Letters to the Editor
HMSA
CANCER PATIENT TOLD TO WAIT FOR TREATMENT OK
I was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent lung surgery last month.
While recovering, it was discovered that unfortunately, not all of the cancer had been removed. Fortunately, for me, the remaining cancer cells are confined to one lymph node and my oncologist has recommended chemotherapy.
My doctor stressed starting this procedure as soon as possible to keep the cancer from spreading, so I agreed to the treatment.
My doctor and his staff made all the arrangements, and I went home thinking everything was set. I received a call later that day saying that the appointment for the first treatment had to be canceled pending approval from HMSA, which they said normally took seven to 14 days.
I asked if there was anything I could do to speed up the approval and they recommended I call HMSA customer service. I explained my situation to the person who answered my call and asked her if there was anything that could be done to speed up the approval. I was told I would have to wait my turn and I was not the only person waiting for approval.
I was dumbfounded, and just hung up the phone.
I would certainly appreciate it if one of HMSA's well-paid executives could explain why it would take seven to 14 days to get a medical procedure approved. It can't be that they're questioning the physician's recommended treatment, so I have to think that it has something to do with the cost of the treatment.
If one of HMSA's executives could give me a rational explanation, I promise never to question their lottery-sized yearly bonus ever again.
Kendall AmazakiHonolulu
EXTERNAL AUDIT NEEDED FOR HEALTH INSURER
I recently attended the Hawaii Medical Association's forum on access to care in Kailua, Kona.
What stood out is this: HMSA, for all its many, many good points, has much to answer for.
HMSA has, essentially, a captive audience — nearly 70 percent of the state's population.
Hawai'i requires, by law, that employers buy health insurance for full-time employees. Given HMSA's preponderance in the marketplace, this means, essentially, that they must buy HMSA's product.
HMSA, as a mutual benefit society, enjoys tax benefits not shared by most of its competitors. HMSA's premiums continue to rise as its product becomes all-but-inaccessible to many in our community.
It seems only reasonable that a business with such a preponderance of influence in the state, and which is accorded such unique dispensations (tax-free status, government-mandated purchase of its products), has unique responsibilities.
The state, which sanctions this special status, has a responsibility to assure that HMSA conducts its affairs so as to justify these accommodations.
It seems inescapable that a comprehensive, independent, external audit is an essential first step.
Alistair Bairos M.D.Kealakekua, Hawai'i
LONG-TIME SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS HERE
I read in the newspaper that Rep. Josh Green considers HMSA "just cheapskates."
From a not-for-profit standpoint, nothing could be further from the truth. HMSA has been a long-time supporter of many health and fitness initiatives, such as the Healthy Athletes programs of Special Olympics Hawai'i. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes is a program designed to help Special Olympics athletes improve their health and fitness. Athletes receive a variety of free health services through clinics conducted at Special Olympics competitions, while healthcare professionals learn about the needs of Special Olympics athletes and gain confidence and satisfaction in volunteering their skills to an underserved population.
Over the past two years, HMSA has also supported the Special Olympics SOFit Program. This program gives our athletes an opportunity they would not otherwise have, that the rest of us take for granted. Athletes involved with SOFit learn to use weights and cardio machines and interact with gym members, further decreasing the stigma against them in this setting and increasing their knowledge and self-esteem, not to mention improve their health.
It is through the continued support of many of Hawai'i's caring individuals and businesses — like HMSA — that we can continue to make sports training and competition a reality for those we serve.
Nancy BotteloPresident & CEO, Special Olympics Hawai'i
COMMUNITY GROUPS TURN TO HMSA FOR HELP
Recently, there has been considerable discussion over the value of HMSA's contribution to our community. Its commitment to our community is not only experienced through the money the HMSA Foundation distributes. Community organizations turn to HMSA for information and assistance in a variety of other ways, including:
This is not a comprehensive list, but begins to show the many ways HMSA gives back to Hawai'i.
Glen HayashidaCEO, National Kidney Foundation of Hawai'i
COMMUTING
CHICAGO CAN SHOW US HOW TRANSIT CAN WORK
I've been following the debate regarding the proposed rail transit system fairly closely, and am astounded by how people either cannot or do not see the positive impact it can have on O'ahu.
Growing up in Kailua and going to school on the slopes above Wai'alae, I remember the long bus rides and frustrating traffic well.
Now, living in Chicago, a city with a phenomenal heavy- and light-rail transit system (and the same ridiculous traffic), I see how the commute for so many Leeward residents could be improved.
In Chicago, people have abandoned commutes that can be more than two hours by car and can cost hundreds of dollars in downtown parking for a $3.20 daily roundtrip that takes roughly half the time.
Once the efficiency bugs get worked out, I think a great number of stressed-out 'Ewa commuters will breathe a sigh of relief when they see how bad traffic doesn't have to be because they won't have to care anymore.
Patrick PetersonTinley Park, Ill.
AVIAN FLU PANDEMIC
MORTALITY PREDICTIONS HIGHLY SPECULATIVE
Recently, articles have appeared regarding the potential severity of an avian flu pandemic in the U.S.
The most important question, which can't be answered definitively, is how devastating could the avian flu pandemic be to Americans?
Predictions of mass death are highly speculative. We cannot apply statistics, such as the 50 percent mortality rate from avian flu in Southeast Asia, to a bird flu pandemic in the U.S.
First, in the 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic, more than 500,000 U.S. deaths were recorded, relative to 50 million deaths worldwide.
Second, the Asian flu pandemic of 1957-1958 produced 70,000 deaths in the U.S., while the 1968-1969 Hong Kong flu pandemic resulted in 34,000 deaths or a death rate of about 5 percent.
Explaining a steady reduction in deaths due to influenza pandemics in the U.S. over the past 90 years is not easy.
Variables, such as the relative virulence of the influenza A viral strains responsible for each pandemic, the general improving nutritional and immunological state of the population, better public health measures, improved surveillance and diagnostics, and other factors must all be considered.
As Americans have become more diligent in receiving annual flu shots, the population has gradually built a cumulative immunity against many strains of the influenza A virus.
Flu immunity is essentially nonexistent in Southeast Asia. The flu immunity we now possess to varying degrees is not directed specifically to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian virus, but because of certain similarities among all influenza A viruses, it may prove immunologically beneficial in restricting the severity of the anticipated Avian flu pandemic.
Edward W. VossHonolulu
MIDEAST
AT LEAST NANCY PELOSI IS LISTENING TO SYRIA
I respectfully disagree with your viewpoint concerning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Syria.
Since our president is either too arrogant or ignorant to address foreign issues and countries that are not in "lock-step" with him, we are missing the message of important players.
No one has said that Nancy Pelosi has the power or authorization to make any policy decisions to or about Syria — she is not Condoleezza Rice. Syria knows that and you should know it as well, but at least someone of importance in America is listening to what Syria has to say.
Maybe if someone had been listening to al-Qaida and countries such as Libya, we might have a different world now.
Just because we do not agree with other countries' politics does not mean we should ignore them.
They are not going away, and any country that has nuclear bomb capabilities demands our attention, if not some respect.
We can't stay ignorant of important countries in the Mid-east — friend or enemy.
It will take a lot to earn back the goodwill we have so blatantly lost by this administration's seemingly constant blunders, but let's at least start now.
Geoffrey V. Davis M.D.'Aiea
LITTERING
TANTALUS 'OPALA SHOWS NO RESPECT FOR 'AINA
I am writing to express utter disgust at what I am seeing on beautiful Tantalus Drive.
Over the past 30 years, I have returned to Hawai'i hundreds of times. My love for the Islands runs deep. However, I am saddened to see how some folks show no respect for this land.
How can anyone with a conscience deliberately litter, let alone litter in such a beautiful place like Hawai'i? How can the city allow this litter to remain in place for almost a week and do nothing to remove it? Is this the image the people of Hawai'i want to project to the rest of the world?
Over the years, I have heard and read negative comments about tourists in Hawai'i. However, this is not a visitor's litter, this is local.
Please reconsider dumping along the roadside. Pay your fee and take your trash to the landfill. Better yet, try recycling.
You live in a paradise, please help keep it that way.
If I had my pickup truck here, I would gladly load the trash myself and take it away for proper disposal.
This picture was taken April 10. Is the trash still there? I hope not!
Clark, Mo.
