Most hospitals can bend visitor rule

Dear Dr. Gott: What advice would you have regarding a hospital’s rules on only next of kin being admitted into ICU when the administrators don’t know how to locate next of kin? I believe no one should have to die alone.

Dear Reader: I’m aware of the traditional hospital regulation that limits visitors to family only, when the patient is seriously ill or dying. And I agree with you that flexibility is crucial.

In particular, some gravely ill patients have only close friends or “significant others”; such patients should not be isolated from warmth and caring – or, more importantly, from a patient-advocate – just because the letter of the law prohibits visitors who are not blood relations or legal spouses.

In my experience, many hospitals are willing to bend the rule, depending on circumstances. I believe this is appropriate. Remember, however, that dangerously sick people have a right to privacy and do not wish to have reporters, acquaintances, interested parties and other unsuitable visitors. In addition, really sick patients are often particularly susceptible to infections that may be inadvertently transmitted by well-meaning “guests.”

Also, a contingent of concerned callers can get in the way of good medical/nursing care when they descend on a sick patient in small quarters, such as an intensive-care unit. With this, as with other health issues, the patient’s well-being and best interests must be paramount.

In situations where it is advisable to have nonfamily present, the proposed visitor should be able to obtain permission from the head nurse or attending physician.

Dear Dr. Gott: My mother is an employee of a large pharmacy chain store. She does not get her yearly mammograms as she should because the Blue Cross, Blue Shield insurance that the drugstore offers does not pay for a yearly mammogram. The irony of this is that the same company participates in the May Breast Cancer Awareness Program. How can that be? Isn’t early detection the key? Please help us to understand this. How does a large company like this jerk us around?

Dear Reader: Judging from your comments, I agree that there is an irony in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield position to deny annual mammograms to women who need regular testing. Then, for the company to support a breast cancer awareness program is a flagrant inconsistency that doesn’t make sense.

I suggest that your mother coordinate the women with whom she works to write a letter to the company’s executives expressing dismay at this troubling policy. Perhaps women employed in other stores could join the group and speak out. If the women can present a united front, the company may be forced to alter its policy.