OCR Text |
Show Reflections, April 19, 1984, Page 4 a Ann Landers: Why The Bill For Donated Organs? Dear Ann Landers: Dear Friend: have tried repeatedly to reach you by telephone. No answer. have also written a letter but received no response. Because for years have been urging my readers to send for donor cards, feel a responsibility to get to the bottom of this. am just as eager as you to learn why the family was presented with that bill for $7,500. consulted with some of the most distinguished people in the field. This is what they told me: Dr. John P. Merrill of Harvard Medical School, member of the team that performed the first successful kidney transplant in 1954, said, Ill check with Dr. Charles B. Carpenter, who heads the tissue typing laboratory of the Northeastern Organ Bank, and get back to you." Within the hour, Dr. Merrill called to say, No hospital that we know of charges the patients family for removing organs to be used in transplantation. In this case, perhaps the An relative died recently of a gunshot wound. He didnt die instantly but survived several hours. In the hospital, his parents were approached about donating his kidneys. They agreed to do so. Later they received a bill for $7,500 for the removal of those organs. For many years have car- - .ty I I I I I I I . ried a donor card because I v you have encouraged your read- ers to make this final contribution to a fellow human. After this experience Im considering tearing my card up. dont want to burden my children with a $7,500 debt. have attempted to discuss this matter with the hospital personnel but can get no clear answers. You are my one reliable source. Please help me understand this. Im signing my name and address but ask that you not use it in the column. Withheld On Request I I surgeon performed a complicated procedure in an effort to save the boys life. The bill may have been the fee for that operation. Under ordinary circumstances, lets assume the patient is an accident If the victim and declared brain-dead- . family gives permission, the organs are Discover for yourself why Golden Corral is the best family steak house in America! Visit us soonL harvested and the bill goes to the hospital. The hospital works it out with Uncle Sam, who reimburses the hospital through Medicare. Dr. John Najarian, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, said, In Minnesota the donors family is never charged for the harvesting of organs, nor should they be charged any place else. The government spends $2 billion a year to support this program through Medicare." (The government, folks, is you and me. The $2 billion comes out of our taxes.) Dr. Chase Peterson, president of the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and coordinator of the Barney Clark artificial heart project, said, There are two categories of expense: (1) hospital care, systems and medical care, for which someone must be responsible, and (2) surgery for harvesting organs, for which there is no charge." You now have the facts, my friend. If you want Dr. Peterson to contact the hospital and pursue the matter, he has graciously offered to do so. I await your response. Mizz-oo-ra.- Arkansas 411 No. Main 11-1- (not sas); Ark-an-sa- Lima (Ohio) (no Tucson (not tusks as in elephant); New Orleans - New Orlins (not Leens); Spokane (not 0 & Too-Sah- Sat. 1 a Ly-ma- ); n Spo-kan- CHILDRENS PORTRAIT SPECIAL (Dee-Moyn- n e Ore-Gu- n I Chick-ah-go- Dear Ann Landers: was recently widowed.sMy husbands death was sudden and unexp ected. Like so many other women never thought it would hapen to me. wont go into detail about the agony and loneliness. It would fill the entire page. Besides, youve heard it all I I I before. cannot get over the lack of compassion people have for my grieving. They I dont want to talk about my husband, nor will they allow me to talk about him. When I mention his name, they change the subject and pretend he never existed. Everyone says, Keep busy and go out." I wish it were that easy. What should say to people who ask (with a big smile), "How are you doing?" What do they expect me to say when the person loved more than anyone in the world has died and shattered my life overnight? am furious at the insensitivity of my family and friends. Any suggestions on how to cope? West Coast Widow I I I . DearW.CM: Too bad you are surrounded by such ignorance. Obviously your family and friends dont know that grief is a normal part of the hearing process and you Don't get burned by a line" thats too hot to handle. Play it cool with Ann Landers guide to Necking and Petting What Are The Limits?" Send your request to Ann Landers, P. 0. Box 11995, Chicago, Illinois 60611, enclosing 50 cents and a envelope. Take time to take advantage of our Easter Special and remember this season with fine portraits of your long-stampe- COPYRIGHT 1984 NEWS GROUP CHICAGO, INC. NEWS AMERICA SYNDICATE children... Make your Ann Landers is the most widely syndicated columnist in the world, with an estimated readership of 70 million in over 1,000 newspapers. A World Almanac poll, conducted in 1978, showed Miss Landers to beht most influential woman in the United States. Recently, the American Medical Association chose Miss Landers as the recipient of the citation for distin- appointment now! Package Includes: 1 (8x10) 2 (5x7) 9 Wallets A 35 Value ONLY guished service, the highest honor 19.95 EXPIRES APRIL 30 CALL y need to talk about your feelings. When asked how you are doing, say, "I am struggling." Since no one will allow you to unburden yourself, pay a professional to listen. It is essential that you verbalize your frustration and rage. EASTER 5 r that often suffer at the hands (or Lee-m- Fri. Gloucester Glous-te(forget that ce" in the middle); Iowa (no way," please);lllnois (no s" at the end, thank you); Des Moines (see above - same rule); (not Oregon Yosemite (might" is not right). A Stickler From Out West Dear Stick: Thanks for your list. May add a . couple? Chicago is not Its And anyone who says Frisco" for San Francisco should be strung up by the thumbs. " mouths) of ignoramuses. Please print them and educate a few million people today. h" is (the Am-urs- t silent); Dear Ann Landers: I was interested in the letters from readers who were annoyed because so many people mispronounce the name of their city or state. You correctly pointed out that Louisville should be and Missouri Here are additional cities and states Loo-i-v- Sun.-Thur- s. 11-1- cane); Amhert NOW! 882-052- 5 or 882-387- 9 given to a lay person. She was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and attended Morningside College. In private life Ann Landers is Mrs. Eppie Lederer, and lives in Chicago. She has a married daughter and three grandchildren. |