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Friend needs help
Posted: Apr 4, 2011
I have a friend who is dire need of some kinds of help, and I don't know what to suggest for him.
He's a guy in his late 50's, and a few weeks ago he had a terrible bike accident. It was nighttime, he was in the city, and he hit some kind of a curb or a barrier, and went flying. He was pretty sure he dislocated his hip, and sprained both wrists.
The problem is that he's currently unemployed, and has no health insurance. Apparently he was alone when it happened, so he chained his bike to a signpost or tree or something, called a cab, and went home. He said it felt like his hip popped back into place on its own. HE NEVER WENT TO A DOCTOR. :(
He got himself a walker, and hobbles around with that. I saw him at a gathering of friends yesterday, and was shocked at how difficult it is for him to walk. I'm worried that he might have broken his hip, and I really think he needs x-rays. I think he made a mistake by not having the cab take him to the general hospital... even without insurance, I think they would have had to treat him, right?
I suggested that he go to the local Free Clinic. He said he probably should, but doesn't want to take charity. I told him if I had no insurance and got hurt, that's what I would do, or else I'd go to County General's E.R.
So here's my question: Even though his injury is now weeks-old, if he were to go to County General, would they still treat him? If he has no job and no insurance, would the hospital just write that off? (I have another friend with no insurance, but a decent job, who had emergency surgery on a broken neck, and even though he offered to pay the hospital back every cent of the $100,000 it cost, they wouldn't take the money!) (????)
If he went to the Free Clinic, do you think they would be able to take x-rays, and refer him to an orthopedic surgeon who would treat him for free? I would sure had to see this formerly-mobile guy end up as a lifelong cripple because of this. He's been actively job-hunting, and stood a good chance at being hired somewhere, but with this crippling injury, and his near-inability to walk, I doubt if he would find a job in his condition.
Any other ideas out there about what he could do? I'd lend him the money myself, but I don't have any, since I'm an MT. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
MT Wordz
;
I would take him .... sm - alias
[ In Reply To ..]to the local free clinic myself, whether he wished to go or not. If he is having this much difficulty in walking, something is definately wrong. It is not charity to take care of oneself. The free clinic may refer him to the hospital anyway, but one way or another, he has to take care of himself. It's too bad that many people feel that money stands between them and good health care. Thanks Obama! Do not hesitate. Tell him you're going for ice cream or something. There is not much he can do to object once there. He may appreciate the caring attitude you have. I wish both of you much luck!
Our county hospital has to see everyone - regardless of ability to pay
[ In Reply To ..]And regardless of what they are there for. The type of injury and date of injury don't matter. If he goes to the county hospital for treatment they have to treat him. Whatever doctor, orthopaedic or otherwise, is on call the day he goes there has to see him regardless of his ability to pay. He still racks up the bills, and he still owes the bill, but they to have treat him.
That's how our county hospital works anyway.
I would take him there before going to a free clinic.
re: county hospital - I agree
[ In Reply To ..]County hospitals are give money to treat cases just like this. Also, in a case like this they will have their social advisor or patient rep come and talk with him, probably have him fill out Medicaid/Medicare paperwork and try to get him covered for at least this injury and any care he may need for this.
My old neighbor went to the county hospital and his expenses were written off. he has no money, no insurance, no family and had a broken leg and blood clot and had to stay in the hospital because he also developed pneumonia.
I do think once he goes in through the ER or to the county... - ndmt
[ In Reply To ..]hospital, they have to treat him regardless of how old the injury is. The same would be with the free clinic, I imagine. The other thing is, many doctors will take pro bono (not charity) cases as we all are appreciative of our good health.
I think maybe you need to overcome his resistance to going, at which point you remind him that the taxes he has paid as a working individual all his life has helped support healthcare for those going through hard times AND the fees charged by hospitals & clinics have a certain percentage built in for those who have trouble paying their bills.
If he intends on getting a job again, he obviously cannot limp in to a job interview, and the more time that passes between him & the improperly treated injury causes the actual expense (both him out of work and fixing the problem) to rise.
Get him in to see someone, and then decide what to do. Many hospitals have social workers whose sole job is to find healthcare solutions for those who don't have insurance or a trust fund. Tap into their help.
THANKS for all your ideas! I think you're right about - the gen. hospital, so will start there!
[ In Reply To ..]I had neglected to point out to him that all the years he was working, paying taxes, hospital bills, etc., he was paying into the system for those that need help, and now he's the one who needs help.
I agree with you that if he doesn't get this problem treated, he may have to use a walker the rest of his life, and that would SUCK.
I'll try getting in touch with him TODAY.
Thanks again,
MT Wordz
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