В Теннесси пациенты сталкиваются с системным пренебрежением и отказом в медицинской помощи

Middle Tennessee is a beautiful place to call home. It’s also a healthcare desert with a patient to primary care physician ratio at approximately one doctor for every 1,500 people. I know this because I am dealing with a rather urgent (fixable) medical condition that puts me at risk for all sorts of unpleasantries, including necrosis. I’ll tell you the gory details later, but I am looking at an unexpected surgery and a profound loss of functionality and quality of life until it is treated. Unfortunately, I am also going through my first experience with systemic medical neglect. I’m not saying someone is maliciously trying to make me suffer (at least I don’t think they are), but what’s happening to me is, no doubt, happening to countless others. It is a result of ageism, overwhelmed doctors, corporate entities that thrive on red tape, and other fun things like that. I am not writing this to point fingers. I am writing this in the hopes it will plant a seed of change. Here are just some highlights of my past few weeks. I called and messaged one office and was told the doctor I saw "couldn’t be reached." Even when a doctor is out, providing flippant responses or just disregarding questions and requests is unacceptable. I am of the belief that if you have an established patient dealing with infection and a potential medical emergency who says their pain level is a 9 and rising, you should try to help. You should not tell me that it’s hard to say why I’m in such extreme pain and then tell me to call back two days later. You shouldn't say you’ll pass on my message, only to make sure no one responds to me. As of this writing it’s been seven days since that phone call, and the lack of caring does not instill me with confidence. I’ve shared the specifics with some nurse friends and each of them are appalled at the lack of treatment I’ve received, so at least I know I’m not overreacting. What I have received from two separate health care providers is the clear message that I do not matter. I have no value and my pain and suffering is no big deal. I am not saying the doctors who saw me are sending this message. I don’t think they even know about my requests for help. Maybe they do, but I really have no idea. Over the past few weeks, I’ve experienced what I think is an unnecessary delay of care, no continuity of care among providers, and, essentially, patient abandonment. Should you experience this type of disregard, you have options. You can ignore it, say nothing, suffer for another month or two until it’s taken care of. You can also contact your medical insurance to file a Quality of Care Complaint or file a formal complaint with the State Medical Board citing patient neglect. You can reach out to Office or Practice Managers. And you can also return to your patient portal and insist that they document in your file why such and such failed to happen. Why were the physician’s orders not carried out? Nobody likes a paper trail. That might get you some help a little faster. I’m not advocating being a jerk to anyone. I’m not saying sue them. Systemic medical neglect is highly documented and is a reality in rural communities. If you’re over 50 you’ve got a great chance at experiencing it. Remember, you’re not bothering anyone at any healthcare facility when you are advocating for yourself. Remember, you are paying for a service. Our medical system is failing us. It’s not one person’s fault (OK, sometimes it is). Medical professionals deserve and need work/life balance. Patients deserve consistent care. The entire population deserves respect and healthcare, not just homeowners between the ages of 30-45. Jane Ellen is a Cookeville writer.