BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 08:48 AM

I see that even on a thread with a serious subject, some dickhead claimed the 200th post.
What is the mental age of someone like that?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 09:03 AM

...(in between updating everyone individually and eating supper and getting a bunch o' hugs -- I need hugs) ....


{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} !!!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:13 AM

Geez John. That was a hug. Animaterra and Curmudgeon and Linn go way back.
Or did I miss something?
Tom,
As frustrated as you are, they actually do want to help you. Stay calm; breathe deep; it will help you heal and get you home faster.
Still no word on which nursing home?
I have to laugh. The thought of Tom in a nursing home brings all sorts of hilarious images. Sorry Tom. A nursing home is just not your setting unless they manage to provide one on board the Adventure.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:27 AM

A folkie-friendly nursing home would have a big room with plenty of chairs, including several without arms for people who play guitar. It would also have a nice big keg o beer set up on a conveniently located table with lots of nice big mugs ...

And the nursing staff would know all the choruses.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:31 AM

Sorry Mary, some anonymous guest, posted 200, it has since been deleted.
As if I needed any help to make myself look silly, some kind clone has given me a hand ☺

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:45 AM

Tom can't remember the name of the nursing home -- it's just sort of up around the corner from the hospital. He tried to explain where it was, too, but I'll get that info probably Monday when they move him there. I just hope he'll have internet access. I also wish I knew EXACTLY when they'll turn him loose -- next Friday? Saturday? We head to Boston on Monday (Jan. 25).

My breakfast didn't sit well; I'm not feeling particularly wonderful. No chance, though, of curling up in the fetal position and sucking my thumb. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:53 AM

My post was SUPPOSED TO READ:

<<>>

so Ill hug you again:

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 11:33 AM

Just talked to Tom who saw his vascular guy this morning. His vascular guy is puzzled by the calcium in Tom's carotids. They're not going to actually DO anything (and then maybe more diagnostics) until after Tom's cancer surgery in Boston.

Wonder if a Mass General opinion will be necessary...

Anywho, I feel like doggy doo. Don't know if I'm coming down with a bug or if I'm just tired -- from not getting enough sleep last night and/or a lot of physical labor this morning. (No, not wood schlepping.)

I'm going to post to shanty session thread & Facebook that I won't be at The Press Room today. Nor am I visiting Tom (except by phone) and I think I'm going to give a miss to the little bit of grocery shopping I need to do one of these days. Today ain't gonna be it!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 11:39 AM

Rest up!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 12:25 PM

Wise woman! Good for you! Take care of yourself this day. You've had so much on your plate to deal with...your body wants a day off.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:08 PM

Even God took a day off you know!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:26 PM

Imagine the emails when he back to the office!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 06:59 AM

Good morning, all. The famous trained(?) cat alarm clock got me up by noisily "playing" with everything on my nightstand AND standing on top of the humidifier and bopping it.

Tom mentioned something interesting when I made my "goodnight" call to him last night. He said the doctor overseeing his treatment suggested that he get a second opinion from Mass General while we were there regarding his narrowed carotids. Seems his vascular guy is confused by the results of his Friday angiogram. And the composition of the placque seems to be calcium (does he know about Tom's history of kidney stones?). The vascular guy told Tom yesterday about that, said he might order some more tests after Tom got back from Boston (and his postponed cancer surgery).

So Tom (or I, depending on Tom's phone access this week in the nursing facility) will get in touch with Dr. Z's office for a referral -- they had offered to do that in December.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:25 AM

it never rains, but it pours - more good wishes heading your way, Linn & Tom

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:41 AM

Meanwhile, love pouring in....

Do we know which nursing home, yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 09:43 AM

It's hard to believe the 'vascular guy' is confused, or why he's confused when there's lots of stuff on the internet regarding "calcium deposits in arteries". Can be due to a sub-clinical vitamin K deficiency, which can also cause leg cramps.

I also found this (from The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center):If Vitamin K helps clotting and anti-coagulant drugs such as coumadin screw with Vitamin K to prevent clotting but possible contributes to calcium deposits int he arteries, it might be a good topic for discussion with some doctor who is able to actually do some research on the subject.

There is also some information on what can reduce the deposits.

Please apply the 'Jeri might be full of shit' rule to the above. It is intended only to help you ask questions that may lead to doctors feeling uncomfortable enough to... how to say this politely... DO THEIR FUCKING JOB.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 03:57 PM

Ca and K and leg cramps... hmmmm... interesting. Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,sing4peace
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 04:27 PM

You are both in my prayers....

sending light and love,
Joyce Katzberg

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:40 PM

Well...the weather has turned, well, seasonal.

I called my boss mid-day and asked if he minded if I closed an hour early so I could take Tom's clothes to him for the move tomorrow to Dover Rehab (see! I found out where he's going, finally!) since it was, at the time raining in Portsmouth and snowing in Nottingham with, I think, 6-8" predicted. I knew that there was no way I could get to the hospital before I open tomorrow morning, especially since I'll be working alone and I HAVE to open on time, come hell, high water or, in this case, 8" of snow. He said no problem.

So I got Tom's clothes to him, found out where he'll be heading tomorrow (he still doesn't know WHEN or exactly HOW), got to visit for awhile, etc. Then headed towards home, stopping at the grocery store to by some stuff and some cash, and got home at a more or less decent season and had some supper.

Had called my up-the-hill neighbor to make sure it was okay for me to leave Tom's car in their extra driveway space just up the hill from us. That way our plow person doesn't have to deal with Tom's car at the head of the driveway or me having to dig it out, too, and move it so the driveway will be plowed. Walked back down then drove my car up to the head of the driveway. That way I won't have much to clear in order to get out and head to work and Drew will have a clear driveway to plow while I'm at work.

Brought in some wood, of course, but besides it being fairly warm, Jeri very nicely came over and got the furnace running for me, so the pressure is off.

It's currently raining, though it had been snowing from the time I got about 5 miles from home. I'm sure it will start snowing again. Getting slippery, though, and I'm glad I'm not on the road right now. I think the temperature is dropping (supposedly it's 34F, but I think it's hovering fore and aft 32).

I'm going to read today's comics and pour myself a glass of wine and head upstairs to call Tom. I had plenty of energy this morning (probably thanks to the "day off" and nap yesterday afternoon and a good night's sleep), but I certainly don't anymore.

Oh, forgot to report that yesterday evening I watched the videotape (yes, videotape -- it's not available on DVD) that my sister sent me for Christmas -- "The Last Polka" with the Shmenge Brothers (John Candy and Eugene Levy) and it was as good as I remembered.

Goodnight!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 08:31 PM

I brought a couple arm-loads of wood in too. (At some point realized maybe I'd like to wear some gloves...duh.) I petted Rufus (Sabine was snoozing, I think), and forgot about the whatever-bread. Honestly, I don't think I even really primed the furnace. It started so easily that it was probably still primed from last time it was used. Anyway, get some rest and please let me/us know where the heck Dover Rehab and/or what Toms new phone number is when you find out.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:30 PM

You're a good egg, Jeri! And, thanks for that link.

Linn, sleep well and be careful in the morning. Thanks for keeping us posted.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,julia & fred
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:57 PM

Wow- just found this and got updated...
Sending hugs and healing thoughts to both of you. Linn- be sure to take care of yourself. We know you are amazing but even the energizer bunny needs to recharge
J&F

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:22 AM

It's snowing -- don't know how much; hasn't stopped yet.

Actually, it looks as if it hasn't been snowing too long -- but the forecast is for the rest of the day and a total of 6-10 inches. I just emailed my boss. I'll shovel the car out after 8 and attempt to get to Rte. 4, but if Rte. 4 is unsafe, I'm not going to risk my life (and car -- did that once) for an $8.55/hr. job.

My major concern isn't so much getting there as it is getting home again after much more accumulation.

Furnace running, woodstove going nicely, tea made, buttered toasted zucchini bread in hand (it was the pistachio cake, Jeri), morning post here -- I'm going back upstairs to read & eat breakfast and then call Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:39 AM

Work is a four letter word Linn.
Give my regards to Tom.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:27 AM

10" of snow this morning. The plow did what he could but it was a challenge getting out of the driveway. Roads are crappy. Fortunately, it is a holiday for most so the roads were empty.
Hope it's better by you Tom.
WHEELCHAIR only. Do not try to walk in this crap.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:33 AM

Thanks for being there, Jeri.

Wish I could swap snow piles with you coastal folks- we only got a measly 5 inches. I hope Tom is able to make the transition today.

Linn, you are amazing, that's all. Holding you both in my heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:53 AM

I got 6-10" and it's still coming down.

My remaining bird feeder is getting mugged. One fell off onto the ground, but it's the pretty one the birds can't get the seed out of. (Woodpeckers eat the seed and leave the shells inside the feeder.)

Linn, I'd help ya dig, only I'm not sure how long it will take me to get my door open and then find my car.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:09 AM

A true friend indeed.
I shall have a medal struck especially for you, you deserve it Jeri.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:20 AM

Roads around Portland are crap. I have never seen them this bad. Cars stuck on Fore Street. Wonder if they gave the plow guys off for Martin Luther King day?
Took my time getting in much to the dismay of the four wheel drivers and plow trucks. But if I went over 30 mph, my car started to slide. One set of ruts across the Casco Bay Bridge.

Wonder if Tom will have to stay put until the roads are clear. He'll be one happy camper.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:24 AM

Power just came back on (10:15 a.m. -- I think it's been out since around 8 a.m.), so at least I can check in here.

And, yes, it's STILL snowing. I know we've got at least 6 inches, but it hasn't slowed down at all.

Shovelled off the deck and steps in front of me on my way up the driveway to the car at around 8 this morning. My plow guy hadn't yet plowed the swath between my front bumper and the road -- through what the town plow pushed up. So I ran the car and removed the snow and scraped the underlayer of ice on windshield and all windows. Then went back down to the house and brought in a load of wood on the way. Made a couple phone calls -- left a message with my boss, no, I won't be to work today. Called my co-worker who was taking the day off and talked to her partner. Should try to reach my boss and actually get to talk to him.

Undressed the Christmas tree & got it out of the house, folded the plaid tablecloths doubling as a tree skirt and decorating the living room. Took down the rest of the cards around the cellar door. Went through some more stuff on the table.

Right now I'm sleepy enough to take a nap, but first will call my boss and Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:56 AM

Just made myself some tea (because I CAN!), talked to Tom and my boss. My boss is okay with me not being at work today.

Tom needs to get some more info from the social worker at the hospital. Now they're saying Medicare won't pay for the first I-don't-know-how-long at the nursing facility -- but he can get the antibiotics FREE from Hannaford's. That means it would be more expensive to go to the nursing facility than to GO HOME and do it himself. I really wish the people at the hospital had a clue. This is majorly annoying.

And, of course, because of the weather, he may not be moved today at all -- gives him a fighting chance of getting some answers.

Went outside to get a bit more wood and found my footprints from 2 hours ago had filled in and the deck and steps again needed to be shovelled so that walking on it wouldn't guarantee a layer of uneven ice from now until May.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:21 PM

Linn and Tom, you both continue to be in my heart through all this crazy and stressful business. Thanks for updating those of us who aren't nearby. Thanks to all you locals, and especially to Saint Jeri, for doing all the things we'd try to do if we didn't live 700 miles away. Love to you all. Keep getting better, Tom.

The hospital-nursing home business is something I've had some experience with as my dad's power-of-attorney. Medicare paying for a nursing home requires a three-day "qualified" hospital stay. The critical word is "qualified." That means officially admitted to the hospital as a patient. Medicare often tries to dodge its responsibility by claiming a patient wasn't qualified because he/she wasn't officially admitted. (This apparently happens all too frequently when someone comes into the system through the ER. Medicare then claims that the patient was kept "for observation," which disqualifies the hospital stay.) You have a right to contest these mindless dodgy bureaucrats' decisions. Do it if you have any question at all!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:36 PM

Keep in mind, too, that this blood infection was probably acquired at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital when Tom was having some diagnostic procedures done the past few weeks. They don't like to talk about that, though. It's a bug that's VERY common in hospitals.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:43 PM

We're staying in and watching the snow fall here. Thinking of you both, Tom and Linn.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:01 PM

Surely an angiogram is more than "observation" especially since it was recommended last October. And (dare I ask?) have they replaced the battery yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:45 PM

Right now I am fucking furious! I just got off the phone with Tom.

They're pressuring Tom to move to Dover Rehab, saying they can only hold the bed til 3PM today. Of course, they're ALSO saying if he goes there his insurance will NOT PAY for the first several days. I mean, first of all, the whole point of going there in the first place was that the insurance would ONLY pay if the antibiotics were administered in the hospital or at a nursing facility -- a nursing facility that he would have to go to DIRECTLY from the hospital or it would not be paid for. By the way, we have a financial assistance agreement with Wentworth-Douglass Hospital -- it DOES NOT apply to Dover Rehab.

Thanks either to the snow or to MLK Day, neither Dr. Koraibaa, who is in charge of overseeing Tom's care, nor Dr. Mendoza, who is the hospital's infectious diseases guy who ordered the every-four-hours antibiotics for the blood infection, is there today. The social worker has her mind made up and will not listen to anything Tom says. I asked if we need to get a lawyer. This is absolutely ridiculous.

I'm still snowed in -- I don't know if the area in front of my car has been plowed so I can get to the road. It's still snowing -- there's several more inches on the deck since I last shovelled. So I not only can't get there to raise hell, I can't pull him out of there and get him home and then have to fight to get the antibiotics THAT HE NEEDS TO HAVE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY EVERY 4 HOURS.

He just called -- Nicole, the patient advocate, is getting back to him shortly. He called just long enough to tell me that so as not to tie up his line for Nicole's call. She's good -- she's gotten things straightened out before.

He also doesn't know exactly how much longer he needs the antibiotics -- Friday? Saturday?

There's nobody at the hospital that I can raise hell with right now, but Tom is working through the channels available to him. I told him not to be pressured into going to Dover Rehab today. The worst that can happen is they have to find another closeby facility after today.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 01:58 PM

If he doesn't go there today, perhaps his doctor might be around to straighten things out.

Or you can ask whoever the fuckwit is who changed everything last-minute when doctors are conveniently not available if you think a lawyer might help. (That's my inner snot talking.)

He definitely needs to talk to his doctor if his care is going to be changed.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:20 PM

He was SCHEDULED to move to the nursing facility today, supposedly because his insurance would not pay for the necessary antibiotics unless administered in a hospital or nursing facility. TODAY he was told the insurance wouldn't pay for the first several days in the nursing facility.

So what's the fucking point?!? And does ANYONE at Wentworth-Douglass have a clue?!?

He is not leaving the hospital until he has some answers and they damned well better be good answers.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:39 PM

Oh Linn, it makes me want to spit. On the face of it, he needs to dig his heels in and refuse to move. What can they do?
Then it needs to be sorted BEFORE anything else happens.
Keep fighting girl, set Jeri on them if necessary ;)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM

According to this link he is covered unless the doctor is saying he does not need a Nursing Home. Looks as if they are trying to stick you with the first three days. Was he formally admitted into the hospital or is he still considered an ER patient?
http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor&page=section&toc_id=63

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 02:59 PM

See Kath Westra's post above.
And keep in mind - the hospital is only giving you the information they are getting from Medicare. You may have to contest the Medicare ruling.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:26 PM

Okay, Tom called and Nicole (patient advocate) had gone home for the day. He said it was just too much for him to handle from there today -- he was going to go to Dover Rehab and if we had to get a lawyer at some point, then do it then. And call Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's Dover office because they have a person in charge of senior issues and getting things accomplished.

But first I called Wentworth-Douglass and explained the situation and asked if there was ANYONE there today whom I could talk to and who maybe had a clue as to what was going on. So I reached Nicole's associate, another patient advocate. I explained the whole shebang -- I really feel he's being railroaded into a move that might be detrimental not only to his health but detrimental to our financial well-being.

[SHORT INTERMISSION HERE WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE NURSE CASE MANAGER ON TOM'S CASE]

Okay. I think we have a game plan. Tom WILL be going to Dover Rehab this afternoon via the Care Van, probably within the hour. He will have a $110/day co-pay while he is there. Tomorrow morning before going to work, I have to call Dover Rehab and start making the arrangements for them to release him on Wednesday (my day off, thank goodness) and make arrangements for the antibiotics and the PICC supplies. This would normally be around $81/day but if we're accepted for financial assistance from THAT company, it might bring it down to $40/day. I'll also see if we can apply for financial assistance at Dover Rehab.

Me? Right now I'd really like to just sit down and cry (and I don't cry very easily) out of sheer frustration, tension release and the fact that I've got a whole bunch more stuff to do in the next couple days including getting my car shovelled out and the driveway plowed.

And that's what I'm off doing right now -- shovelling out in front of my car so that Drew can plow the driveway. But first shovel off the deck and steps yet again so I don't stomp down the snow.

Is there some nice place I can go and just scream and scream until I feel better?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:26 PM

So whose side is Medicare on anyway? Sounds like they're still getting their marching orders from the Bush administration.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:34 PM

She also said she'd been discussing this all with Tom since last Friday -- when he was recovering from the angiogram (and the drugs involved) and forced, too, to be horizontal and immobile for six hours. When I saw him at 8 in the evening, they still hadn't allowed him up. Also, he said that often people didn't appear to understand him when he spoke -- his voice is, because he doesn't have a right vocal cord, not only quiet but breathy.

He also said that one of the nurses told him that what Dr. Mendoza told him (about being satisfied if the antibiotics were finished sometime this next weekend) and what he put in his notes were not the same.

Arghhhh!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 03:55 PM

I can't keep track of who told you what.
If it's Dover Rehab, they might not be aware that Tom's doctor 'ordered' the stay in the nursing home.

From the site SINSULL linked to:

As long as it is medically necessary, Medicare will pay the full cost of the first 20 days and part of the cost of another 80 days of care in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) each benefit period. A benefit period begins the day you enter the SNF and ends when you no longer receive SNF care for 60 days in a row.

The co-pay bullshit is bullshit.

There HAS to be some mis-communication. Maybe the facility is afraid Medicare won't pay or they think it's his choice. In the end, I think Medicare will pay. From everything I've read, they'll pay and are putting you through because they're the idiots who got stuck working on a holiday and your doctor isn't around. I think when tomorrow rolls around and Tom's doctor is available (hopefully), this will come to an un-natural concentration of stupid in a small space/time.

QUESTIONS:
Medicare. The federal government has a toll-free number (800-MEDICARE) and a web site (www.medicare.gov) to help you get basic information about Medicare coverage and your private health plan options.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:10 PM

As Kath pointed out, the one caveat is that he has to have been admitted to a hospital for three days and transported directly to the nursing facility. The hospital needs to make it clear to Medicare that he was admitted not in the hospital via ER for observation. Dot the Is; cross the Ts; and be willing to do battle first without a lawyer - a lwayer will take a cut of what he saves you.

Read over those links, Linn, when you are up to it. Helpful information.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:23 PM

He was NOT admitted for observation.

He was admitted because of the pneumonia/blood infection (when they didn't know what it was, they called it pneumonia and infection).

None of this is coming from Dover Rehab -- all the information is from the hospital.

And I don't know WHY they think they can get Tom to make financial and health decisions while he is recovering from the angiogram AND the drugs he was on. I don't know whether the doctors were telling him one thing and me another or if they couldn't understand things Tom was telling them or why they didn't fill ME in on any of this.

Okay, my car is out of the driveway and in the cleared area up the hill behind Tom's car (in our neighbor's "other" driveway. Meanwhile, I haven't been able to reach my plow guy (who cleared BEAUTIFULLY in front of my car -- I only had to clear the car off again, not shovel out in front of it). And I haven't been able to reach my neighbor who might have my plow guy's cell number.

Oops, just got a message from Drew's wife -- he'll be here to plow the driveway in an hour or less. Cool. Also just tried calling Tom and there's no answer in his room, so he's probably on his way or already at Dover Rehab.

I hope I get to veg out SOMETIME tonight. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:28 PM

Get it all in writing, Linn, and Tom should be covered 100%. At least according to the Medicare Link. There is also a link to an Advocates line for help understanding and challenging decisions.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:31 PM

BTW, he spent less than 7 hours in the ER. He was admitted to the hospital for the pneumonia/infection. He has been a patient in the hospital for 11 days.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 04:44 PM

Linn - I agree that he was admitted. That is the criterion that Medicare requires. So get written proof of that from the hospital - should be on the bill - and if Jeri and I are reading the info correctly, Tom should not have to pay a copay.
That is probably the cause of the misinformation. Kath Westra pointed out that that is often the reason for an initial refusal by Medicare to cover 100% of the nursing home. Call SHIP. Find out what forms you have to file and be prepared to fight the copay charge.

Maybe this is just a bad time to try to deal with this. Relax. Take care of Tom. Worry about the rest if and when the bills come.