BCBSNC: Smoke & mirrors re: no screening colonoscopies in western NC (and across NC)

I talked to "Lynn Tennant (Rep. Fisher)" on May 22, 2008 regarding the persistent run-around that BCBSNC has created since the Fall of 2007.

It appears you can complain forever about this lack of a critical health service but nothing gets done and indeed, BCBSNC's 'Government Affairs' employees serve to throw the NC State Legislature representatives off the track by implying that something is being addressed----when it is not.

Interestingly, in one of the NC State Legislature's representatives' offices, a relative of an aide died a couple of years ago from a BCBSNC colonoscopy----done as an office based procedure wherein no anesthetic is given and the patient might be agitated related the pain of the procedure. The procedure was associated with a nicking of the colon wall, sepsis set in, and the person died.

VIEW MESSAGE

SUBJECT: Congressional Inquiry: Dr. Marsha Hammond
FROM: Nell.Boone@bcbsnc.com
TO: Fisherla@ncleg.net
SENT: Mon 19 May 2008 11:58:23 EDT
EXPIRES: Mon 23 Jun 2008 11:58:23 EDT
Reply
Reply to All

Dear Representative Fisher:

This is in response to your email of May 7, 2008 regarding Dr. MarshaHammond as it relates to concerns she has with there being no screeningcolonoscopies available in Western North Carolina per Blue Cross andBlue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). I appreciate the opportunity toassist you.

I have spoken with Dr. Hammond on several occasions, most recentlyforwarding her concerns to BCBSNC's Provider Networks and CustomerSatisfaction Departments who have advised they would be following upwith her soon. BCBSNC is working to provide Dr. Hammond answers to herquestions and concerns brought to our attention by your inquiry on herbehalf.

I hope this information is helpful to you in your response to Dr.Hammond.Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.
Sincerely,Nell BooneGovernment Affairs CoordinatorBlue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina(919) 765-2680