Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
- Original Message - From: Lori Michaelson To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 8:18 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped Dear list, My name is Sharon, I had to respond to Lori's mail on fraud! About 5 years ago I had a roll in shower put in my home to assist me in being more independent!!! by a state agency here in Ohio. That's when it all went wrong!!! They sent contractors that had never done a wheeled in shower before!!! To make a long story short!!! It took four long years of ripping out 4 times in 4 years to just get the bathroom to stop leaking!!! It still not a independent bathroom I can use on my own!!! But if you all want the whole story I can send it!!! was a nightmare to say the least!!! But I have learned 2 hard lessions from this!!! Don't sign anything until you are completely sure your satisfied with the job they do!! Don't trust everyone not even State agencies to come in and do anything to your home Sincerely Sharon Cerebral Palsy Electric Wheelchair user
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
Yep... something's wrong and we disagree on what percent of blame belongs to which party Except that so far we attribute 0% to ourselves. Summed up enough? Best! --Tod - Original Message - From: Eric W Rudd To: Lori Michaelson ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:03 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped can sum 1 sum this up? Eric W Rudd [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
yep lol thnx Eric W Rudd [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Tod E. Santee To: Eric W Rudd ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 10:13 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped Yep... something's wrong and we disagree on what percent of blame belongs to which party Except that so far we attribute 0% to ourselves. Summed up enough? Best! --Tod - Original Message - From: Eric W Rudd To: Lori Michaelson ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:03 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped can sum 1 sum this up? Eric W Rudd [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
Sharon, you have offered very tangible advice. That is, money in the bank. It also means taking charge of your life and the responsibilities associated with your life. Will you make some mistakes? Sure you will... we all do. Every mistake is a lesson in life. Ask a lot of questions and if you don't like the answers... ask more questions. Best Wishes In a message dated 7/2/2008 10:05:17 A.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: - Original Message - From: _Lori Michaelson_ (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:quad-list@eskimo.com) Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 8:18 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped Dear list, My name is Sharon, I had to respond to Lori's mail on fraud! About 5 years ago I had a roll in shower put in my home to assist me in being more independent!!! by a state agency here in Ohio. That's when it all went wrong!!! They sent contractors that had never done a wheeled in shower before!!! To make a long story short!!! It took four long years of ripping out 4 times in 4 years to just get the bathroom to stop leaking!!! It still not a independent bathroom I can use on my own!!! But if you all want the whole story I can send it!!! was a nightmare to say the least!!! But I have learned 2 hard lessions from this!!! Don't sign anything until you are completely sure your satisfied with the job they do!! Don't trust everyone not even State agencies to come in and do anything to your home Sincerely Sharon Cerebral Palsy Electric Wheelchair user **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507)
Re: [QUAD-L] Urinalysis costs_Urine test strips
That's true, but I wonder how much they charge for that $.28 dipping test. Quadius On 7/1/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks, I didn't realize that... Best Wishes In a message dated 7/1/2008 8:21:31 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The lab also tests to find out which drug will kill the bug you have. -- Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used carshttp://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 .
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
What gets me is they (the hospitals) exaggerate their bills so they can get at least a modicum of payment from Medicare and other insurance companies. I understand they're trying to cover their costs, but when someone comes in and is trying to pay for their own care because they can't afford insurance, they are charged the same exact exorbitant rates as the insured. The uninsured, on the other hand, are expected to pay the full amount. I know there are a large number who don't, but does that try to take their debt seriously into a pain to use exorbitant fees. Our system is so screwed up now it's going to take a major overhaul and I don't believe some little tax credit is going to take care of it. Quadius On 7/1/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *Well, you'll be more flabbergasted to hear that it's the opposite in FL. * ** *I spent 8 hours in the ER on a Sunday last month due to a UTI. I saw 2 doctors, had one CT scan, was administered 2 pain meds and 1 antibiotic (100mL Levaquin) by IV. Here is the Medicare statement I received.* ** *Amount billed $6,557.09 Medicare is paying $481.70* *Itemized list: Urinalysis scope $99.25 Levaquin $121.25 Tx/pro/dx injection same drug addon $363.75 Tx/pro/dx new drug addon $242.50 ER visit $452 2 CAT scans $4,458.25 Pharmacy $182.90 Med/surg supplies $148.24 Routine venipuncture $9.24 Comprehensive metabolic panel $157.25 Blood culture for bacteria $108.25 Complete CBC with auto diff $44.10 Hydromorphone injection $40.00 Morphine sulfate $120.10 Ambulance $374.75 (Medicare approved $324.64 and paid $259.71) Radiology Assoc. $236.00 (Medicare approved $110.06 paid $88.05)* In a message dated 6/30/2008 8:18:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc. are definitely getting paid more by the *Federal Medicare* program but it is the feds to set it up that way to begin with! *Bill C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 Age 57 Leesburg, FL *Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you walk funny. -- Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used carshttp://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 .
Re: [QUAD-L] Urinalysis costs_Urine test strips
True Q On 7/2/08, John S. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yup, they use test strips and some have backup tests. The important part is that you get a complete battery of tests performed fast and accurately. These labs meet very high standards and don't get results mixed up. that has to be worth $15. john - Original Message From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:33:44 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Urinalysis costs_Urine test strips I don't believe hospitals or labs do the dip test as much as they do cultures and microscope inspection before releasing the information. I don't believe the use the strips as you do. Strips don't tell you which bacteria you have either. Am I wrong? Best Wishes In a message dated 7/1/2008 6:50:07 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: When I eventually found out by myself that the reason I was having so many UTIs was because my urine pH level was always too high. It was always like a 7.5 (too alkaline and great and friendly for bugs to grow) rather than a preferred '6'. Recently my husband had to make a big medical products order and he ordered those urine test strips. We ordered a jar of 100 and they came out to be $.28 apiece. They test 11 different things (nitrates, blood, pH level, etc. etc. etc. etc.) and *is the same thing as a urinalysis*. At the time, my husband commented that labs charge around $30 for urinalysis and Bill just showed us that his hospital bill charged $99 plus dollars for a urinalysis! In real reality (not to be redundant) ... it only costs about 10 or $.15 to dip one of those in urine. Medical system = highway robbery. Lori Michaelson Age - 43 C4/5 complete quad, 28 1/2 years post Tucson, AZ -- Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used carshttp://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 .
[QUAD-L] Three-Year Mark
Today, marks three years since I experienced that terrible pain in my neck and arm that made me know, that my life would be changed for ever. That was the day, that I became a quadriplegic due to Transverse Myelitis. Three years ago this day, about this time. I was being rushed to the emergency room in St. Paul, Minnesota with sudden paralysis of my arms and legs (I thought). I later found that I was paralyzed from the neck down. This whole ordeal was extremely frightening for me and my husband, because we were out of town and not sure how we were going to get back home. We were later flown back in a life flight jet, to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan, were I spent a while in intensive care, on a ventilator. I spent three months in the University of Michigan Hospital, after which I went to a nursing facility for extended rehab. After the rehab. I went back into the hospital to have my Baclofen pump put in. I received a short period of rehab after the surgery. After one year and 23 days, I returned home, where I have been since. Being at home has been a struggle for me because I need 24 hour care, but cannot afford to pay someone to be here around the clock. My mother has been here helping me out since I've been home, but she is elderly and ill herself. I am currently checking into assisted living facilities. I think this will be the best move for us all. I really commend those of you who are able to stay home alone. If I just had use of my hands, it could be a whole different situation, but my right side is completely paralyzed, and I have limited use of my left arm and hand (pretty much useless). I have to contend with all of the issues that a quadriplegic faces. The only thing I haven't had to deal with, (Praise God!) are the pressure sores. I have not had to deal with that. Happy Birthday to all of the July babies! Naomi C4-incomplete, quadriplegic since July 2005 due to Transverse Myelitis **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507)
RE: [QUAD-L] Three-Year Mark
We're all glad you made it Naomi and I wish you good luck in the years to come. Mark Jackson RollinOn _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 3:11 PM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Three-Year Mark Today, marks three years since I experienced that terrible pain in my neck and arm that made me know, that my life would be changed for ever. That was the day, that I became a quadriplegic due to Transverse Myelitis. Three years ago this day, about this time. I was being rushed to the emergency room in St. Paul, Minnesota with sudden paralysis of my arms and legs (I thought). I later found that I was paralyzed from the neck down. This whole ordeal was extremely frightening for me and my husband, because we were out of town and not sure how we were going to get back home. We were later flown back in a life flight jet, to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan, were I spent a while in intensive care, on a ventilator. I spent three months in the University of Michigan Hospital, after which I went to a nursing facility for extended rehab. After the rehab. I went back into the hospital to have my Baclofen pump put in. I received a short period of rehab after the surgery. After one year and 23 days, I returned home, where I have been since. Being at home has been a struggle for me because I need 24 hour care, but cannot afford to pay someone to be here around the clock. My mother has been here helping me out since I've been home, but she is elderly and ill herself. I am currently checking into assisted living facilities. I think this will be the best move for us all. I really commend those of you who are able to stay home alone. If I just had use of my hands, it could be a whole different situation, but my right side is completely paralyzed, and I have limited use of my left arm and hand (pretty much useless). I have to contend with all of the issues that a quadriplegic faces. The only thing I haven't had to deal with, (Praise God!) are the pressure sores. I have not had to deal with that. Happy Birthday to all of the July babies! Naomi C4-incomplete, quadriplegic since July 2005 due to Transverse Myelitis _ Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient HYPERLINK http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507; \nused cars. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.4.4/1530 - Release Date: 7/2/2008 8:05 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.4.4/1530 - Release Date: 7/2/2008 8:05 AM
Re: [QUAD-L] Three-Year Mark
My very best to you on your 3rd anniversary, Naomi. There are a lot of houses that lend themselves to being upgraded for use by us wheelchair folk. If you combine that with a twice daily aid visit maybe you can hook up something along those lines and free up your mom n hubby. I'm a big believer in aides as I can't picture my family members putting in a super amount of time here, cept my dad. His specialty is refrigerator raiding. He will call 911 or keep my TV warm. You may be eligible for some home health programs. That is the heart of assisted living. Best wishes, john - Original Message From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2008 4:10:39 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Three-Year Mark Today, marks three years since I experienced that terrible pain in my neck and arm that made me know, that my life would be changed for ever. That was the day, that I became a quadriplegic due to Transverse Myelitis. Three years ago this day, about this time. I was being rushed to the emergency room in St. Paul, Minnesota with sudden paralysis of my arms and legs (I thought). I later found that I was paralyzed from the neck down. This whole ordeal was extremely frightening for me and my husband, because we were out of town and not sure how we were going to get back home. We were later flown back in a life flight jet, to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan, were I spent a while in intensive care, on a ventilator. I spent three months in the University of Michigan Hospital, after which I went to a nursing facility for extended rehab. After the rehab. I went back into the hospital to have my Baclofen pump put in. I received a short period of rehab after the surgery. After one year and 23 days, I returned home, where I have been since. Being at home has been a struggle for me because I need 24 hour care, but cannot afford to pay someone to be here around the clock. My mother has been here helping me out since I've been home, but she is elderly and ill herself. I am currently checking into assisted living facilities. I think this will be the best move for us all. I really commend those of you who are able to stay home alone. If I just had use of my hands, it could be a whole different situation, but my right side is completely paralyzed, and I have limited use of my left arm and hand (pretty much useless). I have to contend with all of the issues that a quadriplegic faces. The only thing I haven't had to deal with, (Praise God!) are the pressure sores. I have not had to deal with that. Happy Birthday to all of the July babies! Naomi C4-incomplete, quadriplegic since July 2005 due to Transverse Myelitis Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
Be fortunate and count your blessings then that your sweet patootie sounds like it is covered 100%. :-) My outpatient stay for bladder-stone removal surgery cost me a little under $500 I think it was. I asked my husband yesterday if he remembered. That is, after all was said and done since the bills come from different places (Hospital, Dr., anesthesiologist, etc.). That was not too bad. My doctors bill was extremely reasonable. This may sound strange but I think my doctor would not tolerate exorbitant billing. Yes, she belongs to a group and they make the decisions but she is one of the best of the best. And the best actor I have ever seen regarding anything needed in my life medically. I was there about eight or nine hours. But that is because of the prep time and staying in recovery to make sure that my blood pressure did not start going off the wall after the epidural started wearing off. I was also treated like the Queen. Literally. And I think, or I am pretty damn sure, that this over-the-top behavior was because of a snafu surrounding the doctor's office at the hospital regarding me being able to see the anesthesiologist first. When I went to get my preoperative blood work done... my husband and I were greeted by the hospital administrator and the head of the nursing Department regarding everything surrounding my simple preoperative blood work. It's a long story so I won't put you through it or myself through it. LOL. Regardless, I am staying away from Medicaid as long as I can. Been there, done that for several years after my injury before I started working. Lori On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 5:15 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ** In a message dated 7/1/2008 8:03:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Perhaps you mean that they pay 'close to nothing'? * I meant NOTHING. If you have Medicare, Medicaid will reimburse 79% of a bill, BUT since Medicare has already paid 80% Medicaid refuses to pay ANYTHING since Medicare already paid more than Medicaid would have paid.* ** *More importantly*... which one gets billed first or is the primary? Medicare pays first. I have to guess that it is Medicaid since you are waiting on them??? Regardless it sounds like you won't have much to pay out-of-pocket... correct? Correct. *Bill C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 Age 57 Leesburg, FL *Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you walk funny. -- Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used carshttp://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 . -- Lori C4/5 complete quad, 27 years post Tucson, AZ
[QUAD-L] Fraud, theft, runaway trains
Oh how we know! Firstly, it's like customer service does not even exist in this country anymore. And, secondly, greed takes priority over everything. It's all about the money first. The money first! And once they have that... you can get screwed but good. It's too bad because it was pretty much only 50 or 60 years ago that a man's word or a man's hand shake was good enough for an honest job. Today an honest job is an oxymoron. Where I live right now, eight years ago they were putting up houses lickety-split one right after another in the amount of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of houses. Getting them done the faster the better. Cheap Mexican labor. The result? We see the results all the time inside the home and outside. We moved in here when the house was still new (Nov 2002) but I think it was built the year prior. Anyway, a couple of years ago a couple moved in across the street from Colorado (renting at first). Our subdivision houses were built by the builder -- PULTE HOMES. About a year ago they decided to have a house of their own built about a mile away where they/we are building more homes. When they came over one evening and came in to chat about a year ago we were telling them our disappointments with the builders and what we have seen happen to our PULTE HOME. Their current home, across the street, apparently has not had the problems we've had so that is why they chose PULTE as a builder of their new home. We told them that they were going to be waiting awhile for it to get done but they only chuckled. Well, they are still waiting! The house was supposed to be done in June but I don't even think it's close. With our life issues and the summer heat... we haven't been out and about to see them regularly like we do other times of the year. And I can't remember what the guy said when they were here that evening but I remember my husband saying in response You shouldn't have signed the contract then. We are renting and our landlords usually want to keep on top of everything and all the houses came with an 8-year warranty. There are so many repairs to be made (expensive ones too) and the warranty is going to be up fairly soon but our landlords have decided to just let it all slide. When they could get it done for free. We have yet to figure that one out. *Caveat Emptor,* Lori On Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 8:04 AM, |ANGELIC SHARON| [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ** - Original Message - *From:* Lori Michaelson[EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* quad-list@eskimo.com *Sent:* Monday, June 30, 2008 8:18 PM *Subject:* [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped *Dear list,* *My name is Sharon, I had to respond to Lori's mail on fraud! About 5 years ago I had a roll in shower put in my home to assist me in being more independent!!! by a state agency here in Ohio. That's when it all went wrong!!! They sent contractors that had never done a wheeled in shower before!!! To make a long story short!!! It took four long years of ripping out 4 times in 4 years to just get the bathroom to stop leaking!!! It still not a independent bathroom I can use on my own!!! But if you all want the whole story I can send it!!! was a nightmare to say the least!!!* *But I have learned 2 hard lessions from this!!! Don't sign anything until you are completely sure your satisfied with the job they do!! Don't trust everyone not even State agencies to come in and do anything to your home * ** *Sincerely* ** *Sharon* *Cerebral Palsy * *Electric Wheelchair user* -- Lori C4/5 complete quad, 27 years post Tucson, AZ
Re: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped
I think you missed the part whereby WE DID NOT accuse them of fraud. We only wanted, and kindly asked for numerous times, for a readable bill and they refused to give us one. Are we supposed to let the problem only worsen *by not questioning things*? Being doormats? Which only exacerbates the problem that already exists. If my a*s was covered 100% and *I* was not having to shell out what I have to... I would probably just go along. It's always easier just to go along isn't it??? The problem with that is that more and more people walk all over you. And they will walk all over others. Constantly taking advantage of the elderly also and robbing them of their life savings. I had a huge problem with a home infusion Co. as well. The owner said that he would only charge me $500 (as I was a second customer giving him business) but that changed when his billing department changed and he eventually turned us in to a collection agency. We were getting a bill from them for $1500 for all the paraphernalia that Medicare does not cover. BUT ... if I need them again they better not refuse to give me what the doctor ordered or they will be in court. And we have saved everything (paperwork). Bottom line... does everyone here want to remain sheeple? I don't think the quad list will let me attach a photograph of an example of sheeple so if anyone does not have it and wants it... e-mail me separately with the subject changed to SHEEPLE or I will miss it. Or perhaps you can google it and see it online somewhere. I almost missed this post from John below to respond to. Lori On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 2:09 PM, John S. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't doubt a word you say, but I have never had a doctor get what Medicare owed them. I know a lot of people think Dr.s should be paid the same as barbers. My doctors have also employed relatives. Why not? Nepotism is a problem in police forces and government, not a doctors office. My doctor charges $80 per visit and Medicare pays him $42. My podiatrist will get $66. The vet gets $65. The insurance company flips a coin and if the doctor wins, he gets the coin. Medicare fraud to me is when I am told I'll soon be using a Pride Jazzy. My Waiver representative is an atheist so to save gas she calls me each month to see if I'm alive and have I started jogging yet? A usual litany of questions regarding each others lives and g'bye. On occasions I have had bad doctors. A urologist in fact. I did report him to Medicare, but I'm sure he still practices medicine. I would not expect the doctor to set up more appointments if I just accused him of fraud! This accusation is a doctor/patient relationship killer. Some Doctors are so good they do make millions. I do not resent a single dollar. If you accuse the medical system of malpractice and fraud very often, you will start having trouble seeing doctors that are not in an Emergency Room. You won't find anyone that wants to work for while you accuse them of federal crimes. Your name will get around and you will be going to Dr's that only see Medicare cases. I've seen doctors submit very large bills to Medicare that I thought were a little steep. This guy is 44 years old and still paying student loans from hell while trying to raise a family and after the insurance company is allowed to price fix against doctors, Medicare undercuts him by 70% and the rest are too poor to even send an X-mas card, then he has to buy malpractice insurance that costs him so much that many really good doctors only work for drug companies. Now, just to show how stupid they can be, congress has decided it will cut any doctor bills by 10 percent. Why not cut what tort lawyers get by ten percent. Cut the amount lawyers get from Medicare by 10 percent and save big money. Cut back all payments from the US government to lawyers until the budget is balanced! We will have a balanced budget in 6 months. Treating Doctors as if they cause health care problems is the DUMBEST thing congress has done since passing the Patriot Act, and ranks with the meanest thing since forcing Japanese Americans into intern camps. Why not force Oil corporations to cut prices by 10 percent? Because of their honesty? We have found the line between good and evil and made a mad dash to the wrong freakin side again! john - Original Message From: Lori Michaelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 8:18:07 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Medicare fraud is blatant but is not being stopped Todd ... here I will get to what I found out is happening more and more AND in one doctor's office in particular (further below my first-hand experience which I talk about first) regarding Medicare fraud or theft. Same difference. I know long e-mails are laborious to read but I hope that many of you DO read this for yourself, for your parents, for your grandparents or whomever who will probably, in some way and some
Re: [QUAD-L] Urinalysis costs_Urine test strips
Wheel... I think Bill's itemized list only contained a urinalysis. That is just usual protocol. A culture and sensitivity *has to be specifically ordered by a doctor*. Whether outside the hospital or inside the hospital. If I drop off a urine specimen at my doctor's office ... they will only do a urinalysis unless the doctor orders the culture and sensitivities. Further, they will not automatically these sensitivities unless it is firmly ordered. Laboratory technicians think they are superfluous if only such and such shows up on the culture. They take it upon themselves to do or not to do sensitivities. Which is wrong. They also get paid the same for doing extra so why bother to do the sensitivities which take another 48 hours -- some more than often often think. John ... my goodness are you kidding? At first I thought you were being facetious and sarcastic but maybe not. Maybe you missed my post on the laissez-faire attitude of laboratory technicians. The real facts are --that they are supposed to meet very high standards but they don't! JCAHO only visits twice a year. Whooopie. They don't get results mixed up? I have lived in three different states and have had so many laboratory errors made that it is scary. Because my husband was once a chief lab technician... even back in the 70s he would see how lazy *his staff* would be and he put a stop to it when he saw it but that is not the norm! Since my husband is able to read laboratory results (be it urine or blood) ... he has caught so many mistakes. Blatant ones. Even some of my doctors have thanked him for pointing things out that they just overlooked and wrote out the wrong antibiotic for me *because of that.* Some of them even do something called sink testing which is more common than not. There is a reason it has a name -- they get lazy and dump samples down the sink. I kid you not. And there are telltale signs that only a laboratory technician or a chief laboratory technician would recognize that something is rotten in Denmark when certain results are this or that or do not come back for 10 days, etc.. I am not saying this because I want to disagree with you but because I have worked with doctors and nurses who also see it happen all the time as well. Perhaps you were being sarcastic however. Lori On Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:02 AM, John S. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yup, they use test strips and some have backup tests. The important part is that you get a complete battery of tests performed fast and accurately. These labs meet very high standards and don't get results mixed up. that has to be worth $15. john - Original Message From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:33:44 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Urinalysis costs_Urine test strips I don't believe hospitals or labs do the dip test as much as they do cultures and microscope inspection before releasing the information. I don't believe the use the strips as you do. Strips don't tell you which bacteria you have either. Am I wrong? Best Wishes In a message dated 7/1/2008 6:50:07 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: When I eventually found out by myself that the reason I was having so many UTIs was because my urine pH level was always too high. It was always like a 7.5 (too alkaline and great and friendly for bugs to grow) rather than a preferred '6'. Recently my husband had to make a big medical products order and he ordered those urine test strips. We ordered a jar of 100 and they came out to be $.28 apiece. They test 11 different things (nitrates, blood, pH level, etc. etc. etc. etc.) and *is the same thing as a urinalysis*. At the time, my husband commented that labs charge around $30 for urinalysis and Bill just showed us that his hospital bill charged $99 plus dollars for a urinalysis! In real reality (not to be redundant) ... it only costs about 10 or $.15 to dip one of those in urine. Medical system = highway robbery. Lori Michaelson Age - 43 C4/5 complete quad, 28 1/2 years post Tucson, AZ -- Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used carshttp://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 . -- Lori C4/5 complete quad, 27 years post Tucson, AZ
[QUAD-L] Air transportation
A while back there was a great deal of anticipation about air transportation in which a wheelchair user could stay in the chair during the flight. Did this become a reality?
RE: [QUAD-L] Air transportation
These guys aren't up and flying yet. but soon. http://www.iflymat.org/index.html Mike~ Please check out my art gallery at: www.MurGallery.com -Original Message- From: Dan T [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 8:50 PM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Air transportation A while back there was a great deal of anticipation about air transportation in which a wheelchair user could stay in the chair during the flight. Did this become a reality?
Re: [QUAD-L] Air transportation
I wish it were a current reality Dan. I briefly looked at the site Mike suggested (below) but it looks like that is for medical transport only. I'll look closer later. IF it ever becomes a reality of us staying in our chairs... my next problem would be the transportation at the destination point. Unless it is a bigger city... they are not going to have rental wheelchair vans. And, from what I have seen of those rentals ... either by the day or the week... outrageously expensive. More than we can afford. Lori On Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM, Mike Murach [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: These guys aren't up and flying yet… but soon. http://www.iflymat.org/index.html Mike~ Please check out my art gallery at: www.MurGallery.com http://www.murgallery.com/ -Original Message- *From:* Dan T [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *Sent:* Wednesday, July 02, 2008 8:50 PM *To:* quad-list@eskimo.com *Subject:* [QUAD-L] Air transportation A while back there was a great deal of anticipation about air transportation in which a wheelchair user could stay in the chair during the flight. Did this become a reality? -- Lori C4/5 complete quad, 27 years post Tucson, AZ
