The Importance Of Insurance

Ordnarily I don't go off topic, but I really need to vent about my experience this week.

My friend Mark had two seizures a couple Sundays ago. It was suggested he go to the county hospital because he doesn't have insurance. On Monday we went to the John Stroger Hospital of Cook County. To be able to see a neurologist, Mark had to be seen in the Emergency Room by a doctor. We arrived at 10:45 am. He did not see a doctor until 9:15 pm.

The long wait was only part of the issue. I have never seen a dirty hospital. The men's room had NO soap or paper towels. The toilet paper dispenser was a plastic bag rolled into a circle with the toilet paper hanging off of it. Ironically there were signs encouraging people to wash their hands to "prevent the spread of germs." Also there was a poster telling patients they have a right to ask the health care worker if they washed their hands.

The staff was rude to people. I asked a receptionist for a pen and paper to write a phone number. She rolled her eyes at me. At that point Mark went off on her.

I did ask a nurse why it takes so long to see a doctor. About 50% of the people in the ER are either homeless people who need a place to hang out, and know they can't be denied care or serivce, scam artists trying to get money from people in the waiting room, or junkies.

Mark did not want to see the doctor alone, since I am the one who has seen the seizures, he thought I should be there to tell the doctor. They were not going to let me go back with him. He insisted I go, or he would not get any health care. I got to go back.

The doctor saw him for 10-15 minutes. He thought the medication Mark was on was too strong, which was my theory. He said Mark needs to see a neurologist, and it would take 2 weeks to get an appointment. I found out later he lied...it takes 1-3 months!

As I sat there I thought there has to be a better way to care for people with no insurance or have little to no money. When I got home all I wanted to do was cry.

Charlie