Letter: Health care determined by ability to pay

Letter: Health care determined by ability to pay



Sue Craven
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 09/04/07


Editor: I somewhat agree with what was said in an Aug. 30 letter about the health care system in the United States. Yes, in a sense, we are better off than most countries. But, in order to receive care after an injury or illness a person must have health insurance. A doctor will not look at a patient without a huge out-of -pocket expense.

My son had an accident involving a four-wheeler, tore his right rotator cuff and severed his tendon in his left hand which in turn left his hand useless. He is 24, works construction and has no health insurance. Since this accident, he has been unable to work and the doctors refuse to repair the injuries without a huge down payment.

In that since, we are just like the other countries. The governments of those countries deem if it is worth their time and money to treat a patient. If that patient is elderly or just not worth the effort, the government decides if they live the remainder of their lives on medication instead of fixing the problem.

If one does not have health insurance in the U.S., the doctors, not the government, decides if that person is worth their time and effort to treat.

We have found that doctors in St. Augustine would rather let a person suffer instead of trying to work with them concerning payment for their services.

If someone knows of an orthopedic surgeon in town who puts a patient before the almighty dollar let me know because we have been unsuccessful in having my son's injuries repaired.

The most the emergency room doctor here would do was wash the injured hand and give him a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers.

Sue Craven

St. Augustine


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