Not seeing a lot of options, we took Alex back to the ER this morning. The staff was extremely nice – and easily accepted that increasing pain, lack of meds and no assurance that his ankle was healing made for no fun.
Got him checked in and seen reasonably promptly by the PA on duty. And then we settled in to wait, and wait, and wait. The Ortho resident on call was swamped and it wasn’t like we presented an acute emergency. He got some pain relief, a set of x-rays, and finally his loose splint was replaced.
Honestly? DIdn’t seem to be any point in taking up the offer of admission since it wouldn’t increase his chances of getting ankle surgery in the next couple of days. But he will need surgery, and preferably before he reaches 3 weeks post injury.
So that gives us this week to get things straightened out and get him on the schedule. I really dislike the “for-profit” management corporations that have insinuated themselves so deeply in the US health care system that it may take slash & burn to effect any substantial change.
I expect a lot of finger pointing on Tuesday morning as the plan administrator attempts to place the blame for not processing the referral on anyone but them.
(We got back home at 1830 which doesn’t sound bad till I point out that we got there at 0930 this morning).
