Calls for Help Part II

The other day I wrote about a patient who is off our service, but continues to call us for help. Today when I went to the office to pick up the weekend assignment, I learned that indeed 911 service refused to go see her. I asked what I was to do if she calls again, and was told to have her call 911.

We discussed the fact that because 1) her age 2) her condition 3) her "frequent flyer" miles and so-called abuse of the system, we're not to see her.

Why am I telling you this? For one thing, it's becoming more apparent that personal responsibility for one's health is becoming more important. Second, this patient has known about her own disease for years, there's much she could have done to help herself but didn't. Third, as more baby boomers reach critical mass in the health care industry, we're going to have to rely on ourselves more and more.

I don't think anyone can count on the medical system in the USA at this point. So guard your health carefully.