(Snippets from the frontline)
COVID-19: Dear bailout company
As a frontline provider of healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic brings new urgency caring for patients. Every day I have to carefully calculate my time to insure those who might be ill are treated. There are many hoops doctors face that must be overcome.
Yesterday, I spent 20 minutes writing a letter for a patient to two airline companies because they would not refund monies after flight cancellations this week.
The patient is a caregiver for an ill loved one, but also attempts adhering to government direction on limited travel. But the airlines were not going to give a refund without a doctor letter. Oh hum…20 minutes.
Maybe, I could have evaluated one patient, called a worried family member, or perhaps tracked down gloves, gowns, and masks which are difficult to find.
Instead, I spent 20 minutes of time helping my patient get a refund from two airlines.
With this story, I hope Congress measures discretion providing bailout.
Some companies literally fly on the backs of people, even when there is a crisis.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
Leave a Comment