Adventures in "Hospital-Land"

[Anthony Joseph]

Here's another "doozy" for ya:

On Sunday July 3rd, I was at my brother's house preparing for a barbecue holiday from work on Monday. We make homemade wine and I was there to "rack-off" some wine from 15 gallon demi-john glass jars into smaller containers. During this process I was cleaning one of these demi-johns by holding it and swirling it around to clean the inside of it. I must have hit my knee while "swirling" and the large jar exploded in my hands. The large shards of glass caused a deep laceration on my lower right leg and I had to be rushed to the hospital.

My brother drove me there and about midway I gathered myself about what just happened and started thinking about the questions that the hospital staff was going to ask me. Thanks to studying David Merrill and Michael Joseph's offerings and recordings on their dealings in this regard, my mind went into "proper and truthful identity mode". Unfortunately, I did not have my recorder with me.

It started at check-in - I gave my true name and no other information they asked for. When asked for date of birth, I responded, "I don't have that information". I was told that they couldn't get me checked in without this info. I said that if you need something to put in your computer to complete the process, then just use 1/1/1971 for your benefit. He finished with his "check-in" and temporarily bandaged me up. I waited briefly in the waiting room when I was approached by what seemed like a hospital administrator. An instant belligerent attitude surfaced from her when she asked me for the "correct" information. I stood my ground and told her I provided the truth when asked. As she starts wheeling me back in, she began the bully and scare tactics by telling me that they can just send me home without treating me unless I provide them with the information they want. I informed her that a hospital is a charitable institution and that they are obligated by law to treat my emergency injury. She told me I was wrong and that only pregnant woman or those with life threatening injuries are under that obligation as she continued to wheel me into a room.

The same threats and bullying continued by the doctor who told me that they can just bandage me and send me home because the wound is not life threatening. I said you can send me home with my leg opened up and my muscle bulging out of my leg? She said yep. I said that's interesting, can I ask you a question? Did you swear and subscribe a Hippocratic Oath? She said she didn't want to "get into a debate with me". I said it is not a debate, just a simple question. When she didn't respond I told her, "For the record, I accept your oath because I know you took one". Still no response, but she continued working on the wound.

They decided to pull out the "big guns" and send in two local police officers they had called due to my "unusual" behavior and they questioned the validity of my story regarding the wound. I guess they thought I was lying and hiding from a warrant or something. The cops tried grilling me about DL, DOB and SSN and whatever else they considered necessary. I kept calm and repeated the truth. They asked for ID and I told them I don't have ID. Then the famous line came: "We can do this the easy way or the hard way it's up to you." I said I do not understand; I am just here to get this big cut in my leg sewn up. After more failed attempts, they left the room and went to grill my brother, cousin and wife in the waiting room. They tried coercing information from them but I instructed each of them prior not to give any information and to tell them if they want information they have to ask me for it. The cops asked for my brother’s ID and attempted to construct info around that interrogation. They tried scaring my family with the same “no treatment without information” tactic. Needless to say it didn’t work and the cops left frustrated and without the information they demanded. My wife, who also properly identified herself as Michelle Joann, asked for the name of the more belligerent officer and he refused to give it, stating like a child, “You won’t give me your name, I won’t give you mine.” The other cop gave his name. My cousin took a video recording of the officer stating that without giving the information the Hospital asks for, they will not treat me. With the large NOTICE on the wall stating otherwise, it was a real joke.

In the end, I received proper treatment and was given x-rays, 24 stitches wraps and crutches. The nurse actually warmed up to me toward the end and told me I was a great patient and a “tank” for going through that pain with what she considered mild reaction.

At discharge, the same questions were asked and I gave the same responses. I signed the “Treatment and Admissions” form as per the manner that David Merrill and Michael Joseph had shared with us. I paid nothing and did not consent to any “Financial Responsibility”. Instructions were for me to return the next day for a follow-up, so I did. No issues whatsoever on the second day and I was told I should see an orthopaedic surgeon to make certain that the injury was healing properly since I cut muscle tissue. That is another story which went somewhat easier.

I intend to make a charitable donation to the Hospital in return for the charity I received even though I am not obligated to "pay" by law. I will calculate by using their "62% cash discount" offered to those with no insurance and also by using the 40:1 Federal Reserve private credit to lawful money scale of proper balances since I only deal in lawful money of exchange.

All credit, praise and glory goes to the Almighty and Ever-Living God above as I prayed and asked Him for guidance throughout the entire ordeal.