Dear So and So

[bmccasland]

Dear ice cold doctor. yes, my father is probably dying, and I know he will need to be moved to a SNF then probably hospice. But you cannot tell us all this, and expect us to make a decision that very same day. Can we at least have a day or two to process what is happening? What is it, do you have kind of discharge stats you need to keep up?

(((((Snapdragen & family)))))))
Probably pressure from insurance to move him out of the hospital. Where's the hospital social worker, who usually helps to set these things up? Like any of this is going to happen on a weekend?

[jelee1311]

{{{Beth & Herald}}}

Snapdragen I'm sorry about your father.

[snapdragen]

After I ranted and raved on the phone with the case manager, a different Doctor called me back. She explained the Medicare appeal process, and I'm going forward with that. He can stay at the hospital until at least Monday.

[kmehrzad]

Snapdragen, I'm glad you and your family now have time to consider the options. Sometimes it takes one to "make some noise" to get action.

I don't think drs. are taught much bedside manner these days. Case in point ... two yrs. ago my brother's dr. called him on his cell phone to say that he had Stage IV brain cancer. No office visit, no "are you sitting down," none of that. In fact, my brother was out running errands that day and got the news that hit him cold.

[Cataboo]

I've found that nurses are often much better at dealing with families and telling them the truth.

[OakLeaf]

Snap, I'm so sorry about your father. I hope his remaining time is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, for all of you. Hugs and prayers.

[PamNY]

Snapdragen, I'm sorry to read the sad news. I hope proper plans can be made without too much stress. +1 on social workers and nurses being really helpful in such difficult times.