In which I make a phone call, looking for some help...

(Dr. G------ is an internist my wife and I have seen for the last couple of
years. He's part of a family practice in our neighborhood, and one of those
old-school guys who just inspire trust and confidence. A real
straight-shooter with a very warm and reassuring bedside manner.)

ME: "Hello, Dr. G------'s office? I'm a patient of his, and my father's been
recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Is Dr. G------ still taking new
patients?"

RECEPTIONIST: "Yes. It depends on their insurance, though. What sort of
coverage does he have?"

"Well, he has Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal.''

"Is he retired?"

"Yes."

"Oh; then Medicare would be the primary coverage, and unfortunately, we are
not taking Medicare patients."

"Damn! Well, it's just that I saw Dr. G------ recently because I've been so
stressed out with this whole situation. I needed to see about taking care of
myself so...uh...well, so my head didn't explode while I tried to handle all
this. He mentioned that his *own* dad has Alzheimer's, and I just thought he
might be a really good person to maybe treat my dad."

"Oh; I see. Yes-- I'm aware of his father's condition. I'm very sorry to
hear about your father. Did Dr. G------  agree to see your dad?"

"No; I didn't actually mention it to him, and we never discussed it. I just
thought I'd check, since I trust him and...well, I'm not confident that my
dad's had very good care, so far. He was an ER admission a while back, spent
4 days in hospital, another 30 days in a nursing home that didn't provide
him with any meds when he was discharged, and we just got him into this
assisted living/ group home place. I really need to be sure he's properly
evaluated. Is it possible I could get Dr. G------ to give me a referral to
someone he can recommend?"

"Listen-- hang on for a minute while I talk to Dr. G------, can you?"

"Sure..."

(3 or 4 minutes pass....)

RECEPTIONIST: "Hello?"

ME: "Yes?"

"I spoke with Dr. G------. He said to tell you he'd be happy to see your
father and evaluate him. Can you bring him in on Friday morning, possibly?"

"No sh.t? I mean... er... thank you! Yes, I can. What about the Medicare?"

"Dr. G------ says just come in and he'll talk to you and he'll check your
father. Can you bring a complete list of whatever medications he's taking?"

"Sure I can. I mean... I don't want to ask for something that isn't quite
kosher, you know? I was just..."

"Listen, Dr. G------ is a very caring man. I've worked for him for several
years. If he says he's going to see someone, he'll find a way to make things
work out for you. Just be here at 10:15, and he'll help you out. Trust me."

"I...well, I hardly know what to say. Wow! Thank you."

"No problem. See you Friday."

CLICK

We showed up, spent about an hour reviewing Pop's medical history and
current medications, had a thorough physical exam and a long talk about what
we wanted and needed. He's evaluated and rearranged Pop's meds; he changed a
couple, increased one, removed another. He has him on slowly stepped-up
doses of Nemenda and is tapering him off Prednisone (which he says should've
been done a couple of weeks ago)  and has even written an order for Physical
and Occupational Therapy. He wants to see Pop again in 3 weeks to
re-evaluate and see if the meds need juggling or tweaking.

There was *no charge* for the visit.

I didn't think there were still people in the world like this.
I feel like I walked into a Frank Capra movie.

Jef.