HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0515.001 2016-2018 Plthwica.
.erfAo. 51D10/16/17
*111441rDear Chairwoman Poindexter and members of the Hawaii County Council,
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' " fAv• I am writing in support of Resolution 351-17.The purpose of this grant of contingency
P CMC : Funds is to assist Puna community Medical Center with the expense of medical supplies
This will benefit the community in keeping medical services available in our town.
Puna Community
Medical Center Medical insurance does not provide any extra reimbursement for wound care supplies,
and most insurers will not pay for medical supplies which are prescribed for patients. Our
Medical Director clinic stocks supplies for wound care because we want to show people how to care for
Hart Miller, MD
themselves, because properly dressed wounds help infection and injuries to heal more
2017-2018 Officers quickly,and because we believe this is the right thing to do. These treatments frequently
President: Dan Brinkman include immunization for tetanus, and needles and syringes to deliver this treatment,the
Vice-President: Ralph Boyea gloves, iodine solution and isopropyl preps needed to disinfect wounds and protect the
Treasurer:. Joni Waltgen caregiver from infection,and surgical equipment to deal with wounds.
Secretary: Catherine Nutting
The medical supplies we need go well beyond what we use for wound care. We see
2017-2018 Directors people who have difficulty breathing for various reasons. We require supplies in the
Ariel Murphy process of testing a person's pulmonary dynamics,the inhaled respiratory medications
Arthur Sampaga
required for rapid treatment,and injections of antibiotics and steroids needed to rapidly
Holly Kaakimaka
Jeanean Dillard rein in the inflammation and infection associated with pulmonary disease. These
Lauri Redus
treatments also require a device to dispense medication,as well as tubing, mouthpieces
Lisa Shiroma and masks to deliver treatment.
René Siracusa
The examples of wound and respiratory care are onlyaportion of the supplies needed to
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4 Pest care for patients. These are listed as examples of some of the background needed to care
for wounds and difficulty breathing. Dealing with Strep throat,influenza,urinary
infections,etc can be similarly complex and expensive. The cost of supplies continues to
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- rise,and is not covered by a corresponding increase in reimbursement from insurers.
We also offer a sliding fee scale which allows the uninsured to receive treatment for as
r .c low as$30 despite the complexity and expense of treating their condition. There are
• many members of our community without medical insurance or the means to afford
medical care. Without the care provided here,these patients would likely receive
Phone Inquiries(808)930-6001 treatment at the emergency department at many times the cost of care provided at our
FAX(808)930-6007 clinic,or to neglect their health and compound their medical problems.
Mailing Address The Puna Community Medical Center is here to provide medical care to the people of
15-2662 Pahoa Village Rd
PMB 8741 Puna. We do so at great expense which we cannot reimburse through payment by
Pahoa, HI 96778-7730 insurers. We thank the county council for providing funds for medical supplies that help
Email info@punahealth.org keep our doors open and cabinets stocked.
Again,on behalf of the Puna Community Medical Center, I thank you in advance for your
consideration. When your family and neighbors comes to our door in desperate need of
help,we will be open and '-..dy to serve.
Sincerely,Hart Miller, MD rte, No. 515
Medical Director, M Ref. To: G
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