Cost Comes Before Care
Medical treatment, insurance-style.
On Feb. 2, I accidentally shot myself where I sit. You’re right if you think I’ve been the butt of many a joke over the incident.
When I walked into the Humana West Hills emergency room, the pleasant-looking receptionist asked what I wanted.
With blood running down my leg and in a state of shock, I said, “I’ve just been shot.”
Her response was, “Oh.”
Another nurse picked up the phone, and I knew she was calling the West Valley police station to report it (which is mandatory, naturally).
The receptionist asked: “Do you have your insurance card with you?”
By this time, I was getting dizzy and having a hard time standing. I replied I was on their computer, having had knee surgery there a few months before.
Watching her go through the process of trying to extract my record was a sight to behold. After about 10 minutes, she said, “Ah, there you are.”
Finally, they allowed me into the emergency area, where they laid me down on a gurney.
I feel sorry for anyone who has a stomach or a head wound.
When did the dollar supersede care?
FRED L. WOLF
West Hills
