So, let me begin by stating that I hope Mr Dodd has a full and miraculous recovery and lives Forever.

Let me repeat; the following is a hypothetical scenario and projects general possibilities as the ‘Health Care/Insurance Reform’ plans before Congress and proposed by the Administration have not been marked up and consolidated to be passed as Law.

Interview begins with Case worker, not a Nurse or Doctor.

June 9, 2014

Hello Mr. Dodd, Are you in Pain? You seem to be a little overweight, your temperature seems fine.
Please sit down and fill out these forms. Do you have a pen? We can add a pen to your bill, no problem.

I’m sorry you weren’t able to get service over the weekend. we are only open Monday, Wednesday and Friday except for Government Holidays.

(After the forms - 2 Hours later)

Mr. Dodd, I must inform you that from this point forward these proceedings will be recorded. If you wish to obtain a transcript or copy of these recordings, information will provided to you on the procedures required to obtain such.

Do you understand these rights as I’ve laid them out for you. You have the right to request an attorney to interpret these proceedings. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you at minimal charge. Do you understand?

Do you speak any enlightened Languages?
If you do not speak the languages of the Nurse and or Physician an interpreter may be provide for these interviews, at a minimal charge.

Let’s see now, Mr Dodd, (You might think this would be a Nurse of some level, but you are still dealing with a Government Employee/Case Worker, member of a Union).

Let’s see now Mr. Dodd your Birth Date is May 27, 1944, is that correct?
Your address is @#$%^&*(??? Correct?

Do you or anyone in your household own or have access to any firearms?

Are you allergic to any drugs?

Have you ever smoked tobacco?

Your history would indicate a possible problem with alcohol, have you had any alcohol today?
(Yes, even 1 Martini would count, we have to know what’s in your blood when we begin your IV, don’t we now? )

Now I know you’ve been asked but I must ask again, are you in pain, if so how would you rate it as between 1 and 10, 10 being extreme?
8 or 9. I’m sorry, I’m not a doctor. Your pain medication has to be prescribed by a Physician. Yes, I believe they can give you more Morphine, but I can’t.

Mr Dodd, The Nurse will be with you soon. Is there anything more I can do for you?

Good, you’re a trooper. Please remove all your clothes, including socks and any enhancements, and put this on, opening in back. I will pull this curtain and wait for the Nurse. I will remain on this side of the curtain and maintain a presence while the Nurse Is taking your information. I’m sure you understand. I must also inform you that the recording equipment will remain activated for the remainder of your visit. If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording you will be provided with the necessary information as you pay your bill on the way out.

Cash or Check is acceptable as it would seem that you are not covered for this ailment at your age.

The Nurse will consult me at the end of your interview as to whether you actually require an interview with a Physician.
If an interview with a Physician is deemed necessary, an appointment will be made before you pay your COpay.

The Nurse will be with you soon, have a good day Mr. Dodd.

(1 Hour later)
Nurse enters:
Good Morning Mr. Dodd. Yes you are right, it’s no longer morning. How time flies, Eh?
OK, are you in pain, if so how would you rate it as between 1 and 10, 10 being extreme?

Well we’ll have to take care of that, won’t we?

Are you allergic to any drugs?

Just making small talk while your Morphine has time to work.
Do you or anyone in your household own any firearms?
Do you get along with your neighbors?
How do you spell that name?
You say you are Irish. Isn’t that nice.

Your history would indicate a possible problem with alcohol. I understand, it’s not a problem at all. Do you prefer Liquor, Wine or Beer?
Yes is not an adequate answer, please be more specific. How many would you think you have in one week? In one month?
Well, I’ll check your coverage. I think we should work up some liver enzyme tests, just routine, if your coverage… Oh you’re on the ‘Government Option’ we won’t have to worry about that then.

Did you need a refill on your Morphine?
There ya go, I’m authorized to write up to 4 months. If you would find you need more after that please call for another appointment.

Well of course it’s not up to me, but with the swine flu raising it’s ugly head again, it may be 3 or 4 months before we can get you an interview with a physician.
You’ve been in remission so long, I’m sure you’re going to be fine.

At my level I am authorized to enroll you in an Elder Care Planning Seminar if you wish. Would that be OK?

Fine, fill out these forms before you leave and drop them at the desk as you pay. If you would, leave this pen at the desk. You know, every penny saved is a help.
*********
This concludes a hypothetical Medical situation in the future.
I repeat that I hope Mr. Dodd health and a long life.

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