how many of you knew all this about "obs status," and getting hit with another big bill?
-
-
SM: "well, he's observation, so we'll send it 4 review." me: "sorry-UR (review) is 2 make sure he meets admission criteria. Last nite, we were told he did. What changed? SM: "IDK" Me: "but u can find out, right?" SM: "Well, he's obs" me: "I understand. But he met criteria"
Show this thread -
-
me: "I'm getting really frustrated. I'm sure you are, too. Bottom line: dad meets criteria 4 admission. We were told he's being admitted as a FULL admit. Obs was never mentioned & It's not needed. I'm instructing my family 2NOT AGREE 2 obs. So do we have 2go home now?" SM: ...
Show this thread -
-
Me: "Ok, we're not agreeing on this. The surgeon is offering surgery or a brace. What outpatient clinic can my dad get the brace?" SM: "that's not possible" me: "y didn't they do the brace in the ER?: SM: "they can't put it on--it's an inpatient thing(!)" Me: ...
Show this thread -
Me(trying hard--SO HARD--2b nice: "OK--I need your help here. We know one click in the computer & my dad's inpatient. I trust u2 fix this 4 my dad. My mom needs your help. It's the right thing 2 do. And I trust u. (how I'm feeling on phone:)pic.twitter.com/EkrMjo148W
Show this thread -
SM (leaves) *fin scene* & we wait 24 hours, while they fit my dad w/ a brace During which time he gets overdosed on narcotics, develops a condition called "hospital psychosis..." & the unit mgr calls me 2re-explain obs status & "y wont we sign the paperwork..." all in obs
Show this thread -
In all stories of woe, you wish a hero would just SHOW up and fix stuff. Personally, I hate that we need heroes bc the SYSTEM--that I work personally to build all day--should just work for patients. But after 6-8 hours of discussions, I was drained. I needed one.pic.twitter.com/Cr38RgpNtc
Show this thread -
-
The 1st was the physical therapist (PT) PT: "So I see they put u in obs 4 a broken back. I don't understand that. BUT IF I DO THIS TEST & U FAIL IT DOCTOR SHANAWANI, U AUTOMATICALLY MEET CRITERIA 4 ADMISSION." I'M GOING TO DO THIS TEST NOW, LET'S SEE IF YOU PASS IT."pic.twitter.com/lEIKgYd82q
Show this thread -
2nd hero... who wants to guess the letters after the name of the 2nd hero, that personally sent in the PT, who addressed my dad's pain, & who called me & talked me off the ledge, saying "this is crazy--stop worrying, THIS IS MY PROBLEM NOW."pic.twitter.com/WcgwTBIByN
Show this thread -
The palliative care nurse provided ME palliation: of my own anxiety, and handled it. She took care of me, the hospital, my DAD--like a BOSS. 1-FIND OUT WHAT THEY NEED 2-GET IT FOR THEM
Show this thread -
So despite my knowledge, skill, wealth, communication skill, literacy, assertiveness... my dad & I were helpless in a system that wasn't PATIENT CENTERED, EFFICIENT, TIMELY, EFFECTIVE. PEOPLE were, but the system--MY system! still failed.
Show this thread -
So, my dad got his brace, and after 2days, got a decent pain plan. The only "cure" for hospital delirium/ psychosis is GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AS SOON AS YOU CAN, so we brought him home. His obs got changed to a full admission. And I didn't smack anyone.
Show this thread -
My story isn't new--I have personally addressed this w/ 100s of patients. Since my tweet 2d ago, dozens of friends have told me similar ones. As a doc, who works 2 improve patient-centered care 4 a living, I thought, maybe we're on mile 14 of the marathon But are we on 1-2?
Show this thread -
Fundamentally, it's an issue of justice. & other docs (
@RanaAwdish ) have literally written BOOKS on their helplessness as patients. Not every patient has me in their corner. How do we provide advocacy 4 every patient, w/o having a brilliant gorgeous doctor 4 a son?Show this thread -
That's all for now. Off 2C avengers & see my dad. Follow 4 my next thread in a few weeks, when I relate how a #1 hospital in America gave my dad drugs that make your heart PUMP FASTER while he was in the middle of a heart attack* *for non-docs--that's bad. Thanks for reading!
Show this thread -
UPDATE Dads story getting tremendous support, likes & retweets Your support 4 my dad got attention of
@NJDeptofHealth & NJ health commissioner@ShereefElnahal 2 early 2tell, but maybe some good will come from sharing this w/ u all. THANK U GOD BLESS!https://twitter.com/hshanawanimd/status/1122343968338063360?s=12 …Show this thread -
More calls... I got a call fr hospital CEO! They r inviting our family 2 come debrief their leadership! Meanwhile continued support fr twitter. Sadly, dozens more stories of good people w/ resources struggling 2 navigate hospital care.
Show this thread -
I dont know what 2 say. I was powerless in the deeply flawed system of my own design, that isnt caring 4me despite my own best effort, all my wealth, privilege, knowledge. Only when I surrendered did i find new allies & supporters from strangers who also continue 2 suffer
Show this thread -
Whats helping my family is the humanity of good people in the hospital... ...& the humanity of thousands of GREAT people, also struggling, who amplified my voice! im crying thinking of all these people most of who i may never meet, who made this happen So Many Thanks
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.
OHHHH SNAP SPIDEY FANS
Dr Elnahal is a former VA quality doc, & is now the health commissioner 4 the great state of NJ.