Physicians Who Treat PD Patients Need Your Help!
As Health Reform proceeds in the Senate, neurologists, who treat a majority of Parkinson’s patients, need your help! In the present version of health reform legislation, neurologists are the only specialty NOT eligible for an incentive bonus for serving as a primary care “home” for patients. Excluding neurologists would discourage them from becoming the medical home to many Parkinson’s patients—an important role in the coordination of care. Please Contact your Senator and let them know that it is important to Parkinson’s patients that neurologists be eligible to receive these incentive payments!
Joyce Oberdorf
President and CEO
National Parkinson Foundation
2 Responses to “Physicians Who Treat PD Patients Need Your Help!”
Sherri on December 13, 2009
Hi Elisa -
Thanks for your comment. I would have loved to have seen your dad be able to meet with my neurologist (and you too), as it would have erased any doubt you may have with neurologists not willing to serve in a primary care role. My neurologist literally would have done anything for any of his patients without sending them all over the country for whatever else was ailing them. I also realize, from several horror stories I have heard, that he was an exception. I hope that removes a little doubt and gives others hope to keep searching until you find a physician that really cares.
Elisa Donato on December 12, 2009
An Open Message to Joyce Overdorf:
I am surprised to hear there exist board-certified neurologists who will agree to serve as a primary care clinician/ care coordinator for a PD patient under ANY circumstances or under ANY insurance system. In my experience, neurologists are willing only to treat the PD issues, alone; for PD-related issues (e.g., pain), they tell the PD patient, “Go see a specialist in that field. Good-bye.” Or, in the case of the advanced PD patient, they say, “Go see a specialist in that field. Don’t make any further appointments with me; there’s nothing more I can do for you. Good-bye.” So, please forgive me for doubting that neurologists are willing to serve in a primary care role, with or without a bonus.