Questions for those on Medicare (or who have experience with it)

[Glitterati]

49. Here's what is needed

STRONG patient advocates, whose sole job is to ensure the patient (or an unconscious patient's responsible party) is informed of ALL the choices of care and ensures patient care is valuable and proper.

Throughout this process, there is no one who has the sole responsibility to ensure a patient is informed, appraised of ALL the possibilities, and whose wishes are being respected.

Preferably, a medical student, nurse practitioner, etc. who understands the field of care and has the power to enforce provisions legally.

The hospital endocrinologist had one purpose - to do surgery; dismissing the radioactive iodine as "that is dangerous, too." She simply refused to discuss the possibility. When I told her I couldn't afford surgery because I was uninsured, she left my room and I never saw her again.

It is THIS kind of care that must be avoided - taking the most expensive, most dangerous course of action because the parties involved make more money.