02/11/2008
from the Kennebec Journal
Rep. Pingree hears varied proposals for health-care solutions
HALLOWELL Fire that cut communications labeled arson
MONMOUTH Police defended after slim budget rejection
State's schools chief to parley
Wasser will lead newsrooms at KJ, Sentinel and in Portland
BRIEFS
Hockey still in picture for Harrington
Portland boxer to face legend's son
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
$1.3 MILLION FOR HEALTHREACH
Families Matter grows to meet special needs
Chellie Pingree listens to ideas on health care reform
FARMINGTON Rain alters plans for 4th of July
District regroups after budget failure
Vote on county budget hits snag
Burnham driver wins checkered flag at 2 tracks on same day
Maine boxer gets unique opportunity
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
I recently experienced my first physical therapy evaluation/treatment for numbness in my hand at an area hospital. Where was the care, the concern, the human touch during my evaluation? I didn't experience it.
Now don't get me wrong, the facility was clean and bright, the physical therapists efficient. But that was it. I felt like a number, a body in a space.
The "push" to schedule future weeks of physical therapy was evident. The assumption that because one has a health insurance card all would be covered and just fine was one of arrogance.
Do healthcare workers believe that our health insurance companies just willy-nilly pay for all services that some healthcare worker suggests be done?
The treatment was "hi-tech" with a machine mimicking the massage technique of human hands. As a reflexologist this is not my idea of healing: to be left alone for 15 minutes behind a curtain next to this strange machine that hums and pulsates beside you and on your body.
I did get measured and tested and given exercises to do twice a day. I'm sure the final bill for this 11/2 hours of physical therapy will floor me and cause me more concern than the numbness in my hand.
So, I ask again, where has the care in healthcare gone?
Kate Boyer
Burnham




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