In Feb. 2008 my husband was diagnosed, after hospitalization, with severe coronary artery disease, periphiral artery disease, diabetes, diabetic nueropathy, depression and anxiety disorder. He had 98% blockage in his coronary artery, his blood sugar was over 600, and host of other severe symptoms. He has a total of 6 stints in his body.
My husband lost his job and his insurance and as a result, we have depleated our savings, our son's education fund, and all other resoursed to pay medical bills. Dr. Wright's office has been very accomodating in providing physician samples on a few of his prescribed medicines. However, on approximately 08/17/09, my husband called to obtain samples of Cymbalta when he was told that he must make a doctor's appointment before the medication would be provided. He explained to the office personnel that he could not afford to make a doctor's appointment, but she repeated that he must make the appointment in order to recieve the medication. My husband was frustrated, but he did make the appointment for 09/02/09.
On 08/19/09 we recieved a letter stating that Dr. Wright was "terminating their professional relationship with him." The letter further stated that if he came to the office "law enforcement will be contacted."
Completely, overwhelmed with such a letter, I called the doctor's office to find out why such a nasty letter was sent to him by certified mail. I was told that he yelled at the receptionist and refused to make an appointment. I explained to the receptionist that I was sitting right next to him when he made the call. He did not yell at anyone. He merely tried to convey, "How could he, in good conscience, make an appointment that he couldn't pay for?" But, he did make the appointment for 09/02/09, and said "we will find a way to pay for it somehow."
Since recieving this letter, my husband has been so upset, and has made repeated comments like, "I should just stop taking all of my medicine and die."
I can not understand how a physician can make such an abrupt decision to cease treating a patient who is so physically and mentally ill, without even a phone call to investigate the allegation that he yelled at anyone. I am available any time by cell phone which they have on file.
I contend that my husband did not yell at anyone. I was sitting right next to him. But, even if he did yell at the receptionist, or if she did precieve it that way, would it not be reasonable to conclude that this patient is on medication for good cause?
My husband was not "noncompliant." He made the appointment with the intention to keep it and find some way to pay for it.
It is my opinion, this letter from Dr. Wright is inconsiderate of his patient and totally unprofessional and negligent.
I believe the medical board should be made aware of this type of malpractice and
Dr. Wright should be reminded that his patients really are sick.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,

Brenda McMullen