Today I was given a special gift. It started yesterday. I received a transferred call from another department who wanted me to help the caller. A lady had a friend (60 years old) who she felt needed to be seen by a doctor but he didn't want to come since he did not have any money. His legs were swollen, his toes were blue, his legs were in constant pain, he was having difficulty breathing, and he just didn't care if he lived or died. His father didn't know what to do with him. My thought was to transfer to another department so they could help them find a doctor. But then she said the magic words. "I just don't think God would want him to be like this." As much as I think about Jesus's words and "the least of these my brethren," I don't seem to do much. This was, like, plopped in my lap.
At the hospital we have a financial assistance program which is income based. The Sisters want us to collect from those who can pay and to give services to those who can't pay. I shared that option with her. While I was very busy, part of my job is to take care of this. So I listened and tried to get her to understand I could not make her friend come to the hospital. But if he did come, my staff would make sure he had information on how to help him pay the bill.
An hour later I had visitors. The friend and his father had come in and had my name and number. Great. What can I do about this? They were very confused about what to do. I had mixed feelings as I had to get back to work, but I couldn't pass it off. "I don't think God would want him to be like this." So I had to change my attitude. And it really was part of my job.
I found a wheelchair for the son and pushed him sloooowwwwly (father was very slow in walking, but at least he could walk) down to the emergency room. "Alex will help you see a doctor and give you some information to fill out for financial assistance. You have my number so feel free to call me if you need something."
Now to today. The Gift. As I walked through the halls I saw the father coming out of the elevator. I walked up to him and asked how his son was doing. He teared up. He said he is doing very well now. He grabbed my hand and looked me in the eye and said "Thank you. The doctor said if we had not come up here within a day or so he would have died." It turns out they gave the son medication that got 16 pounds of fluid out of his body. He could now move around easily. The father held on to me halfway down the hall.
I was stunned. I know my work is important. Or they wouldn't pay me to be here. I know I help the hospital collect the money due it which keeps the staff paid. But I've always wanted to feel that personal success. Now here it was. I may have actually saved a life without going to medical school.
The Gift was for me. I now want to see one success translate to more.
Update
Yesterday I received a voicemail from the friend. She was thankful that there was an organization like us in our city that "didn't feel too proud to help someone in need." She felt we were angels and wanted permission to use my name when she writes to President Obama. Well, I just feel very pleased to have been in the right place at the right time and was prompted to do the right thing.
At the hospital we have a financial assistance program which is income based. The Sisters want us to collect from those who can pay and to give services to those who can't pay. I shared that option with her. While I was very busy, part of my job is to take care of this. So I listened and tried to get her to understand I could not make her friend come to the hospital. But if he did come, my staff would make sure he had information on how to help him pay the bill.
An hour later I had visitors. The friend and his father had come in and had my name and number. Great. What can I do about this? They were very confused about what to do. I had mixed feelings as I had to get back to work, but I couldn't pass it off. "I don't think God would want him to be like this." So I had to change my attitude. And it really was part of my job.
I found a wheelchair for the son and pushed him sloooowwwwly (father was very slow in walking, but at least he could walk) down to the emergency room. "Alex will help you see a doctor and give you some information to fill out for financial assistance. You have my number so feel free to call me if you need something."
Now to today. The Gift. As I walked through the halls I saw the father coming out of the elevator. I walked up to him and asked how his son was doing. He teared up. He said he is doing very well now. He grabbed my hand and looked me in the eye and said "Thank you. The doctor said if we had not come up here within a day or so he would have died." It turns out they gave the son medication that got 16 pounds of fluid out of his body. He could now move around easily. The father held on to me halfway down the hall.
I was stunned. I know my work is important. Or they wouldn't pay me to be here. I know I help the hospital collect the money due it which keeps the staff paid. But I've always wanted to feel that personal success. Now here it was. I may have actually saved a life without going to medical school.
The Gift was for me. I now want to see one success translate to more.
Update
Yesterday I received a voicemail from the friend. She was thankful that there was an organization like us in our city that "didn't feel too proud to help someone in need." She felt we were angels and wanted permission to use my name when she writes to President Obama. Well, I just feel very pleased to have been in the right place at the right time and was prompted to do the right thing.
4 comments:
Amazing story, Dad! I'm a bit misty-eyed myself. And you know, that's only one story you know of. I would bet money there are so many people you've helped that you don't even have a clue about. But it sure is nice to hear of one once-in-a-while! I'm proud of you!
Yes, there really aren't many opportunities for people to come back and say "I really appreciate how you collected all that money from me. But what struck me is how we have to always be on and aware.
Dear Don,
Your entry "The Gift" was moving. I asked Mark, who listened to the story, "Why doesn't Don ever tell my these stories?!" WIthout hesitation, he replied, "Because you might preach to him." Then he chuckled as I pushed the "comment" button. (I don't preach, DO I?!)
This story just reveals the kind of person you are. Pursue the next one! :) Your sis
Awesome... I'll keep my ears open for you on the news! Next U.S. Secretary of Collections post nomination?
Post a Comment