Leaving AMA

[Guest guest]

Kris,

You wrote, " I ended up signing myself out because.... I knew that I was

having an attack from the ERCP so I left...one of the best moves I made. "

I don't know if you left AMA when you 'signed yourself out,' so this may not

exactly relate to what you were saying, but I understand how you were probably

feeling, as I have often been faced with another doctor wanting to take

treatment off into some odd direction. It is frustrating when we know, our

doctor

knows, and everybody probably knows what the problem is and what we need,

except someone who may have just inherited our case.

The reason I have never signed myself out, left AMA, or Against Medical

Advice is that in my experience working on the other side of the fence, is that

this results in a denial from the insurance company. In most circumstances, this

transfers financial responsibility to the patient.

I must admit, however, that there was a time when I actually have been so

angry that I did pack my bags and walked out the front door of the hospital.

Fortunately, a very kind and understanding nurse came outside, reminded me of

the

clause in most insurance contracts. In light of the time of day, or should I

say, night, that it was, it was highly unlikely I would be able to obtain a

ride, anyway. She took me back inside and literally tucked me in. I still had so

many unsettling feelings I couldn't sleep. She stayed with me and began to

gently brush my hair. All I remember is how incredibly comforting it felt. The

next thing I know I was morning. I will never forget this nameless nurse, who I

never saw or heard from again.

I did pull my insurance information the next morning, and she was right,

there was a clause confirming the release of financial responsibility for the

insurance company in the event the patient leaves AMA. That is a price I could

not

take on.

Every policy is different, but be sure and read the fine print. To be left

with the bill would feel like they won and I lost.. one more time, even though I

know that it isn't about winning or loosing. To deal with the stress of

feeling a loss of power or partnership, I have to affirm in my psyche that

everything will be just fine, and nobody can take away my power unless I give it

to

them.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International