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eBook Category: Health/Fitness
eBook Description: In this era of unprecedented medical advances in research, technology, and treatments, we shouldn't be faced with problems of denial of care due to poverty, age, or disability. The American Public does want affordable health care, but they also want to trust in that health care. They want to know that their health will be considered first over the health of a corporation's piggy bank; that all the money they have spent on insurance premiums will come back in the form of medical care. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. This book is an attempt to highlight the problems of the current health care system in the United States, and to begin to formulate a better, more productive policy. The New Underground Railroad shows us that Health Care Warriors are in already in the tunnels every day, getting help for patients that are not being allowed the medical care they need. You are invited to join, and become part of, a new human rights movement. Come ride through those dark tunnels with us while we stop at the various stations. You will greet other travelers, make lasting friendships, and hopefully, together, emerge into the light of a revitalized health care system that brings back the original ethics of medicine, and rejects the dark philosophies that now prevail. It will be the ride of your life, but make no mistake, your life, and the lives of your loved ones, depend on it!

eBook Publisher: SynergEbooks, Published: SynergEbooks, 2004
Fictionwise Release Date: September 2004

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [891 KB], eReader (PDB) [207 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [188 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [165 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [169 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [214 KB], hiebook (KML) [413 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [252 KB], iSilo (PDB) [155 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [192 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [229 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [254 KB]
Words: 55654
Reading time: 159-222 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED
ISBN: 0-7443-0801-1

"The New Underground Railroad: Health Care Warriors, is a provocative look at the American health care system. It is sure to provoke discussion and challenge us to examine important issues which affect us all."--Mary Doherty, Head of Reference at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY

"The message is loud and clear. This publication is a call for the consumer to appreciate the shortcomings in our healthcare system and make a change. The players in the industry ie; government, HMO's, pharmaceutical companies all have a strong voice in what happens to the healthcare dollar. However the consumer, who is the usual victim has very little voice. It's time for the public to hear the message and demand change. Reading this book is step one. The format is exciting and the content mesmerizing. The message is a wake up call."--Evelyn P. Dooley, MD. (Dr. Dooley won a nominee for the position of Surgeon General, was a Medical Director in long term care for over 30 years, and is active with the New York State Medical Association and the AMA.)

"This book will change your view of health care in America in the twenty-first century as radically as HMOs have changed a caring profession into a crass, profit-driven industry that treats patients as mere cost centers. The authors trace the roots of this medical malaise to the burgeoning of HMOs starting in the 1970s. Once hailed as a cost-effective wave of modern health care, many practitioners know first-hand that HMOs skimmed healthier patients from traditional insurers (e.g., Blue Cross) by offering lower rates. In the intervening years, the authors paint a picture of dehumanizing greed akin to 'Soylent Green,' in which humans are the mysterious ingredient in food substance. Based in part on the experience of Terri Schiavo, the Florida woman who was saved by legislative action, the authors describe the efforts of new health care warriors, dedicated to restoring the sanctity of life and trust in the health care system. This powerful book makes us aware of the problem we face and offers hope that the future will be brighter--if these warriors succeed. "--Michael McTague, Ph.D., Hagan School of Business Iona College

"No matter how much you like to feel sorry for yourself, you have to change that. It doesn't jibe with the life of a warrior."--Carlos Castaneda

"I want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season and thank you all for the wonderful work that you are doing." This was the voice of Vickie Travis coming over the Internet on her radio program, The Vickie Travis Show on www.highway2health.net at Tropic Wave Radio. The night of December 24, 2003 was special because Vickie was on for a two hour Christmas Eve Special that would include calls from patients and advocates speaking together and wishing each other and the world special holiday greetings. Thus, people who have been working together from all over the country got to meet each other and send good wishes through the magic of Internet technology. Included were Peter from Florida, Ila, Sharon, and Bobbi from California, Miguel from Washington State, and Audrey from New Jersey, as well as the many worldwide listeners. The next day was a time to spend celebrating and relaxing with family and friends. But, then it was back to the fight!

At 7:00 a.m., on December 26, 2003, Audrey came down the stairs eager to face the day. First, she had to prepare coffee and become focused once again in order to prepare for the battle: the battle for health care reform. Her goal was to help create an adequate health care system for all Americans. Three thousand miles away in California, her fellow warrior, Vickie, was still sleeping, fatigued from the battle that has gone on for so long. However, she too would awake soon, eager for battle. They would soon speak on the telephone and talk by e-mail of their current plans, and along with a network of professionals, advocates, and patients, would continue to fight for America to have the best health care system in the world!

Audrey Ignatoff, a resident of New Jersey, never thought that she would be without health insurance. However, she joined the millions of Americans in this group when her husband lost his job. It did not matter that he had worked for the company for more than ten years and had done an excellent job in a highly specialized field. COBRA, the program that allows people to pay for and keep their health insurance for a period after separation from employment, at over $1000 per month, was too costly to consider on unemployment. So, with more than 60 years of working experience between them, Audrey and her husband had no coverage. Thus, they became victims of the health care system, and soon after, she became a warrior.

It did not take long for Audrey to realize that they were not simply the victims of ?bad luck," but that their situation was part of a pattern that weaved through the American economic scene. Companies were typically laying off older, more experienced workers and replacing them with younger employees that either did not need health insurance or were single and only required benefits for themselves.

During this time, Audrey received a call from an old friend, Dawn, who told of her mother's murder while a resident at an assisted-living facility in California. Her death was the deliberate result of starvation and dehydration, combined with a morphine overdose, despite the fact that there was no indication for such ?treatment." The woman did not have any condition that required the administration of morphine. She was not terminal, nor was she in extreme pain. She had the beginning of Alzheimer's Disease and mild Arthritis.

Because Audrey was a medical sociologist, health care and seminar consultant, as well as in-service trainer who had been involved with the disabled and the elderly, she was intrigued with Dawn's story on a professional level, as well as a personal one. Her friend then told her about a group of people who have helped her with a great deal of support and information. They also encouraged her to go to court on her mother's behalf because this was not an unusual incident, but an increasingly growing phenomenon and behavior pattern within the health care system. Since she had data about her mother's case such as autopsy reports and physicians? evaluations, some thought that this could be a ?landmark? case that would draw attention to what is happening to so many disabled and elderly who are receiving health care.

Dawn urged Audrey to get to know Vickie Travis who was very involved with health care reform and patient advocacy, and was very helpful and supportive about her mother. Vickie was in the fight since September 11, 2000 after her father died as a result of the neglect and abuse of his HMO. Since that time, Vickie Travis created a website entitled The Kaiser Papers in order to tell about her father's case and to help others in difficult situations with the health care system. Later, she also created The Managed Care Reform Council, in order to broaden the scope of her work. Dawn, who originally introduced Audrey to Vickie, donated the funds for the incorporation in order to honor the memory of her mother. "After all," she said, "Vickie Travis literally saved me; she convinced me to fight and to become a ?warrior."

When Vickie Travis told her story about her father, it appeared along with his photograph all over the world. It was even read before Congress and published in the Congressional Record. Vickie tells of the poor treatment that her father received by his HMO, including being given up to ten psychoactive drugs simultaneously, being neglected, misdiagnosed, and continuously denied proper care. When Ms. Travis began to complain after his death and began to investigate his case, she was offered a large sum of money from the HMO involved in her father's death to ?go away." However, she will never stop demanding that ?they should change the way they treat their patients." Vickie is so devoted to her work that once, even when a pickup truck crashed into her living room, she barely left her computer to see what happened. After she was sure that everyone was fine and the police were called, she quickly returned to her work. Vickie now works with a network of volunteer advocates from across the county. As a reward for saving a ?victim," she sends them a doll to show appreciation. Many have joined the fight, including patients, advocates, physicians, nurses, attorneys, administrators and journalists. Members include all religious groups and political parties. For Vickie Travis, this is a job that she is happy to pursue seven days a week, and she has helped many victims, as well as convince many people to join in the cause.

Audrey agreed to speak to Mrs. Travis, and Vickie called her on July 17th of 2003. That conversation became the beginning of an alliance and friendship that would allow the women to join forces in the battle for health care reform. This book is a result of that collaboration. It tells of the many warriors and the victims involved in the battle. It is also an attempt to formulate a health care policy that will benefit all Americans, as good health is our most important national asset. Also, they illustrate strategies in protecting oneself from possible abuses when dealing with the health care system. Thus, the battle cry of the warriors for health care reform has become, "Do the Right Thing."

The transition from ?victim? to ?warrior? is not easy. Victims feel depressed and powerless. Others will often gloss over bad situations and say, "Forget about it. Move on." However, for many, denial just doesn't work very well. People need to replace inaction with anger and go from ?accepting? the situation to taking positive action. A warrior tries to make life better, and by joining with others, helps to restore a sense of power. Thus, a warrior increases respect and brings promise of improvements in the future. Warriors know that cruelty to one's neighbors is cruelty to themselves as well. A warrior is never alone because he or she has others who are interested in his cause, and are willing to fight too. Warriors must become intensely aware of their surroundings when they become involved with the health care system; they have to become ?a person of knowledge." In short, they must learn to ?see? the reality of the situation. With that vision comes the power to win the fight for themselves and for others. Audrey and Vickie have ?seen," and, are ?warriors." They are joined by others who ?see? the problems on the health care landscape in America today.

Today, we face a health care system that is expensive, inconsistent, and unwieldy, with more than 40 million Americans without any health care insurance. Those that do have health insurance may or may not reap the benefits of their plan when the time comes to be treated. Their disease may be difficult to diagnose, and therefore, not be covered, or their care may prove to be ?too expensive." The warriors have seen too many horror stories that resulted in unnecessary suffering and deaths. There are cases of not only elderly and disabled people, but also many incidences of young children and babies who have been seriously damaged or even killed by those who were entrusted to care for them. The examples are too many to count, and if nothing is done soon to remedy this situation, more blood will flow in this battle.

The ravages of the health care system are all around. It is often unsafe to go to a hospital, nursing home, assisted living residence or hospice for many reasons. It is estimated that many thousands die accidentally in hospitals each year due to staff carelessness or inadequate infection control procedures.

Unfortunately, many are motivated to profit from the health care system, even to the point of committing fraud. Ron Panzer of Hospice Patients Alliance states, "Unfortunately, health care fraud exists in every field of health care, even hospice. Whether it is insurance companies, hospitals, nursing homes, doctors or hospices, patients and families become victims of a system which protects the businesses conducting the fraud and leaves the patients and families to be exploited."

Health care administrators and others often justify their uncaring behavior upon the philosophical concepts of the bio-ethics movement spearheaded by Peter Singer. Singer believes in infanticide, euthanasia, and assisted suicide, among other things. Panzer goes on to say that, "The Peter Singer's of this world and policymakers who have listened and adopted his dark vision of ?ethics? have created a monstrosity, a health care system, through their philosophical abandonment of the ethical foundation of our society and health care, which is the basic understanding of the sanctity of life and that health care professionals are to ?do no harm? and ?never kill!?

Ila Swan, the California representative for The Association for Protection of the Elderly (APE), has investigated hundreds of nursing homes. Armed with death certificates, photographs, and hidden video cameras, she told a story that shocked the nation. This encouraged many to stop the abuse of our most vulnerable citizens, and resulted in several government investigations, as well as federal senate hearings. The information she provided was sufficient to convince many influential people that something was very wrong. In an interview for the Sacramento Bee, she states, "Nursing homes have hurt a lot of people." She adds, "Their families remember. And there are a lot of people out there who would like to see something done."

There are more drug addicts and alcoholics in the health care profession than any other, and this includes physicians and nurses. Clearly, an individual who is addicted to drugs will do anything to obtain them, including stealing them from patients in pain. Furthermore, they cannot provide adequate or compassionate care for patients, and are often responsible for causing harm.

In addition, health care has become a haven for many serial killers who find easy victims in elderly and/or disabled patients. We have seen the likes of Michael Swango and Charles Cullen, RN. It is incredible that such killings go unnoticed by trained medical staff and administrators. However, it seems that the ?culture of death? has replaced the Hippocratic concept of ?do no harm. Is it possible that administrators keep costs down and increase profits by eliminating those who require the most care? Have health care staffs become so uncaring that they don't ?notice? improper care, even resulting in death?

Euthanasia is encouraged in both insidious and obvious ways. Wesley Smith, a leading anti-euthanasia activist states in Forced Exit, "It has torn my heart as I have been moved to tears in compassion for the ill, the dying, the discouraged, those in unrelieved pain, and the abandoned among us." He further states, "?the death culture is not the answer to these abiding problems. Rather, it is surrender to them." Many chronically ill, disabled, and elderly patients are denied tests, diagnoses, and treatments until it's too late for effective treatment and, thus, become ?terminal." Reclassified to ?hospice status," terminal patients die by dehydration, starvation and overdose from drugs such as morphine, deaths that are often premature and preventable with proper care and treatment. Often, patients and families are manipulated into compliance and sign advanced directives such as Living Wills and guardianships, which they do not fully understand, nor do they know that they can change at any time. While the concept of advanced directives has positive aspects in that it allows people to have control over their end of life issues, they have often been used to take advantage of the disabled and elderly.

Often, these ?horror? stories are not reported or are misrepresented in the media, although they have been occurring on a regular basis for more than ten years. One example that clearly brought the abuse of the guardianship laws out is the case of Terri Schiavo, a disabled Florida woman ordered to die of starvation and dehydration by a Florida judge at her husband's request as her legal guardian. She was constantly reported to be in a ?coma? and in a ?persistent vegetative state? (PVS), but this was clearly not the case. Nat Hentoff, of The Village Voice, was one of the few major journalists who reported the true facts of this case: there is no evidence that Terri neither wanted to die, nor was in a coma, or is a ?vegetable." Is it because the health care industry is a major source of advertising revenue to these newspapers and other media outlets, including radio and television, that the true facts in this case and others never see the light of day?

Wesley Smith, a leading anti-euthanasia advocate, also wrote a great deal in support of Terri Schivo's right to live in various journals and magazines. He is reverently against killing people just because others feel that their life is no longer worth living, despite the fact that they are not terminally ill. He further points out that it is illegal to kill animals or condemned criminals by starvation. However, George Felos, the attorney for Schiavo's husband, Michael, used the writings and philosophy of the bioethicist, Peter Singer, of Princeton University, for his own goals. Felos implied that Singer is a strong supporter of their case and wants Terri to have ?the right to die? even though the professor claimed that he never met him or Michael Schiavo, was not involved in the case, and has voiced no opinion about it at all.

Her family, as well as many physicians and therapists, including a world famous neurologist, testified that she was conscious and alert and was likely to improve if given the proper therapy. Further, the family said that there was no evidence that she wanted to die. Not only was she a strong believer in the Catholic faith, but also she actually bolted upright in bed when a therapist told her over the phone that they were going to kill her if she didn't get up and walk out. She then tried to get out of bed and walk, but she nearly fell and was caught by her father. This behavior clearly showed that Terri Schiavo wanted to live! [Note to consider--Terri was illegally placed in a hospice. She in no way is considered a terminal patient. Until the admission to hospice occurred, no court of law would consider the case as presented by Michael. It is only because she was illegally transferred to that facility did she fall under different guidelines.]

However, she was already in the hospice at that time, and, therefore, "written off? as a ?terminal case? by her husband and his attorney. They both wanted her to die. Michael Schiavo was trying to take advantage of the guardianship laws passed by the state of Florida although he was living with another woman for the previous nine years and fathered two children with her. Clearly, because he was not interested in the best interests of his legal wife, Terri Schiavo, he was not suited to be her ?guardian." Further, when the world-renowned forensic pathologist, Michael Baden, examined Terri's medical records, he found evidence of a head trauma, fifteen broken bones, among other things.

However, because of worldwide support and pressure on the Governor of Florida, Terri's Law was passed in order to save this woman who was being starved (and dehydrated) to death for six days. Thus, the court-ordered death of a disabled woman was stopped when the people of America and the world said ?no? via hundreds of thousands of e-mails, faxes, and phone calls to Governor Jeb Bush, virtually shutting down the ability of the government to function.

Clearly, we must reform the current health care policy in America. It is too expensive, inconsistent, and often irresponsive to the patient's needs. Americans desire to have good health and good health care because without a healthy society, productivity is diminished and competition in a global economy is hampered. However, a compassionate society does not turn its back on those who are ill, disabled, and elderly, who may not perform and compete on equal terms. That type of philosophy is best left to the annals of history as was practiced in the Nazi regime during World War II when the mentally deficient and disabled were the first targets of Adolph Hitler.

Warriors choose to fight to make necessary changes so that health care works for everyone. It is not easy, but the results are worth it. This is a war of ideas and our weapons are commitment, trust, compassion, research, communication, and common sense. The warriors for health care reform are fighting a system that is entrenched and has a tremendous amount of money and power on their side, and a vested interest in keeping the status quo. The health insurance industry has political power via large lobbying groups that make significant contributions to political candidates, and also sponsor continuing education conferences to help physicians to avoid lawsuits. The present health care system is impersonal, dehumanizing, and fueled by the profit motive. It becomes dangerous when combined with the decrease in community and family ties that once served as a protector of society's values. Thus, medicine is quickly becoming a ?system," rather than an ?art." The Dr. Welby's and Dr Kildare's of the past are becoming fading memories in this new era. Those that try to emulate compassionate, caring healers are out of style and not in keeping with modern philosophy. Despite many laws already on the books to protect patients, regulatory agencies have spotty enforcement, even when reports are made. For criminality, a state agency must report a case to the FBI; the public has no power to do this. Thus, only medical serial killers become known to the Criminal Justice System. Then, there is the problem of the lack of funding for law enforcement to investigate many cases properly and in a timely manner. Thus, justice becomes equated with the amount of money a particular community has allocated for such investigations, and/or if the family or individuals involved can pay for private detectives. Included among the laws designed to protect vulnerable persons are The American with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Nursing Home Reform Law (OBRA), COBRA, and The Mandated Reporting Law. However, there are also laws that favor some HMO's such as The Mandatory Binding Arbitration Act (in California) that does not allow patients to sue HMO's even if improper care was rendered. This dangerous nationwide trend is growing. Even where relatives can sue HMO's or insurance companies for wrongful death of their loved one, it is almost impossible to find an attorney who is willing to fight an army of lawyers presented by established organizations. Given the reality of the existing situation, it isn't going to be an easy fight, but the warriors are truly committed and ready for the many battles ahead. As the list of victims of the health care system grows into the thousands, so does the list of warriors joining the fight. Many of the victims and their families have become advocates and, thus, warriors. If you are a ?warrior," please send in a bio and a description of what you are doing, to help, and hopefully, your information will be included in the ?Health Care Advocates? section on the Website and in our eBook format. Now, come along to experience one wild ride on The New Underground Railroad, but hold on tight, because it is speeding down the tracks.