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Health Care Tour: “Seeking Patient-Centered Care”
View: Bob's Health Care Tour slide show
List of all Health Care Tour stops
Health care is the most complex issue facing our country. Issues like immigration need a little courage; issues like energy need a lot of commitment. Health care needs courage, commitment, understanding, insight and meticulous planning. It’s that complex and that important.
People are concerned about rising costs, access and quality. Many are convinced we need significant health care reform. Reform should improve quality, expand access, and control escalating costs.
This month Inglis will begin a fact-finding health care tour to better understand how health care is being delivered and paid for in Greenville, Spartanburg, Union and our portion of Laurens County. Bob plans to meet with patients and families, small and large businesses, physicians, hospitals and clinics, pharmacies and key government agencies in the Fourth District.
Listed below are the stops already scheduled on the Health Care Tour.
Please share your health care stories with us; let others know what you think!
David Goldsmith (7/6/08)
I am a physician assistant and work in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Here are some observations I think should be addressed in South Carolina.
1). Increase smoking cessation. Insurance companies do not typically pay for medicines that can work. Increase the Cigarette tax. Why has this failed? Your tax money that pays for people on Medicare, Medicaid, Disability policies, workman's comp also pays for treatment of preventable illness caused by smoking (other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and diseases of poverty). 2). Insurance companies interfere with treatment decisions made by clinicians which requires time to authorize or contest. One example is denial of some medicines. So who is really practicing medicine?
3). Medicare reimbursement changes frequently and was just cut by 10%. It is harder to find a provider who can provide services and pay overhead. Its much easier to provide services for people with private insurance but that leaves fewer options for older people who need quality care. 4). Prevention can be a cost cutting strategy but has not been widely implemented. 5). Common sense laws in other states should be used here: motorcycle helmets, driving with cell phones, etc.
Chris McKenzie (7/5/08)
Government involvement in health care is responsible for the rising cost of medicine. Ask yourself why medicine in which there is little government regulation is cheaper and easier to access: Lasik surgery, and veterinary medicine for example. WeStandFirm.Org has collected a wealth of information about the damage that government regulation in medicine has caused.
A person that looks on another’s wealth as a means to pay for any aspect of their own life is a moral thief and should be denounced as such. To accept that idea would mean that every person that makes less money than you would have a right to YOUR money to pay for their medicine. To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, “Let not the government become a legalized form of thievery.”
Debbie (4/7/08)
It's so hard to know where to spend the American dollars. With the economy going down and inflation happening at an enormous rate I am afraid we are all in a major bind.
Michael Brown (4/1/08)
My politics are conservative, except when it comes to medicine. Everyone should die equally and no one should live longer because of their money. No one should die of a serious disease without adequate warning, so one can seek treatment. Society needs FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR ALL AGES, probably through the county health departments.
I am against any form of Federal health care, except for laws necessary to return health care to the patient. Perhaps we need to return to the socialize medicine of the past with some updated version of county operated hospitals and old folks homes.
Mark O'Rourke (3/30/08)
I commend Congressman Inglis for the time and energy he has devoted to his Health Care Tour since February. The family in today’s (3-30-08) newspaper article is a good example of how unaffordable health insurance and health care are becoming for the middle class. It is also true that the status quo of employer-based health insurance and third party payment for most health care has made “accessible, affordable and quality health care” harder to obtain for an increasing number of Americans, one in seven of whom lack health coverage at all.
The American Medical Association health system reform proposal includes 1) helping people buy health insurance through tax credits or vouchers, 2) individual choice of health insurance, and 3) fair rule to regulate health insurance markets and protect high-risk patients (www.VoiceForTheUninsured.org). I encourage everyone to learn more and to encourage our state and federal legislators to make health care reform a priority.
Keith Stafford (3/18/08)
We have created a health care system in this country that absolutely nobody can afford. Several things have to be done to reduce the cost of providing this healthcare.
1) Have to make all patients more conscious and responsible for the cost of health care The amount may have to vary depending on income, but everyone has to have a stake. If it is free people will want more of it. 2) You have to stop regulating the health care industry to death. You cannot mandate things like mental health benefits and then expect insurance premiums to decline. Huge amount of resources are being spent to keep the regulators happy. Regulation also eliminates creativity in finding solutions.
3) You have to stop suing doctors, etc as an industry. The cost of defensive medicine is outrageous. 4) You have to encourage people to use primary care physicians, which provide far more cost effective care than specialists, but under the current system the primary care physicians are going away.
More government control and financing will only make a very bad situation much worse.
Carroll Vaughn (3/11/08)
I recently found myself without insurance after our Cobra ran out. I have been rejected by Blue Cross and Aetna for any number of pre-existing conditions which are probably normal for most 54 year old man, even though my Doctor has written letters stating that none of my ailments require treatment. It appears that you must be perfectly healthy to get even the most expensive coverage. Is there any help or hope insight for those that are willing to pay for health coverage?
Millie Tatham (3/6/08)
My 35 year old husband suffered a severe brain injury in May, 2007. He is currently in a rehab facility in Florida, because adequate rehab services are not provided for low level brain injury patients in this state. He has made considerable improvements in the 5 months that he has been in FLorida, due to their intense therapy sessions and constant attention.
My insurance is now saying that he is only able to receive custodial care. I am sure that this is so they will now longer have to pay. They said this 5 months ago before we moved him to FL. I have rehab coverage and some skilled nursing coverage, but it seems the insurance company has a different definition of progress than we do. Each month I visit him I see improvements and his therapists feel that he is certainly a candidate for further progrogression. He cannot speak yet, but he will respond to simple commands and is obviously and noticeably cognitive. He will laugh at jokes and cry when he feels sad.
Our children (9 and 4) need their father. And we shouldn't have to write him off and shove him into a nursing home this early in his recovery.
The brain heals very slow and it can take 2 years or more. Insurance companies should not be able to decide and ditate the amount of therapy a patient receives, as long as improvement is being made.
Lily Vidrine (2/28/08)
I am a 62-year-old female who is one of the many people who has found herself without any kind of health insurance. I was recently widowed in 2006, and the health insurance that I had was terminated. I have applied to numerous major healthcare companies and was denied health coverage because of my slightly elevated blood sugar levels. I have since rectified this problem with restricting my carbohydrates. I am of normal weight (5'6", 130 lbs.) and have been this way all of my life. I am what you would consider a very health-conscience individual.
I am not asking to be given free health insurance. I am willing to pay. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, among many other companies, had high deductibles, and I was willing to pay the high deductibles. But I was rejected. The only alternative is the state program (South Carolina Health Insurance Pool), which would cost me about $950/month. This amount is outrageous. This must be health insurance for the wealthy!
Thank you for allowing me to voice my concerns.
Gwen Winter-Neighbors (2/22/08)
Health care is a big political football. Our special needs and unusual high demand for simple medications seem so great. I have 5 people on my block with all different needs. I have state retirement and medicare. Which I did not need until I had to purchase it. I am not on any medications except when simple things happen.
My friend has a construction business, unfortunate she is in that area. With only two company employees she ( can count on) does not qualify for group insurance. The new laws reflect that a small group of owners can combine and buy health coverage for less. How does this person meet these other small companies that need this?
there should be a contact for small business owners to be able to do this. My next door friends has so many medical needs. I see such a variety of needs in health. I pay my teacher SC retirement insurance, and also medicare. I can not sign up with any other company, if I do I still have to pay the SC Retirement as well. How great is that? It is a terrible experience to listen to the "barking" of those running for office. I like Mike! No one feels safe anymore with the way our Health and Medical history is going. I called Rite Aide, they charged $348 for a 16 oz of medicine to get fungus nails cured. The same medicine (generic) at Walgreens was only $106. Who's watching the store? No one. I had a $10 co-pay at either place. the new Rite Aide in Piedmont, SC will not get my small business. I know at the end; my insurance rates will go up with this type use. Why would one drug company do this? I told all my friends to shop around. Even if I have to pay only $10 co-pay up front; I will pay later with increased costs down the way. People that are illegally in the USA have no business taking our health care system for FREE.
Free loaders are not desirable in any society. I pay my health care for myself and spouse out of my teacher retirement funds. I also have police officer's retirement funds, but only for a few years. I am sure glad I worked 3 jobs most of my life so I am a burden on society. Not so for others. I won one of 30 selected to attend "Every Woman" 5 month program for only $80 fee. I had to be chosen from over 60 applicants. All Americans should be able to attend the "LIFE CENTER: of health & Conditioning before they have a major illness. The qualification was 30 people between 30 and 55. they accepted me with my birthday near the 70 mark. I have no medical problems, and good DNA history. Others are not so lucky. thank you for all you do. I will serve your program if you need a healthy senior.
Carolyn J. Turner-Cox (2/19/08)
I pay $887 per month so my husband and son are covered by health insurance through my employer. I make $14.00 an hour. Our copay presently is $20 for an office visit. Our drug copays are on tier basis with generics being $8.00 and tier 3 going up to $50.00. My husband is diabetic and had a heart attack two years ago. The company he works with has a very poor insurance program, so I continue to have him on my insurance. My son and I only go to the doctor when absolutely necessary. My husband frequently has to split medication in half because we cannot afford it. I work full time and fully expect the time to come when I have to take a second job just to afford to keep my family insured. This is a sad state of affairs, but at least I do have a job and have insurance.
I have supported your campaigns in the past even though I am a Democrat. You actually know the physicians with whom I work. They will tell you insurance companies tell us what we can prescribe, wha t tests must be done and how much they will pay for any service. The physician and patient have less control over their treatment then when I began working there 18 1/2 years ago. Insurance companies seem to provide less and take more.
Kristen Fleig (2/15/08)
Our family has health insurance, but we can't afford to get sick. Despite paying over $5000 per year for our insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses are so high, we can't afford to go for treatment. Every year, our premiums go up, our out-of-pocket expenses and prescription costs go up and our coverage goes down. Our son needs to have his adenoids out and there is no way we can afford the out-of-pocket expenses. We make way too much money for medicaid but don't make enough to be able to pay for treatment on our own. We are stuck!
I am convinced insurance companies spend millions of dollars each year to come up with ways to keep from having to pay anything out. After all, they are for profit organizations. And right behind them, are the drug companies. We can't get a break!
Viola Kueber Clemis (2/15/08)
Medicare is cheap compared with our supplements. It's the supplements which make a lot of money and they pay so very little toward our medical bills. We should pay the supplement payments to Medicare and have ONLY Medicare paying for our needs.
I presume the pharmaceutical companies like this the way it is now as they are making an enormous amount of money (profit). I also presume they have many lobbyists working for them.
Robert White (2/14/08)
I have health insurance and I pay over $800 a month in premiums. I have seen my doctor only once in the past year (I paid). Not that I do not need to (I am hypertensive, have high cholesterol, and two knees with torn or missing cartilage). I cannot afford to! I have to pay the insurance company. Doctor's visits are not covered.
Read Consumer's Reports article on health care. They do the job that politicians are supposed to...without the sound bites. I am paying about $10,000 a year for health insurance and I cannot get health care. I am not obese I do not smoke and I generally ride my bike to work. Think about it and please work for ALL the people.
Denise Tebedo (2/10/08)
As a breast cancer survivor of 23 years and a person who has experienced being uninsured for a significant period of time, I have seen both the positive effects of excellent care that occurred for me in the mid 80's and the devastation of the current health care system.
I have seen doctor's loose control over a patient's health as the insurance companies change the criteria for diagnosis, testing and treatment. If I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in today's health care system I would have died long ago. Reform begins with the basic respect for each individual as a whole person, not just a blood test with a variable result.
Bill Allen (2/5/08)
If I'm spending someone else's money, I'll spend freely." Oh, so true! Which is the key to the solution. First, the law should be changed, so that only life threating injury or illness has to be treated by ERs. Ilegals should have to pay for any and all medical services they receive. I'm on medicare, but deductibles and monthly premiums should be raised.
Post A Comment (we will use your first 150 words):
Health Care Tour stops (2008)
Thursday, 31 January - Personal Faces of the Health Care Issues
Working Uninsured Visit – Lynn Irby
When: 31 January, 2008 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
Where: 357 Hillandale Rd. Apt 205, Greenville, SC 29609
Issue: Visited with an individual who is employed but unable to afford health insurance.
Chronic Disease Visit – Philip Raimondo Sr.
When: January 31, 2008 (3:00 - 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 300 Goforth Street Apt D2 (Oakville Apartments) Cowpens, SC 29330
Issue: Visited with an individual in need of health care – trying circumstances.
Friday, 1 February – Business Perspective
When: February 1, 2008 (9:30 – 11:00 a.m.)
Where: Nationwide Insurance-Wendell Jones Agency, 623 N Main St, Mauldin, SC
Issue: Visited a small business unable to provide health care for its employees.
When: February 1, 2008 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)
Where: University Center Meeting Room, 225 Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC
Issue: Discussed options to businesses in providing health care.
- Consumer Driven Health Plans - Annmarie Higgins (Mitsubishi Polyester)
- Employee Health Benefits - Martin Storey (Michelin North America)
Physician Visit - Carolina Medical Center
When: February 1, 2008 (3:00 - 4:30 p.m.)
Where: Carolina Medical Center, 2 Roper Corners Cir, Greenville, SC
Issue: Visited a physician no longer accepting new Medicare patients. Visited an office using electronic medical records and prescriptions.
Tuesday, 5 February
Visit Exigent Wade Hampton Clinic
When: February 5, 2008 (12:00 – 1:15 p.m.)
Where: 2310 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29615
Topic: Walk-in clinics are increasingly popular and accessible providers of medical care.
Speak at Greenville Society of Human Resources Management
When: February 5, 2008 (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.)
Where: Marriott, Interstate 85 and Pelham Road, Greenville, SC
Topic: Bob spoke and solicited input on principles for health care reform.
Monday, 11 February
Meeting with Hospital CEOs and Veteran Affairs
When: February 11, 2008 (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Where: Greer Development Corporation, 111 B South Main Street, Greer, SC
Issue: Veteran Care Outsourcing (1 hr), Health Care issues (2 hrs)
Visit Mitsubishi Polyester Film "Family Services Center"
When: February 11, 2008 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 1999 Hood Road, Greer, SC 29650 (I-85, Exit 56)
Topic: Toured Mitsubishi’s onsite clinic innovative wellness program.
Monday, 18 February
Shriners Children’s Hospital - Greenville
When: February 18, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC
Issue: Shriners Hospitals provide world class care that is free to patients.
Greenville County Medical Society
When: February 18, 2008 (6 – 7:00 p.m.)
Where: 1395 S Church St, Greenville, SC 29605
Issue: Spoke to Greenville County Medical Society
Tuesday, 19 February
Physician Visit - Travelers Rest Family Practice
When: February 19, 2008 (9:45 - 10:45 a.m.)
Where: 9 Mcelhaney Rd, Travelers Rest Family Practice Travelers Rest, SC
Issue: Visited a family practice to talk about what it’s like to practice medicine in the Upstate (Medicaid, Medicare, liability, etc.).
When: February 19, 2008 (2:00 - 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 1700 Skylyn Drive , Spartanburg, SC
Issue: Visited a major district hospital and discussed successes and challenges in health care.
Wednesday, 20 February - Spartanburg Providers
When: February 20, 2008 (10:30 a.m. – 12 noon)
Where: Campus of Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Issue: Visited a major district hospital and discussed successes and challenges in health care.
Lunch in Doctor’s Lounge
When: February 20, 2008 (approximately 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.)
Where: Doctors’ Lounge of Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Issue: Spent time with doctors to hear their views on health care.
ReGenesis Community Health Center
When: February 20, 2008 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
Where: 750 S Church St, Spartanburg, SC
Issue: This health center provided an opportunity to talk about the positive and negative impacts of federal financing and possible issues of racial health disparities.
Thursday, 21 February – Greenville Providers
When: February 21, 2008 (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
Where: 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC
Issue: Met with those involved in the building of the new Greer campus.
Greater Greenville Chapter of Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
When: February 21, 2008 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)
Where: City Range, 615 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC
Topic: Bob spoke and solicited input on principles for health care reform.
When: February 21, 2008 (8:00 p.m. – midnight)
Where: Greenville Memorial Medical Campus, 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC
Issue: Observed a shift with ER personnel to see the types of patients they serve and issues they face.
Monday, March 17
Bon Secours – St Francis Hospital: Greenville, SC
When: Monday, March 17, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: One St. Francis Drive , Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Discussed health care issues and challenges at this local non-profit hospital.
When: Monday, March 17, 2008 (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
Where: 5 E. Butler Rd , Mauldin, SC 29662
Issue: The City of Mauldin switched from the state’s health insurance program to Ferguson, a new wellness program that not only covers illnesses but also gives incentives to stay well (gift cards, weigh-ins, lunch and learn sessions, etc).
Town Hall Meeting – Simpsonville
When: Monday, March 17, 2008 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Bryson Elementary, 703 Bryson Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Tuesday, March 18
Greenville Free Medical Clinic
When: March 18, 2008 (2:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
Where: 600 Arlington Avenue , Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: This free clinic serves low-income residents of Greenville County who have no medical coverage (no Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurance). Eligibility is determined by total household income and the number of people in the household.
New Horizon Family Health Services
When: March 18, 2008 (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 130 Malard St, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: This Federally Qualified Health Clinic provides an opportunity to talk about the positive and negative impacts of federal financing and issues of racial health disparities.
When: March 18, 2008 (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)
Where: 1210 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605
Issue: Today’s high-tech medical care relies heavily on imaging before cutting. While imagery is seen by many as profitable, it also faces financial challenges.
Town Hall Meeting –Greer
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Greer Public Works Meeting Room, 301 McCall Street, Greer, SC 29652
Wednesday, March 19
When: March 19, 2008 (12:15 - 2:00 p.m.)
Where: City Range Grill, 774 Spartan Road, Spartanburg, SC
Issue: Met with small businesses to discuss challenges and opportunities in providing health insurance coverage for their employees.
Small Insurance Agency – Walker Walker Higgins, LLC
When: March 19, 2008 (2:30 - 3:00 p.m.)
Where: 350 East Saint John St, Spartanburg, SC 29302
Issue: Small insurance agencies find themselves in the middle. They don’t control health care costs, but are the ones who must deliver increased premiums to policyholders.
Smith Drug Company – Spartanburg
When: March 19, 2008 (3:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where : 9098 Fairforest Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301
Issue: What roles do pharmaceutical companies play in cost and quality of health care?
Thursday, March 20
Wallace Thomson Hospital - Union
When: March 20, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 322 W. South St., Union, SC 29379
Issue: Visited the only hospital in Union County to discuss health care in the rural Upstate.
Lunch with Dr. Hueston Hobbs - Union
When: March 20, 2008 (12:45 – 1:45 p.m.)
Where: La Fogata Mexican Restaurant, Union, SC
Issue: Doctors must maintain profitability in order to keep the doors open. Dr Hobbs was forced to close his practice in April 2006 when reimbursements could not keep up with expenses.
Union Public Health Department
When: March 20, 2008 (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: 115 Thomas Street, Union, SC 29379
Issue: Discussed health care issues facing the more rural regions of the Upstate.
Town Hall Meeting – Union
When: Thursday, March 20, 2008, (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: USC Union, Auditorium, 401 E Main St, Union, SC
Monday, March 24
St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic
When: Monday, March 24, 2008 (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
Where: 162 N Dean St, Spartanburg, SC 29302
Issue: Visited with this free medical clinic where many without health insurance receive their care and medications. Doctors volunteer their time. Medications are low to no cost.
Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care
When: Monday, March 24, 2008 (3:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: 389 Serpentine Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29303
Issue: For many patients the hospital is only the first stage in care. Long term acute care (LTAC) and rehabilitation are necessary, but lengthy and costly elements of health care.
When: Monday, March 24, 2008 (5:30 – 6:15 p.m.)
Where: 435 East Main Street, Suite 2, Spartanburg, SC 29302
Issue: Discuss health care opportunities and issues facing independent pharmacists.
Town Hall Meeting – Boiling Springs
When: Monday, March 24, 2008 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Upstate Family Resource Center, 1850 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Tuesday, March 25
SC Dept of Health and Human Services (Medicaid)
When: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (10:30 – 12:00 p.m.)
Where: 1801 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Issue: Nineteen percent of South Carolina’s budget goes to Medicaid. By 2010, that number will be 24 percent. A large share of that spending goes to long-term care. Meeting the long-term care needs for an aging population is one of the biggest challenges facing SC.
When: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
Where Columbia, SC
Issue: Discussed health care issues impacting South Carolina.
William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
When: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209-1639
Issue: Toured the primary hospital care facility for 4th District veterans. Bob followed up on issues from the VA and hospital CEO meeting on February 11, 2008.
Wednesday, March 26
Meeting with Corporate Benefits, Inc.
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (10:15 – 11:00 a.m.)
Where: Corporate Benefits, Inc., Overlook Executive Park, 109 Laurens Road, Suite 1A, Greenville, SC 29607
Issue: Corporate Benefits Inc. works with insurance companies on behalf of their clients to keep health insurance premiums low. As a benefits manager, they have a unique perspective about lowering healthcare costs.
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (Noon – 1:30 p.m.)
Where: City Range, 615 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607
Issue: Sought input from Greenville area physicians on how to create better patient-centered care.
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 701 Grove Road , Greenville SC 29605
Issue: What unique issues are faced in care and funding mental health services?Physicians Forum - Spartanburg
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.)
Where: Chandi’s Bistro, 805 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301
Issue: Sought input from Spartanburg area physicians on how to create better patient-centered care.
Thursday, March 27
When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
Where: 308 Mills Ave, Greenville, SC 29605
Issue: Diabetes is one of the top chronic illnesses in the United States. Patient education and disease management programs help kidney patients identify and manage kidney disease before it leads to kidney failure.
When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 14 Manly St, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Greenville Forward strives to enhance the quality of life for greater Greenville by engaging citizens in continually updating, promoting, and facilitating a community vision. One of its 18 task forces is a task force for health and wellness.
Piedmont Orthopedic Associates
When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Where: 35 International Drive , Greenville, SC 29615
Issue: Discussed health care with members of a leading orthopedic practice.
Hospital Overcharging – Cynthia Girone
When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 (6:30 – 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Patients not covered by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid often receive much higher bills for the same services.
Town Hall Meeting – Greenville
When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, SC 29601 Auditorium, Rooms B & C
Friday, April 11
Lunch with Dr. Oscar Lovelace
When: Friday, April 11, 2008 (11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Where: Diane’s Stable Steakhouse, 113 Grace Street, Prosperity, SC 29127
Issue: Dr Lovelace is the former co-chair of Gov. Sanford’s Health Care Task Force.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
When: Friday, April 11, 2008 (1:30 – 3:00 p.m.)
Where: 2501 Faraway Drive (at I-20 East and Alpine Road)
Issue: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina writes over 50% of all health care premiums in the state, 7.5 times more than the next leading competitor. How does BCBS SC contribute to the quality, access and cost of health care in South Carolina?
Monday, April 21
Home and Hospice Care - Interim Health Care Ride-Along
When: Monday, April 21, 2008 (3:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: 16 Hyland Road, Greenville, SC 29615
Issue: Home health care allows many individuals to continue to live in their homes rather than live in assisted living or nursing home facilities.
Health Care Law - Sandy Miller
When: Monday, April 21, 2008 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Wombyle Carlisle Innovators at Law, 550 South Main Street, Suite 400, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Discuss issues in health care law to include fraud and abuse and medical malpractice claims.
Tuesday, April 22
Blue Cross Blue Shield of S.C. Conference Call
When: Tuesday, April 122, 2008
Where: Washington, DC and Columbia, SC
Issue: Continue discussion from 11 April meeting with BlueCross BlueShield of SC in Columbia, SC.
Monday, April 28
Robert Riehle of Saugus Healthcare Strategies
When: Monday, April 28, 2008 (3:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Spartanburg office on 464 E Main St, Suite 8. Spartanburg, SC
Issue: Discuss health care policies for discharge planning around nursing homes.
Monday, May 12
Center for Pediatric Medicine
When: Monday, May 12, 2008 (2:00 – 4:30 p.m.)
Where: 20 Medical Ridge Drive, Greenville, SC 29605
Issue: This residency training clinic is a major treatment center for Medicaid children in the county.
White Oak Management, Inc.- Spartanburg
When: Monday, May 12, 2008 (4:15 – 5:15 p.m.)
Where: 130 E. Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Issue: Meeting the long-term care needs for an aging population is one of health care’s biggest challenges. Nineteen percent of South Carolina’s budget goes to Medicaid. By 2010, that number is projected to be 24 percent. Nursing homes often choose which patients to admit based upon level of care, behavioral health, and funding sources.
Thursday, May 15
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Conference Call
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 (3:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Conference Call from Washington D.C. Office
Issue: Discuss electronic medical records and the challenges confronting adoption of the new technology.
Wednesday, May 28
Pharmaceutical Representatives Roundtable
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 (1:30 – 3:00 p.m.)
Where: University Center Board Room, 225 Pleasantburg Drive (formerly McAlister Square) Greenville
Issue: Pharmaceutical representatives influence physicians’ prescribing practices. They also benefit physicians in terms of education/research and the samples they give that get passed on to patients (something many patients don’t even realize).
Monday, June 2
Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital
When: Monday, June 2, 2008 (1:45 – 2:45 p.m.)
Where: 701 Grove Road Greenville, SC 29605
Issue: For many patients the hospital is only the first stage in care. Rehabilitation is often a necessary, but lengthy and costly element of health care. Rehabilitation hospitals must follow unique guidelines and criteria for patient care.
Roy Harmon - Greenville Attorney
When: Monday, June 2, 2008 (3:50 – 4:10 p.m.)
Where: 105 N Spring St, Suite 111, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Roy Harmon is a lawyer with a firm that specializes in health plans, and is quite knowledgeable about the subject. He has several ideas he has about health care reform.
Petrina Bexfield – Medicaid Patient
When: Monday, June 2, 2008 (4:15 – 4:35 p.m.)
Where: 105 N Spring St, Suite 111, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Petrina had a surgery covered by Medicaid. However, during the surgery her doctor decided it was medically necessary to remove some tissue and perform a test on it. Medicaid did not cover the cost of the test. Although she can afford to pay the charge, she knows a lot of people wouldn't be able to pay. She also thinks beneficiaries should be able to pay back what the Medicaid rate would be, instead of the clinic's charge.
Peggy Harmon - Independent Pharmacist
When: Monday, June 2, 2008 (4:40 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: 105 N Spring St, Suite 111, Greenville, SC 29601
Issue: Peggy is an independent pharmacist who would like to discuss the positive and negative impact of Medicare Part D on the elderly.
Monday, June 9
Clemson's Hospitals of the Future Project - Village at Pelham
When: Monday, June 9, 2008 (10:00 – 11:30 a.m.)
Where: Village at Pelham (Westmoreland & SC 14), Greenville, SC
Greer, SC 29652 (Meet at the front of the Medical Building at 2755 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650)
Issue: Clemson University is using HIT (health information technology) to design and build future hospital prototypes at this site off Pelham Road.
Monday, June 30
Greenville VA Out-Patient Clinic
When: Monday, June 30, 2008 (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.)
Where: 3510 Augusta Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605
Issue: Many military veterans receive health care services through the VA. This local clinic provides: Primary Care, Mental Health, Pharmacy, Dental, Audiology, Optometry, Dietetics, Routine Radiology and Laboratory Services.
Tuesday, August 19
Doctor for a Day
When: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Campus of Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Issue: Spend time with physicians and hospital staff in their daily routine to better understand issues of health care at the provider/patient level.
Wednesday, August 20
Oteen Veteran's Administration Hospital
When: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Where: 1100 Tunnel Rd (Rte. 70), Ashville, NC 28805
Issue: Many of the Fourth District’s veterans travel to this nearby VA hospital for their care.
Thursday, August 21
Don Finkell - Anderson Hardwood Floors
When: Thursday, August 21, 2008 (1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
Where : 877 Torrington Road, Clinton, SC 29325
Issue: With 550-600 civilian employees, Don Finkell and Anderson Hardwood Floors finds the rising costs of health care is eroding its ability to compete with foreign companies and is in favor of taking the burden of health insurance off the backs of businesses.
Friday, August 22
When: Friday, August 22, 2008 (1:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
Where: Spartanburg Emergency Medical Service, 525 Union St Spartanburg, SC 29306
Issue: Ride-along with EMS responders and witness the types of care they provide.
Monday, August 25
Meet with Charlie Boone
When: Monday, August 25, 2008 (1:45 – 2:45 p.m.)
Where: 464 E. Main St, Suite 8, Spartanburg, SC
Issue: Discuss health care issues with Charlie Boone, President Emeritus of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
Monday, September 8
Jervey Eye Group
When: Monday, September 8, 2008 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)
Where: 601 Halton Rd, Greenville, SC 29607
Issue: Jervey Eye Group sees 80,000 patients each year. As an employer for 165 health care professionals, this local health care provider also has insights to share on health information technology, health savings accounts, and their wellness program instituted in 2008.
Bob Bugos (9/2/08)
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Our automobile insurance is not selected by our employers. Why is our health insurance? We could easily retain all of the benefits of pre-tax spending on health insurance, and simply let employees shop for the health insurance that best meets their needs. It currently works for retirees, why not employees?