HELP - "S" - HMO Patient E-Mail

HELP!!!!!

Y2K managed care/HMO patients are scared to death when they get sick. I get frequent e-mails. Here’s a typical exchange between me and "S." This patient has not been identified and her e-mail, describing her medical condition, has been redacted to conform with HMO HARDBALL’S strict privacy enforcement policy.

----- Original Message ----- From: S. To: feedback@hmohardball.com Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2000 7:38 PM Subject: HELP!!!!!!!!!

Can I buy your book at a bookstore?

I had surgery … I have Prudential health care for insurance. All of their Urologists quit so I was sent to a doctor, not on contract, for the surgery. I have a horrible pulling sensation and ache in the area of the surgery…. I talked with the surgeon last week and he said he couldn't help me because he hadn't gotten authorizing for the additional follow up visits…. The primary care doctor with the HMO does not return the doctors, or my calls. I am nearly hysterical over this. [Emphasis supplied] This Urologist has completely abandoned me. It will take weeks to get another Urologist from my HMO. Do you think this is unethical treatment by the HMO and the Urologist?

----- Reply Message ----- From: Bob Finney To: S. Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000 01:49 PM Subject: Re: HELP!!!!!!!!!

Hello S. Prudential and its contract doctors are playing HMO HARDBALL with you. Barnes and Noble tells me that they have my book in its distribution system. Or you can send a check for $19.95 to CounterPoint Communications, P.O. Box 230927, Encinitas, CA 92023-0927. I will ship the book to you by Priority Mail with tracking.

Once you have read the book, I am available to advise you free of charge regarding the use of my system, i.e., The Patient Pressure System. However, there is something you can do in the meantime.

Go to my website, www.hmohardball.com. Click on HARDBALL Helpline. Go to Appointment Scheduling Complaint Form. Fill in the appropriate blanks. Note on the comments section that your doctor's refusal to return your calls is "abandonment" that may be viewed as "malpractice."

Make a copy for your records and put in a secure location. Send or take the form to your Primary Care Doctor immediately. If you mail it, certify it with a return proof of delivery. If you take it, note the date and the full name of the clerk to whom you give it. You have serious problems. I'm very sorry and will try to help. Best wishes... Bob Finney

----- Reply Message ----- From: S. To: Robert Finney feedback@hmohardball.com Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000 4:08 PM

Dear Mr. Finney,

You are so wonderful to e-mail me. I will get the book and do exactly what you said. This is so frightening. I called Prudential administration today and they are going to discipline the doctor. This still leave me in the cold for now. I can hardly believe that this is going on. HMO's are great until you get ill.

Warm Wishes, S.

----- Original Message ----- From: S. To: Bob Finney, HMO HARDBALL Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2000 8:20 AM Subject: Re: HELP!!!!!!!!!

Dear Mr. Finney,

I sent you a check yesterday. I believe that it [the book] will be a huge help. You are so thoughtful to help desperate people like myself. The anxiety has been horrible. I will let you know when I get the book and read it.

Warm Wishes, S.

---- Reply ---- From: Bob Finney, HMO HARDBALL To: S. Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2000 8:52 AM Subject: HELP!!!!!!!!

Good morning S. Thanks for your vote of confidence. You're a very brave lady, who knows that fighting, not begging, for your life is the only way to get the care you need. I'm shipping my book to you today, priority mail with tracking. No need to wait for your check. Don't hesitate to ask me how to use my book and website. Best regards. Bob Finney

A significant difference between HMO HARDBALL and a multitude of other health websites is our strict adherence to privacy enforcement as well as our strict "conflict-of-interest" policy that assures our independence and arms-length relationships. Individual identifier or locator information will not be published or shared. HMO HARDBALL maintains no database (a structured field oriented file) that identifies any patient who contacts us.