Insurance authorizations may delay needed health care
Somehow it seems there is a new rule in place with doctors. When they decide that a patient needs a specialist, or an MRI or ultrasound, they have to get it authorized by the insurance company (Medicare or Medicaid or other).
This authorization can take two weeks or more. After that, the patient has to wait another few weeks until the referred physician or treatment facility has an opening. If this were a minor referral, say for routine blood test, or whatever, but no, I know of people seriously ill, in need of an MRI now, and a referral to a specialist now, but it seems that it is the insurance company that decides for the doctor what is needed.
What is going on? Is somebody going to do something about this travesty? Isn’t it enough that we already don’t have enough specialists on this island without making it more difficult for people in need?
Christa Wagner
Kailua-Kona
A ‘pickle’ of a situation
I recently went to the pickle ball court to play pickle ball with my fun-filled local friends. As I got there, I observed a confrontation happening between a old friend and a snow bird from Canada. He was bullying my friend and other locals that play there daily.
I was told he feels that the upper court is for better players and does not seem to rotate each new game as we “locals” fairly play. To me he appeared to be the “superior being” on the court and us others should play elsewhere … Really? I chose to leave and not partake in this person’s bullish, controlling attitude and lack of respect of our fair ways.
I wondered if he plays this way with his friends in Canada? Or does he have friends at all?
I prayed that winter will end soon and the snow bird will fly home, and then we can have our court back with no dill pickles.
Colleen Porter
Kailua-Kona
What about other religious practices at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
I read with interest Michael Helms letter concerning the expression of, or proselytizing by, religious groups within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I’m wondering what your readers think about the practice of worship and sacrifice to Pele and other Hawaiian gods by the Hawaiian people within the confines of the park. This is clearly a religious expression.
The Amendment to the Constitution clearly forbids the establishment by any government of a national religion, but not the individual practice of religious beliefs.
Hmmm.
Vicki Rohner
Kailua-Kona