Choices! We don't need no stinkin choices!

Choices! We don't need no stinkin choices!

Kim

8/15/2003

Mr. Karolewski,

     With all due respect, you couldn't be more wrong. The business of
medicine today, (that includes prosthetics and orthotics) is no longer
predicated or determined by work ethic, ability, or choice. Those are
obsolete, antiquated notions of yesteryear.

     Today's modern healthcare empire, is facilitated by exclusive
contracts, consummated behind closed doors. You own the contract, you own
the patient, no if, ands, or buts. If superior ability is involved, it
occurs in negotiating the percent of actual discount conceded, and not the
quality of service that is ultimately rendered.

     Nowadays the majority of patients lack the luxury of choosing
healthcare providers. Medicine today is a take it or leave it, captive
referral system. Insurance companies, the government, practitioners, and
even suppliers tell you where to go and what to do. If you don't like that
alternative you can pay out of pocket or do without.

     So please don't naively tell me that today's medicine is about choices.
It is about exclusive captive referral contracts, bottom lines, and nothing
more.

     Enjoy your fantasy while you can. Meanwhile this cancer is growing,
violating the patient, and destroying our profession's integrity and
credibility!

Have a Nice Day,

Kim L. Ruhl CPO







----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Karolewski < <Email Address Redacted> >
To: < <Email Address Redacted> >
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 6:46 AM
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Let the Games Begin


> Dear James,
> Isn't this the same thing Hanger has been doing for the last
> few years. We have model patients come into Northwestern with Hanger
> brochures for a patient clinic and wondering how Hanger got their
> names. When they do attend they find out that EVERYBODY there needs a
> new socket...a Hanger socket for more comfort. How is Ossur so
> different?
>
> Ossur has been competing with Hanger since the big fallout between
> the two. Let the Ossur and Hanger conflict run its course. Hopefully
> for the sake of the profession, they put the ego's aside and make up.
>
> Please let's not get this argument started again.
>
> Bottom line, if your secure in your abilities as a practitioner, your
> good, and your patients are happy they will not leave you.
>
> Next discussion!
>
>
> Thanks,
> Thomas Karolewski, CP, FAAOP
>
> --
> Thomas Karolewski, C.P.,FAAOP
> Assistant Director of Prosthetics Education
> Northwestern University Prosthetics- Orthotics Center
> 1(312)238-1182