
18
Done. It makes me incredibly sad that we even have to donate for this type of thing- if we can't take care of people with our taxes, what the hell am I paying 1/3 of my income for? I for one can't pay a share of what is left for every person who needs it, but I can this time. Damn you cheap, selfish bastards who make this the problem of online strangers, instead of everyone's shared responsibility for his or her countrymen.
19
@8, When Dan wrote that Steven lives in "the Milwaukee", I think he might have meant "The Milwaukee", a low-rent apartment building in the International District.
20
Rats, all the studies of MSM and lung disease have been on horses, as far as I can find. But MSM is extremely safe and cheap and worth a try.
Can't find the actual pubmed link for the small study mentioned at this site:
http://www.msm-info.com/#Lung
Can't find the actual pubmed link for the small study mentioned at this site:
http://www.msm-info.com/#Lung
21
If this guy is telling the truth at all, he's got a one maybe two killer lawsuits. He needs an attorney not a doctor.
And if we fund him...will he return the money + interest if a settlement occurs?
And if we fund him...will he return the money + interest if a settlement occurs?
23
Both my Dad and I had pretty bad lung problems in the last 4 years, In both cases it turned out to be fungal. In my Dad's case the doctor told him it looked like lung cancer! He got a second opinion which was "Desert Fever" (he's a snowbird) and 8 weeks of antifungal meds later he was fine. Same with me, I had a spot on my lung x-ray, and my doc also put me on an anti-fungal for 6 weeks and the symptoms went away in the first 2 weeks of meds.
24
Did what I could right now.
He needs advocates to help locate the kinds of resources talked about above, help fill out paperwork, bring food and do chores, give rides, etc.
This is one of the shittiest parts of the no-insurance mess: help is so diffuse and takes a lot of work to find, just when you feel the worst and have no energy or mental clarity.
Best wishes, Steven.
He needs advocates to help locate the kinds of resources talked about above, help fill out paperwork, bring food and do chores, give rides, etc.
This is one of the shittiest parts of the no-insurance mess: help is so diffuse and takes a lot of work to find, just when you feel the worst and have no energy or mental clarity.
Best wishes, Steven.
25
Is he still living in his moldy apartment? Do his symptoms lessen when he's not there? I am no expert (hence the comment, not the email), but mold can do wicked things, and if he's still in that place, then he needs to move. Even if he were cured, living in the same spot would mean a return of illness.
Also, some hospitals do have debt forgiveness programs, and that could be worth looking into.
None of this is to say that 1. the system isn't broken or 2. this fella shouldn't get our help.
Also, some hospitals do have debt forgiveness programs, and that could be worth looking into.
None of this is to say that 1. the system isn't broken or 2. this fella shouldn't get our help.
26
#21 - you are a fucking prick, sir. He's not applying for a loan, he's asking for help, and I'd venture to guess that those of us who donate are trying to help a sick fellow human being in need rather than looking for a good return on our investment.
27
That's awful. If I could give advice, I would, but I won't have my MD for another 20 months, so that makes it illegal for me to do so. How sad for this poor guy. I hope he gets the help and the care he needs, and soon.
30
I have a pre-existing condition that precludes me from purchasing an individual health care plan. All I can do is hope that nothing disastrous happens until I find a job with a group plan. I'm sure there are many people like me who could be in this guy's situation, so I gave what I could.
32
Erica FTW. I'm always irked by fundraisers for medical care because: 1) we shouldn't have to resort to this & 2) some ppl have better advocates w/more resources to raise $$ then others. Vote Dem.
33
Done. There but for the grace of God... Four years ago I was forced to make my happy very part-time job into a 20+ hour a week second job just so I could qualify for the group insurance, which while cheap for me ($19 a week) sure isn't cheap for my employer.
I am grateful now, with the economy in the toilet, to have this solid-ish second job when all about me can't even find a primary job. The 70-hour work weeks are grinding me down, but I know I am one of the blessed ones when I hear stories like Steven's. I am glad to contribute to his care.
I am grateful now, with the economy in the toilet, to have this solid-ish second job when all about me can't even find a primary job. The 70-hour work weeks are grinding me down, but I know I am one of the blessed ones when I hear stories like Steven's. I am glad to contribute to his care.
34
@19 So they flew him to Seattle for a DJ gig -- from the International District? I think Dan meant to write "the Milwaukee area."
35
If you were on antibiotics it might be as simple as getting on probiotics to stabilize your metabolism. Really, before you go through any more money, get on probiotics and give them a couple weeks.
36
So he was a young healthy guy and could easily afford a high deductible insurance plan, along with tax free HSA savings, but instead he now wants someone else to pay his bills?
Kind of stupidity that takes your breath away.
Kind of stupidity that takes your breath away.
37
I can imagine this leading to you starting an insurance company that actually accepts "pre-existing conditions" and is affordable. Or maybe I'm starting to worship you a little too much.
38
@21. How about if he SURVIVES long enough to win a lawsuit, he can pay it forward.
I added my little bit. Hope it helps.
I added my little bit. Hope it helps.
39
Funny, I was just discussing healthcare in the U.S. with several people on Facebook, including one who seemed to think you could get food stamps and Medicare/Medicaid just by asking for them. Glad I could help.
40
Done. Wish I couldv'e given more. I had an abdominal MRI to diagnose a GI issue I have and the docs happened to notice an abnormality in my right lung. They sent me in for an MRI on my lungs. I was diagnosed with congenital emphysema at 28. Though my lung function is still at a good 68% now - the doc predicted that within 10 years I'll be dragging around an O2 tank. Sometimes the diagnosis is completely off the wall. Maybe it is mold, maybe not. Either way, Steven NEEDS to know what is wrong with him. IF ANY OF YOU SLOGGERS HAVEN'T DONATED YET - PLEASE DO.....EVEN JUST A LITTLE BIT - IT ALL ADDS UP!
41
Done. And I support Erica's plea above: donate to Obama, or some other politician who supports universal health care. (I can't do it myself because I'm not an American citizen, but Erica's point is well taken.)
42
Done. So sorry that I can't help *everyone* in this situation! Prevention (even secondary) is so much more cost-effective (not to mention health-beneficial) than letting diseases progress and worsen.
43
Fucking Scott Fucking Walker and his freezing of BadgerCare enrollment (that's our filthy socialist public insurance program here in WI). Sent some cash; I'm going to try to scare up donations from some other people in town. Has Steven tapped the Milwaukee music scene, Dan? A series of benefit shows might help scare up some extra cash - pass the idea along to him if it hasn't come up. I shot a link to one of my friends who's fairly active in the music scene to feel out setting up venues and looking for interested bands.
@13: We have the Medical College of Wisconsin here in the Milwaukee. I'm unsure how their rates stack up against other hospitals.
@19: Nope, Codebreaker (and, naturally, Steven himself) is a resident of my fair city, Milwaukee, WI.
@27: What if we were hypothetically talking about some hypothetical guy with identical symptoms, and not Steven Hawley?
@13: We have the Medical College of Wisconsin here in the Milwaukee. I'm unsure how their rates stack up against other hospitals.
@19: Nope, Codebreaker (and, naturally, Steven himself) is a resident of my fair city, Milwaukee, WI.
@27: What if we were hypothetically talking about some hypothetical guy with identical symptoms, and not Steven Hawley?
44
Often medical schools will provide financial assistance to patients in need. He might investigate his options there, in Madison, or in Chicago.
My heart goes out to the guy.
My heart goes out to the guy.
45
I donated, but stories like this always make me think of the many, many sick people, some with exactly these symptoms, who don't have an extensive network of plugged-in friends or an advocate with a high-profile blog and whose Chipin accounts, if they existed, would languish on "$0" forever. So many people around us are suffering.
46
I'm so, so sorry for Steven -- blame Walker. But anyone who actually flys (I assume) a DJ from M'walky to Seattle just to spin records for one night at a club has way, way too much money. Fill that account yourself. My sincere apologies if the trip was more meaningful than what it appears from the post.
47
@37,
It would be impossible for an insurance company to do both. Even non-profit health insurance companies can't accept people with pre-existing conditions, because doing so would put them out of business.
It would be impossible for an insurance company to do both. Even non-profit health insurance companies can't accept people with pre-existing conditions, because doing so would put them out of business.
49
While our current health care system is FAR FAR FAR from perfect (or even acceptable) there are options out there for the uninsured. Among them, Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs). As the Dept Health and Human Services notes: You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide: checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, complete care when you're pregnant, immunizations and checkups for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.
You can find the community health center nearest to you (be it in Seattle or Milwaukee) here: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search…
You can find the community health center nearest to you (be it in Seattle or Milwaukee) here: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search…
50
FYI, under Obamacare, we would still have to pay for our insurance if our employer does not and most employers would rather pay the $750 fine per year than pay insurance costs, which are obviously higher than $750 per year. So again, Obamacare is not universal healthcare. I am FOR universal healthcare but Obamacare is not it.
51
Same here, @45, And @46, don't be stupid, it was for business - the business of show, a club night. The goal is to invest in unique talent to fill the floor and keep a reputation - hopefully to make back what you spent up front. People trying to keep a club night alive aren't exactly jillionares, dear.
52
@46, DJs are stars now in their own right and it is not uncommon for top ones to be flown in from afar, even other countries, for a club night, which is a professional appearance, not a private thrill. It's a business venture, probably a successful one, and doesn't really speak to how much loose cash Dan (who is not the same person as Terry, BTW) has to spend on his friends' health care.
53
Done. I know how much it sucks to have health problems and the various indignities that the physical conditions include. I am lucky enough to have good healthcare and insurance. Putting someone in a position to have to ask for help in this way is an embarrasment to us all. Best wishes for better health in the future.
54
Make sure he checks out the federal pre-existing condition plan. Premiums are low and most hospitals take it. https://www.pcip.gov/
56
Done, happily. But my heart is overwhelmed for those who don't have a friend with your's and Terry's connections, Dan.
I never finished med. school. Anecdotally his symptoms sound like what my cousins are going through. They have San Joaquin Valley Fever, they live in Bakersfield, it is caused by spores and presents itself and looks a lot like tuberculosis on film.
My best wishes for his quick return to health.
I never finished med. school. Anecdotally his symptoms sound like what my cousins are going through. They have San Joaquin Valley Fever, they live in Bakersfield, it is caused by spores and presents itself and looks a lot like tuberculosis on film.
My best wishes for his quick return to health.
57
I know I'm old and out of touch, probably soul-less as well -- but business expense or not, flying DJs around the country is fuck-ing frivolous. I guess it just rubs wrong when a declaration of frivolous expense is followed by a request for donations. But frivolous is in the eye of the beholder, of course. I agree with everything in the post, and hope Steven gets well and plays/makes music for many years, making many people happy. And Fnarf -- Dan and Terry are separate people? Thanks for the update!
60
Many (most?) employers already provide health insurance (evidenced by the vast majority of Americans being insured) even without a fine.
most employers would rather pay the $750 fine per year than pay insurance costs
Many (most?) employers already provide health insurance (evidenced by the vast majority of Americans being insured) even without a fine.
61
@29 I post regularly here on Slog. The only time I post about fish oil is when Dan posts about women who are desperate for orgasms. And this. Excuse me for being a human being. I had someone write to me who had gone on my diet, a guy, who also had severely impaired lung function. He went on it for his boners but he was shocked to find it helped with his lungs, so much so that his doctors were amazed.
And yes I know that fucking anecdotal, thank you very much and y'all can kiss my ass, but when this guy is worried about dying I thought I would mention it. It's not like I have a fucking patent on fish oil, or any financial interest in fish oil whatsoever. Or you could just eat a lot of salmon.
And I posted the fucking Pub Med links with the science. Science! In peer-reviewed journals. And yeah, who knows what this poor DJ has, but fish oil does seem to help with general lung function and it can't fucking HURT him. Dude is bedridden; what does he have to lose in trying it?
And yes I know that fucking anecdotal, thank you very much and y'all can kiss my ass, but when this guy is worried about dying I thought I would mention it. It's not like I have a fucking patent on fish oil, or any financial interest in fish oil whatsoever. Or you could just eat a lot of salmon.
And I posted the fucking Pub Med links with the science. Science! In peer-reviewed journals. And yeah, who knows what this poor DJ has, but fish oil does seem to help with general lung function and it can't fucking HURT him. Dude is bedridden; what does he have to lose in trying it?
63
@41 "And I support Erica's plea above: donate to Obama, or some other politician who supports universal health care."
The way you worded that makes it seem like Obama actually supports universal health care. I thought the same way four years ago, but the way things have gone since then I think he just supports maximized insurance company profits.
The way you worded that makes it seem like Obama actually supports universal health care. I thought the same way four years ago, but the way things have gone since then I think he just supports maximized insurance company profits.
64
"I'd never heard of the federal pre-existing condition plan!"
Gotta love people who will spend a week researching the latest whiz bang gadget from Apple, but when it comes to their health, think someone else should do all the work and pay all the bills.
Hands up how many here have an HSA and put tax-free income into every month?
Gotta love people who will spend a week researching the latest whiz bang gadget from Apple, but when it comes to their health, think someone else should do all the work and pay all the bills.
Hands up how many here have an HSA and put tax-free income into every month?
65
"Valley fever" (coccidioidomycosis), alluded to by several commenters, is unlikely given his location and symptoms, but could have been picked up through travel. So medical history is important, and non-invasive testing by several methods is possible if a clinician thinks it's warranted.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-…
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-…
66
@57, what are you talking about? Is it frivolous for bands from other places to play shows here too? Hey, next week Moby's at the Showbox -- how ridiculous is that, huh?
It's not a frivolous expense, it's a business expense: Terry paid to fly him out not because he's sitting on a mountain of thousand dollar bills he doesn't know what to do with but because he knew that if he flew him out he'd make enough on tickets to earn a profit. This guy's a name player who's worth the money. If he got me to DJ instead for free he wouldn't even make rent.
It's not a frivolous expense, it's a business expense: Terry paid to fly him out not because he's sitting on a mountain of thousand dollar bills he doesn't know what to do with but because he knew that if he flew him out he'd make enough on tickets to earn a profit. This guy's a name player who's worth the money. If he got me to DJ instead for free he wouldn't even make rent.
67
As I clicked the "chip in" button, I thought about how much trust I was offering Dan. Entirely on his say-so, I was giving money to a complete stranger.
After years of reading and listening to Savage love, I feel like Dan is a person who's causes are worthy ones, and beliefs mostly agree with my own. I feel like I can trust a man I've never met to point at a good cause and follow him to help. So I did.
Interesting how familiar such trust feels.
After years of reading and listening to Savage love, I feel like Dan is a person who's causes are worthy ones, and beliefs mostly agree with my own. I feel like I can trust a man I've never met to point at a good cause and follow him to help. So I did.
Interesting how familiar such trust feels.
68
Whoever (#4?) said he needs a primary care doctor is EXACTLY RIGHT.
Emergency rooms are meant to take somebody in bad shape and put them in a condition to be seen by somebody else over a longer period of time. They're fantastic if you've been in a car wreck and are the last places you need to go for dealing with a serious, chronic condition.
Unfortunately, if one has no insurance, then one can't GET to a primary care provider. It's a vicious cycle, you get sicker and sicker and go to the ER over and over again, and don't get well.
Emergency rooms are meant to take somebody in bad shape and put them in a condition to be seen by somebody else over a longer period of time. They're fantastic if you've been in a car wreck and are the last places you need to go for dealing with a serious, chronic condition.
Unfortunately, if one has no insurance, then one can't GET to a primary care provider. It's a vicious cycle, you get sicker and sicker and go to the ER over and over again, and don't get well.
69
Gave what I could, the total is now $4,862.19, so that should cover the one test, but I'm sure he'll need more for the biopsies and treatment.
Hell, I gave more to Obama's campaign the first time around and I won't be doing that again, so why not step up and donate to those still waiting for Obama-Care to start!
Hell, I gave more to Obama's campaign the first time around and I won't be doing that again, so why not step up and donate to those still waiting for Obama-Care to start!
70
I understand that Dan is well-intentioned, but passing the hat to pay cash for medical services isn't a very efficient bang-for-buck, is it? Diagnostic tests are just the start of what this fellow needs.
Better to hook him up with a social worker or other advocate, to get him enrolled with a clinic and a primary care doctor. He needs continuity of care, not one-shot tests or one-shot visits to the ER, and paying cash out of pocket for medical services isn't a sensible approach for an unemployed uninsured undiagnosed individual.
Medical care for a chronic condition is just too expensive to pay cash--ten times $3K wouldn't be enough. Sorry if that sounds heartless--I'm just trying to find a better solution.
Better to hook him up with a social worker or other advocate, to get him enrolled with a clinic and a primary care doctor. He needs continuity of care, not one-shot tests or one-shot visits to the ER, and paying cash out of pocket for medical services isn't a sensible approach for an unemployed uninsured undiagnosed individual.
Medical care for a chronic condition is just too expensive to pay cash--ten times $3K wouldn't be enough. Sorry if that sounds heartless--I'm just trying to find a better solution.
71
Hey, rob!
I didn't mean to imply that Valley Fever was the cause, just that his symptoms are like my cousins', who are presently undergoing treatment.
But now you have me wondering if Aspergillosis would present the same way?
Take care.
I didn't mean to imply that Valley Fever was the cause, just that his symptoms are like my cousins', who are presently undergoing treatment.
But now you have me wondering if Aspergillosis would present the same way?
Take care.
72
1. "Brought him to the club" does not equal "flew him in with his own money". Terry could have arranged for him to be invited (through the club) as a DJ. Also, it is likely that Dan & Terry are helping out and not detailing that in this post, nor should they have to.
2. Airfare can be found between those cities for less than $300. Diagnostics for this guy will run into the thousands, potentially tens of thousands depending on how rare his condition is.
3. I am not a human doctor (veterinarian, anatomic pathology). But the problems this man describes are not likely to be nutritional in origin. Pulmonary edema, heart failure, COPD, fungal infection, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchiolitis, pleuritis,pneumonia, neoplasia... he needs imaging and biopsies.
4. I don't know if this guy smokes or is around smoke (many DJ's are), but smoke and pollution will not help anything that is causing his signs.
5. If he currently has visible mold in his apartment, he should try to stay somewhere else if possible. I know this is not always feasible.
Best of luck.
2. Airfare can be found between those cities for less than $300. Diagnostics for this guy will run into the thousands, potentially tens of thousands depending on how rare his condition is.
3. I am not a human doctor (veterinarian, anatomic pathology). But the problems this man describes are not likely to be nutritional in origin. Pulmonary edema, heart failure, COPD, fungal infection, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchiolitis, pleuritis,pneumonia, neoplasia... he needs imaging and biopsies.
4. I don't know if this guy smokes or is around smoke (many DJ's are), but smoke and pollution will not help anything that is causing his signs.
5. If he currently has visible mold in his apartment, he should try to stay somewhere else if possible. I know this is not always feasible.
Best of luck.
74
@67 Also, if this was some kind of scam Dan's enemies would probably expose it. I bet Rick Santorum's people are looking into it right now.
75
Something identical to this happened to me about 5 years ago. I experienced asthma as a child but had no problems with it for ten years. I suddenly developed extreme difficulty exhaling and felt like my lungs would burst. I had severely low blood oxygen as well and my lips turned a bit blue. I went to several doctors who all told me that I was not having an asthma problem and insinuated that I was faking. Any medicine I was given didn't work at all. I finally found a decent doctor who explained that I was having a little know form of asthma attack called atopic asthma, which is essentially caused by inhaling a lung irritant. It can happen to anyone regardless of medical history. Please have him check this out, as it can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous.
76
Here's a sick patient who's begging for care. United States of Fear. I'm giving what I can.
Dan, we need a website for people who need care. Who needs Kickstarter, to fund "oh-so-talented-entrepreneurs". We need a website to keep people alive. And shame the media and 'baggers alike...
It could be sarcoidosis. My sister had it and it manifested itself while she was in Africa. She saw doctors there who said it was lung cancer. She came back to the states and I, who work at a hospital, got her seen as a charity case, and they did the whole nine yards and diagnosed her correctly.
"...is a disease in which abnormal collections of chronic inflammatory cells (granulomas) form as nodules in multiple organs.[1] The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Granulomas most often appear in the lungs or the lymph nodes, but virtually any organ can be affected. Normally the onset is gradual. Sarcoidosis may be asymptomatic or chronic. It commonly improves or clears up spontaneously. More than 2/3 of people with lung sarcoidosis have no symptoms after 9 years. About 50% have relapses. About 10% develop serious disability. Lung scarring or infection may lead to respiratory failure and death."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoidosis
All my best -
Dan, we need a website for people who need care. Who needs Kickstarter, to fund "oh-so-talented-entrepreneurs". We need a website to keep people alive. And shame the media and 'baggers alike...
It could be sarcoidosis. My sister had it and it manifested itself while she was in Africa. She saw doctors there who said it was lung cancer. She came back to the states and I, who work at a hospital, got her seen as a charity case, and they did the whole nine yards and diagnosed her correctly.
"...is a disease in which abnormal collections of chronic inflammatory cells (granulomas) form as nodules in multiple organs.[1] The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Granulomas most often appear in the lungs or the lymph nodes, but virtually any organ can be affected. Normally the onset is gradual. Sarcoidosis may be asymptomatic or chronic. It commonly improves or clears up spontaneously. More than 2/3 of people with lung sarcoidosis have no symptoms after 9 years. About 50% have relapses. About 10% develop serious disability. Lung scarring or infection may lead to respiratory failure and death."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoidosis
All my best -
77
I love folks who will let someone actually risk death because actually doing something to help one person is inefficient and "won't solve the problem."
So I suppose there is no point sending money to Haiti or for famine relief. And I feel like a huge sucker now for sending money to the Red Cross to help out Katrina victims, cause you know, FEMA still sucks, and look, we keep having hurricanes!
So I suppose there is no point sending money to Haiti or for famine relief. And I feel like a huge sucker now for sending money to the Red Cross to help out Katrina victims, cause you know, FEMA still sucks, and look, we keep having hurricanes!
78
@63 - Obamacare is designed to prevent preexisting-condition exclusions by getting everyone into the system. Regardless of what happens to the hypothetical profits, do you agree with that sentence? And since you disapprove of Obama's position, which viable politician would you support instead, on the issue of paying for health care for an aging nation?
All I'm saying is that if you give money to Steven, consider also supporting some politician who will help us move from piecemeal charity to a system that might work better for everyone.
@64 We have health insurance through work, so the PCIP doesn't affect me personally. Are you recommending that people get high-deductible health plans combined with health savings accounts because you have evidence that leads to greater lifetime happiness and health? Or just for political reasons?
All I'm saying is that if you give money to Steven, consider also supporting some politician who will help us move from piecemeal charity to a system that might work better for everyone.
@64 We have health insurance through work, so the PCIP doesn't affect me personally. Are you recommending that people get high-deductible health plans combined with health savings accounts because you have evidence that leads to greater lifetime happiness and health? Or just for political reasons?
79
@77 most people here helped, but some of us are also aligned with Kim, in saying "But my heart is overwhelmed for those who don't have a friend with ...connections."
One shouldn't need high-flying connections to afford basic health care in an advanced country.
One shouldn't need high-flying connections to afford basic health care in an advanced country.
80
@9 - I think you are spot on - a nasty case of pleurisy that won't resolve. The test would be to take a hefty dose of alleve (but safe dose) and if symptoms subside slightly, it's likely pleurisy.
81
Seconding @54 about PCIP (pre-exisiting conditions insurance program). It's part of the Obama health reforms and went into effect ~1 year ago. The only catch is that you can't have had health insurance for the last 6 months. I'm 38, live in the Bay Area and pay $275/month for the California PCIP (rates will vary with location and age). The coverage is outstanding! To enroll I filled out a very simple form and attached the letter from a major insurance company denying me coverage due to a pre-exisiting condition. Bingo, three weeks later I had terrific, affordable (for me) insurance.
@64 My doctors office hadn't heard of PCIP, so yes doing research is important but depending on when one did the research one may not be aware of all the options. When I was denied coverage it didn't exist. I found out about not through research, at the time I was looking the option didn't exist, but through a New York Times article
@64 My doctors office hadn't heard of PCIP, so yes doing research is important but depending on when one did the research one may not be aware of all the options. When I was denied coverage it didn't exist. I found out about not through research, at the time I was looking the option didn't exist, but through a New York Times article
82
@78 I worry about what Obamacare will do to our healthcare system. It seems like a good idea, but big complicated government programs that seem like a good idea in theory have a way of going horribly wrong when put into practice.
83
He may be eligible for insurance under the new Health Care law. Remember Obamacare? There is now insurance available for people with pre-existing conditions. He should check out HealthCare.gov. My cursory glance indicates that insurance is available in Wisconsin for as little as $100/month, but that may include a high deductible. Anyway, if he can raise the funds, he can definitely get insurance now, thanks to Obamacare.
85
@82 it is one thing to worry, it is another thing to bury one's head in the sand. I'm not a huge fan of Obama. If you disapprove of Obama's position, tell me which viable politician(s) would you support instead, on the issue of paying for health care for an aging nation? Or tell me how you propose to improve our structural situation in some other way.
86
I just spent the better part of 2 weeks with my daughter in the hospital following surgery to hopefully make it possible for her to breathe more easily. From watching my daughter struggle, I assure you there is nothing worse than not being able to breathe. And rather than be dismissive, or be a bunch of armchair physicians, anyone who is able to should step up to the plate and help this man get the care he needs. Or perhaps there is a long term solution that will take less time than Obamacare to go into effect--same sex partner benefits, marriage...it seems drastic, but far better than the hell he's in now. When I was on the site, it was up to nearly $6000. Unfortunately, the tests he needs are going to use that and more in no time at all.
87
Assuming Steven has the money to pay for insurance, he actually would qualify for Wisconsin's high-risk pool insurance, which now exists in every state under the health care reform legislation:
http://hirsp.org/
If his problem is not just that he's uninsurable (HIRSP solves that problem) but that he can't afford insurance, even the federally subsidized HIRSP insurance, then he needs to find out how much his annual deductible + out of pocket limit will be on HIRSP, less the portion of that he can cover, that's the amount of money he would need in donations or support per year to fully cover his medical conditions.
If he's impoverished, he should be able to get on Medicaid. Even in this economy. Even in Wisconsin.
The health insurance system is intentionally rigged to make it procedurally just too complicated for a lot of people to muddle through to get their insurance. So if Steven is having trouble navigating the system, e.g. because he's sick, then it would be nice to know that because then people who know the system can help guide him through all the hoops.
http://hirsp.org/
If his problem is not just that he's uninsurable (HIRSP solves that problem) but that he can't afford insurance, even the federally subsidized HIRSP insurance, then he needs to find out how much his annual deductible + out of pocket limit will be on HIRSP, less the portion of that he can cover, that's the amount of money he would need in donations or support per year to fully cover his medical conditions.
If he's impoverished, he should be able to get on Medicaid. Even in this economy. Even in Wisconsin.
The health insurance system is intentionally rigged to make it procedurally just too complicated for a lot of people to muddle through to get their insurance. So if Steven is having trouble navigating the system, e.g. because he's sick, then it would be nice to know that because then people who know the system can help guide him through all the hoops.
88
If you don't want to give money to Obama or other politicians to reform the country's health care system, consider giving money to Public Citizen. They've long advocated for a single-payer system wherein every American has access to quality, affordable care.
Check out www.citizen.org and their stance on health care reform.
For those of you who rely on prescription drugs for health maintenance, you'll also want to check out their "Worst Pills, Best Pills" and all the advocacy they do regarding getting dangerous drugs off the market.
Check out www.citizen.org and their stance on health care reform.
For those of you who rely on prescription drugs for health maintenance, you'll also want to check out their "Worst Pills, Best Pills" and all the advocacy they do regarding getting dangerous drugs off the market.
89
Oh, and the other cost Steven would incur on HIRSP is that his preexisting condition would likely not be covered for six months (waiting period), so the amount of money he would need for this insurance for the first year must include those out-of-pocket costs.
He also needs to be sure he doesn't qualify for Medicaid, because HIRSP is only for people who don't qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid would be much cheaper for him. Also, he should look into being classified as disabled, since he is.
He also needs to be sure he doesn't qualify for Medicaid, because HIRSP is only for people who don't qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid would be much cheaper for him. Also, he should look into being classified as disabled, since he is.
90
@78- Yeah, the coverage for pre-existing conditions is great, except in exchange for that we abandoned price controls. We are allowing for-profit companies to charge whatever they want to save lives and the taxpayers are going to subsidize it. It was a terrible compromise that didn't need to be made.
"And since you disapprove of Obama's position, which viable politician would you support instead, on the issue of paying for health care for an aging nation?"
The Obama I voted for was great. What happened to him? He backed away from every position that the electorate knew he held and voted for anyway.
I like they way you put in "viable" because it effectively excludes anyone who supports actual health care (not health insurance) reform.
"And since you disapprove of Obama's position, which viable politician would you support instead, on the issue of paying for health care for an aging nation?"
The Obama I voted for was great. What happened to him? He backed away from every position that the electorate knew he held and voted for anyway.
I like they way you put in "viable" because it effectively excludes anyone who supports actual health care (not health insurance) reform.
91
@85 I'm not entirely opposed to Obamacare. If it is ever fully implemented I think most of us will be paying higher insurance premiums and waiting longer to see our doctors, but with so many people falling through the cracks of the current system I suppose that is an acceptable price to pay.
@88. The difference is, Obamacare is something that might actually happen. Single payer healthcare is a liberal pipe dream.
@88. The difference is, Obamacare is something that might actually happen. Single payer healthcare is a liberal pipe dream.
93
Kim @71, I think you may be on to something with aspergillosis, especially the allergic bronchopulmonary form. If it's something like that, he needs to get on a stable treatment regimen instead of acute treatments in the ER. His support network should also figure out a way to get him out of his moldy apartment. Whatever it turns out to be, he needs a home clinic and GP or internist to see the big picture.
I'm sorry you are not in medicine, Kim; they surely need massive infusions of patience and compassion.
(Re: 59, I meant to add "On the Internet, nobody knows you're NOT a doc, either." Given the full range of ethical dilemmas Stiny @27 will see in his medical career, this one seems like it'd be pretty far down the list.)
I'm sorry you are not in medicine, Kim; they surely need massive infusions of patience and compassion.
(Re: 59, I meant to add "On the Internet, nobody knows you're NOT a doc, either." Given the full range of ethical dilemmas Stiny @27 will see in his medical career, this one seems like it'd be pretty far down the list.)
94
@87 Exactly why I suggested Steven needs a social worker: continuity of care, be it through Medicaid or some other program, is going to be a much effective solution to his problems than paying for a single test or procedure. Navigating those waters is difficult, which is where an advocate who understands the system--like a social worker--enters the picture.
@77 Your examples prove my point--there are plenty of worthwhile charities, and they take different forms and use different approaches and attempt to address different problems.
Where you're incorrect is implying that saying no to any one charity must mean saying no to every single charity. Not true--I simply prefer to target my limited monies based on evidence of effectiveness rather than effectiveness of marketing.
@77 Your examples prove my point--there are plenty of worthwhile charities, and they take different forms and use different approaches and attempt to address different problems.
Where you're incorrect is implying that saying no to any one charity must mean saying no to every single charity. Not true--I simply prefer to target my limited monies based on evidence of effectiveness rather than effectiveness of marketing.
95
@90 - I put in "viable" because that's the kind of person I am. (More pragmatic than idealistic.) If there's an approach to health care or a person who excites you, even if they don't appear to be viable, by all means tell us about it. (But, I mean someone operating today, not the Obama of 2008...)
96
Single payer healthcare is not a liberal pipe dream. It's the only viable long-term solution. Somehow, every other industrialized nation on the planet has come to this conclusion but the US. The rest of the world is baffled by our dysfunctional healthcare system.
While I agree passing single-payer in the current political climate is impossible, I still believe it's going to happen some day. If not, I don't see how our country continues to exist.
While I agree passing single-payer in the current political climate is impossible, I still believe it's going to happen some day. If not, I don't see how our country continues to exist.
97
Done.
I'm moving to the US from a country with socialised medical care later this year because of my husband's work. Several cultural issues have given us a lot of food for thought in our decision to move, and healthcare was right up there.
I'm freelance, but lucky enough to be included on his company's gold-plated insurance coverage. The idea of non state-subsidised healthcare still strikes me as shocking, and somewhat obscene, particularly when the amount you guys are paying in premiums is compared to what I'm paying in tax back in Europe for a similar service (and with none of this pre-existing condition bullshit). From outside, the American situation looks nothing but nonsensical. I sincerely hope that Steven gets the treatment he damn well should have been entitled to as a member of a functioning society, and that he gets well soon.
I'm moving to the US from a country with socialised medical care later this year because of my husband's work. Several cultural issues have given us a lot of food for thought in our decision to move, and healthcare was right up there.
I'm freelance, but lucky enough to be included on his company's gold-plated insurance coverage. The idea of non state-subsidised healthcare still strikes me as shocking, and somewhat obscene, particularly when the amount you guys are paying in premiums is compared to what I'm paying in tax back in Europe for a similar service (and with none of this pre-existing condition bullshit). From outside, the American situation looks nothing but nonsensical. I sincerely hope that Steven gets the treatment he damn well should have been entitled to as a member of a functioning society, and that he gets well soon.
99
Done. Thanks Dan for bringing this to our attention. There's so much need in the world ... it feels good to help at least one person.
100
He seems to be completely eligible for the Wisconsin State High Risk Pool Health Insurance Program http://hirsp.org/
104
@95- You're putting in "viable" because it's a complete weasel. It means if I say "Robert Reich" you can say "not viable, too short, too liberal." If I say someone you never heard of, you can say "not viable, never heard of her." It's a convenient tool to dismiss anyone outside the mainstream and to insure the mainstream never changes direction because every other direction is "not viable."
105
@97- "From outside, the American situation looks nothing but nonsensical."
It's not nonsensical if you realize the goal isn't health care, but profit.
It's not nonsensical if you realize the goal isn't health care, but profit.
106
My differential would be
1) allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (caused by mould)
2) asthma
3) vasculitis like Churgh Strauss
I am an English internal medicine resident but did my elective in NYC. Are there any free clinics like the ones run by med students supervised by volunteers like in parts of NYC where this unfortunate gentleman lives?
I would run some aspergillus precipitins (a blood test) to start. Findings from bronchoscopy would help. Has he had a ct scan thorax. If so, what does it show?
If all else fails, learn to do a good British accent and present to an er in England. We treat people for free.
Hope this helps
Bella
1) allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (caused by mould)
2) asthma
3) vasculitis like Churgh Strauss
I am an English internal medicine resident but did my elective in NYC. Are there any free clinics like the ones run by med students supervised by volunteers like in parts of NYC where this unfortunate gentleman lives?
I would run some aspergillus precipitins (a blood test) to start. Findings from bronchoscopy would help. Has he had a ct scan thorax. If so, what does it show?
If all else fails, learn to do a good British accent and present to an er in England. We treat people for free.
Hope this helps
Bella
107
@104 Hey, @95 I said tell us about anyone whose approach excites you. Is that Robert Reich? I'm open to any good ideas...
108
When i read this I can only say that I am very happy to be french with my french " socialist" heath system !
109
Thanks Dan, this is a great way to publicize and humanize the reality of "Let him die!" at the same time as (possibly) saving a life.
I donated $10 because that's my standard co-pay. It's like covering the co-pay for the guy in front of you if he's out of cash. see?
I donated $10 because that's my standard co-pay. It's like covering the co-pay for the guy in front of you if he's out of cash. see?
113
What I want to know is if Steven has a fungal infection how come it has not been detected on x-ray or mri? I will donate to Steven as soon as I see empirical evidence that he needs these treatments. Everyone above whom has suffered from fungal infections has evidence of fruiting bodies of fungus/mold. A typical x-ray will show 'black spots' or 'lesions' in affected areas resembling cancer or extreme chemical damage (ie. inhaling chlorine gas and dissolving lung tissue would/could cause this). A broncoscopy can be extremely dangerous! It often causes more damage than the typical 'sore throat' they warn you of. Also biopsy what? A blind biopsy of healthy lung tissue? If you haven't confirmed through some other means a biopsy of healthy tissue isn't going to help. Typically a biopsy is performed after an xray confirms a mass, then they anesthetize you appropriately for the procedure while accounting your preference if possible, after that they use an ultrasound to find the desired biopsy source. Then the fun begins, with a large, hollow tipped needle half the length of your forearm (seriously). Now not every mass sits still, most of them have a range of movement. (what this means is multiple pokes, not a good idea in the lung department) Also some such as fungal blooms or certain cysts contain toxic material that can be released and cause problems. NO DR IN HIS RIGHT MIND IN GOING IN BLIND ON A BIOPSY OR BRONCOSCOPY. I don't care how much money you raise. Also did you check out his facebook? Why hasn't everyone on his list donated $3? Over 1000 people know something we don't Dan, just saying everyone has a sad story not everyone is 100% true.
114
As someone stated above about medical schools. he needs to go to Froedert Hospital. It is staffed by the Medical College of Wisconsin. they have many option for payment or debt forgiveness. AlsoWalker has not gotten rid of Badger Care.
115
Waker hasn't gotten rid of Badger Care, he's just TRIPLED THE COST OF IT. Steven needs a Mayo Clinic, which from what I understand from facebook....is the end game here. It's as if you critics haven't even read the article in it's entirety. Some of the judgemental, second hand, speculative assumptions in the comments here are astoundingly cruel & arrogant. The article indicates that the local docs haven't been of much help, and the assistance programs won't provide the treatments, workups & diagnostics desperately needed.
Filling in the blanks of details of a situation you personally know nothing about, is a low blow.
Out of all the battles to pick, yeah pick on an uninsured musician whose only request is to live.
Just join the fucking tea party already....
Donating now.
Filling in the blanks of details of a situation you personally know nothing about, is a low blow.
Out of all the battles to pick, yeah pick on an uninsured musician whose only request is to live.
Just join the fucking tea party already....
Donating now.
116
sometimes if there is visible mold in your living quarters cleaning the dump is a good idea.
sometimes.....
sometimes.....
117
It's very likely to be a varierty of pneumonia. It's possible that he selected for a virulent strain of either bacteria or fungus while taking amoxicillin, but that's not necessarily so. A hospital admission for a round serious antibiotics is what he needs. Note to everyone: Be very careful taking antibiotics for minor things without being followed by a doctor. Antibiotics are very effective at killing bacteria (unlike 'natural immune strengtheners' like garlic etc which do nothing good or bad whatsoever), but you need to know what antibiotic to use and whether or not you need it, or you can end up with a worse infection than you already have.
Of course, since the whole problem here is lack of access to healthcare.. just be careful with antibiotics, ok? Reference: am a doctor of pharmacy.
Of course, since the whole problem here is lack of access to healthcare.. just be careful with antibiotics, ok? Reference: am a doctor of pharmacy.
120
Add histoplamosis to the list of possibilities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoplasmo… . We knew it as Chicken Farmer's Disease in KC, but wiki has it more as a bat/cave thing. Most every Midwesterner has been exposed, and it will only get nasty under compromised conditions (i.e. during a systemic allergic reaction or immune system problems).
Good luck, Steven, and I'll mail a donation on Tuesday to the Stranger physical address, unless another appears at the end of the post before then.
Good luck, Steven, and I'll mail a donation on Tuesday to the Stranger physical address, unless another appears at the end of the post before then.
121
Best of Luck, Steven.
I am a student and am somewhat in dread of eventually not having (enough) health care -- my parents' healthcare is pretty bad, as it is, but at least it's something. I don't know how I could cope with the financial burden of being suddenly stricken with a disease. I decided to chip in because I know that if I were ever in such a desperate situation, I would need to rely on the kindness of strangers, and I hope that everyone would be as gracious.
I hope you are able to find a diagnosis and treatment soon, to hopefully remedy what damage has been done.
God bless
I am a student and am somewhat in dread of eventually not having (enough) health care -- my parents' healthcare is pretty bad, as it is, but at least it's something. I don't know how I could cope with the financial burden of being suddenly stricken with a disease. I decided to chip in because I know that if I were ever in such a desperate situation, I would need to rely on the kindness of strangers, and I hope that everyone would be as gracious.
I hope you are able to find a diagnosis and treatment soon, to hopefully remedy what damage has been done.
God bless
122
http://city.milwaukee.gov/medassist Has he looked into this? I'm an ICU nurse in the midwest and my county has a program called Iowa cares for those with low incomes. (He would qualify without a jobby job). Also, you can get title 19 for medical necessity. Has he applied? Has he talked to the financial people a the hospital? Been to the county teaching facility? To the free clinics?
We see patients all the time who are admitted with no way to pay. I'd hate to say this, but it sounds almost like he needs to find the right ER Dr. to admit him.
Good luck to your friend. My boyfriend is an MD and I will show this to him.
We see patients all the time who are admitted with no way to pay. I'd hate to say this, but it sounds almost like he needs to find the right ER Dr. to admit him.
Good luck to your friend. My boyfriend is an MD and I will show this to him.
123
Steven is eligible for health insurance under Obamacare's new pre-existing condition insurance plan. Cost is about $185 a month; it takes about six weeks to get approved. Visit https://pcip.gov/
And thank the president.
And thank the president.
124
If doctors really cared about the patients, they'd lower the costs to what people could afford without needing a loan or insurance.
125
@ 106: Bravo, I had no hope of doing better.
The only other things I could think of might be a weird infection (histoplasma, cryptococcus, coccidioides, aspergillus, MAC/exotic mycobacteria, tularemia, etc.), primary pulmonary hypertension, or COPD related to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
I wish I had enough experience to be helpful. I hate being a neophyte student. Here's hoping poor Steven gets his bronchoscopy.
The only other things I could think of might be a weird infection (histoplasma, cryptococcus, coccidioides, aspergillus, MAC/exotic mycobacteria, tularemia, etc.), primary pulmonary hypertension, or COPD related to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
I wish I had enough experience to be helpful. I hate being a neophyte student. Here's hoping poor Steven gets his bronchoscopy.
126
Was Hawley doing Cocaine? Sounds like he messed himself up on Cocaine and now he wants us to pay for it and use it to whine about Conservative Politics.
127
@ 126 I'm long time personal friends with Steven, anybody who knows him knows that he never touched ANY drugs, let alone cocaine! In fact, he always ate right and worked out etc...
Just because you're a conservative or whatever, doesn't mean you should bash a great guy whose only will is to live & breath.
Way to pick your battles, ASSHOLE.
Just because you're a conservative or whatever, doesn't mean you should bash a great guy whose only will is to live & breath.
Way to pick your battles, ASSHOLE.
128
117
No, it really is not at all likely to be pneumonia; if it were then Steven would be dead by now. The real deal pneumonia would have been easily detected in the ERs he's visited, even the weird atypical varieties.
I'm all for your important messages about the misuse of antibiotics -my lungs are colonised by a multi-resistant hyper-mutating strain of mucoid pseudomonas so I've got a definite self-interest here-, but the odds are vastly against your diagnosis. Which is why doctors do the diagnosing and then turn to pharmacists to get the right medication sorted...
No, it really is not at all likely to be pneumonia; if it were then Steven would be dead by now. The real deal pneumonia would have been easily detected in the ERs he's visited, even the weird atypical varieties.
I'm all for your important messages about the misuse of antibiotics -my lungs are colonised by a multi-resistant hyper-mutating strain of mucoid pseudomonas so I've got a definite self-interest here-, but the odds are vastly against your diagnosis. Which is why doctors do the diagnosing and then turn to pharmacists to get the right medication sorted...
129
FROM A NURSE:
He may well qualify for Medicaid (in Wisconsin it's the Forward program). There are also free clinics staffed by primary care providers that refer to specialists. Both of these are income-based. There are also federally and locally subsidized clinics that work with the uninsured and underinsured.
One of the blogs mentioned debt forgiveness by hospitals and that may well help with past debts. Hospitals' business departments can often work something out and the state's Medicaid funds help with the balance.
So, he should start with the business office at a hospital he's been to and ask to speak to a Social Worker to help him apply for a Forward card and/or find a free clinic. There are other resources as well and many Pharmaceutical companies have programs for those w/o insurance.
He may well qualify for Medicaid (in Wisconsin it's the Forward program). There are also free clinics staffed by primary care providers that refer to specialists. Both of these are income-based. There are also federally and locally subsidized clinics that work with the uninsured and underinsured.
One of the blogs mentioned debt forgiveness by hospitals and that may well help with past debts. Hospitals' business departments can often work something out and the state's Medicaid funds help with the balance.
So, he should start with the business office at a hospital he's been to and ask to speak to a Social Worker to help him apply for a Forward card and/or find a free clinic. There are other resources as well and many Pharmaceutical companies have programs for those w/o insurance.
130
He may well qualify for Medicaid (in Wisconsin it's the Forward program). There are also free clinics staffed by primary care providers that refer to specialists. Both of these are income-based. There are also federally and locally subsidized clinics that work with the uninsured and underinsured.
One of the blogs mentioned debt forgiveness by hospitals and that may well help with past debts. Hospitals' business departments can often work something out and the state's Medicaid funds help with the balance.
So, he should start with the business office at a hospital he's been to and ask to speak to a Social Worker to help him apply for a Forward card and/or find a free clinic. There are other resources as well and many Pharmaceutical companies have programs for those w/o insurance.
One of the blogs mentioned debt forgiveness by hospitals and that may well help with past debts. Hospitals' business departments can often work something out and the state's Medicaid funds help with the balance.
So, he should start with the business office at a hospital he's been to and ask to speak to a Social Worker to help him apply for a Forward card and/or find a free clinic. There are other resources as well and many Pharmaceutical companies have programs for those w/o insurance.
131
If he's in Wisconsin and he's been uninsured for 6+ months, he's eligible for HIRSP, which provides very good coverage and will immediately cover any preexisting conditions. The premiums are only ~$80-120 a month, and the deductibles and copays compare favorably to most private health insurance plans for healthy people. The truth is that nobody who is in this country legally is "uninsurable" any more.
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A complete guide to Seattle's current art, film, dance, and theater season.
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