GUMC
- 1. 1 August 27, 2016 Edward B. Healton, MD, MPH EVP of Health Sciences Georgetown University Medical Center 4000 Reservoir Road, NW #120 Washington, DC 20057 AND Lisa Krim, JD, Interim General Counsel RE: Audiology Department does not accept same insurance other GUMC departments accept Hi Ed and Lisa, Since Bruce is not responding to his email, you are next up. As per below, I am trying to transfer my cochlear implant audiology work from the VCU Health Audiology Clinic in Richmond, VA to Georgetown University Medical Center audiology department because this medical center is a 10-minute walk from my apartment. I called the audiology department because I am already a patient in internal medicine and genecology. As per the audiology department, cochlear implants link below: http://www.medstargeorgetown.org/our-services/ear-nose-and-throat/treatments/cochlear- implants/#q={} phone 202-944-5300 the department administrator, Mickie (as in Mickey Mouse) told me that this department does not accept my health insurance (Medstar Family Choice) eventhough every other unit in MedStar Georgetown University Medical Center does accept this insurance. Mickie told me to go to Washington Hospital Center and that is very far away. MedStar Georgetown University Center is walking distance from my home. Washington Hospital Center is too far away. This is another example of the clerical setting policy at the Medical Center whereas the executives are supposed to set the policy - not the clericals or the administrators. 1. I need an appointment with the audiologists who deal with cochlear implants to upgrade my external device from the Freedom model to the current model. 2. I need the audiology department to accept my insurance as the other units at MedStar Georgetown University Medical Center do.
- 2. 2 I want a call from Mickie with an appointment time and day within the next 10 days. I want Mickie to stop giving me a run-around and a hard time. Please issue an executive order telling all MedStar Georgetown University Medical Center units that they must accept the same insurance that all the other units accept. The audiology department discrepancy will prevent continuity of care and the PCP in internal medicine cannot keep track of the patients health if the patient has to go to various different medical centers for care. Mickies policy limits the PCPs ability to refer patients internally. This will result in medical malpractice lawsuits. Also, it results in denial of care refusing to provide care for someone who is receiving DC Medicaid. New Medicaid rules expand the types of people who qualify, including disabled people. Georgetown University Medical Center receives millions of dollars in Federal research funds every year. It looks just terrible for one unit to refuse DC Medicaid patients especially when the other units in this medical center dont. This strategy of allowing Mickie to set medical center policy can result in lawsuits coming out of the woodwork. It is a very bad idea to allow the clericals to run the show. Please step in and run your medical center. Looking forward to hearing from Mickie soon with an appointment time and day. I am forever your Consultant to the CEO, Debra Charles, Bryn Mawr 81 debrafcharles@gmail.com Enclosure (1)