Hi Lori,
It's is stupid without a doubt from our perspective. But theirs is quite
different. Preventative care and medically necessary are not synonymous.
Preventative care helps stave off a possible future problem where medically
necessary deals with an existing issue.
For example, good luck getting help with a Stage 1 pressure
sore.........BUT.......at Stage 2, you are likely to have access to things like
in-home nursing care. I've been there.
You are right.........Medicare is just a nice word, for people without
disabilities. So they can feel like people like us are covered.
Best,
pj
----- Original Message -----
From: Dave & Lori Michaelson
To: Paul Jacobson ; Quad
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 4:18 PM
Subject: Medicare_Keeping the Patient Out Of the Hospital
I don't mean to pick out your one sentence below, Paul, but when you
said "Their lone objective is to keep the patient out of the hospital" ......
it stuck out at me. This is because Medicare DOES NOT pay for any
"preventative care."
And isn't that the stupidest thing you ever heard of?
Lori
C4/5 complete quad, 27 years post
Tucson, Arizona
-------Original Message-------
From: Paul Jacobson
Date: 1/25/2007 4:53:09 PM
To: B. Kimberlin \(Quadius\); Bill_J
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] New 2006 medicare wheelchair codes
Hi.......great letter.......but...it all comes down to 'medically
necessary'. Medicare does not put into their equation quality of life,
emotional well being or risk outside of the home. Going outside may be a
necessity but it is not, according to Medicare, a medical necessity.
Their lone objective is to keep the patient out of the hospital. Their
view is strictly day to day. Meaning, that if the patient does not get the
piece of equipment/supply it will land them in the hospital. They are not in a
position to lose any lawsuits and could, unfortunately, care less about jobs,
wages, and economical impact.
Unfortunately our numbers as a cohesive unit are not large enough and
our voice is not loud enough. i.e. Stem Cell Research
This means we must continue to use each other as a resource.....in
every way.
Be well.
Paul Jacobson, c5/6 Injured: 11/03
Paul Jacobson Spinal Cord Foundation
www.hospitaltohome.org
San Diego, CA
