Discussion Forum (Archived)
Guest
Hi Martha and Grant,
In regards to the discussion on your program about a more respectful term or phrase for illegal alien in the medical setting, I agree with the sentiment expressed by the physician who asked the question. I am also a physician who would like a term or phrase to convey the situation to colleagues without any bias or disrespect , but make an accurate assessment.
I propose either the term "uninsured immigrant" or "self-pay immigrant" because that is at the heart of what matters in the clinical setting, determining what medical option is best, given whatever financial constraints our patients may have.
Thanks for the great radio show!
Budd Droese MD
kwdroese said:
Hi Martha and Grant,
In regards to the discussion on your program about a more respectful term or phrase for illegal alien in the medical setting, I agree with the sentiment expressed by the physician who asked the question. I am also a physician who would like a term or phrase to convey the situation to colleagues without any bias or disrespect , but make an accurate assessment.
I propose either the term "uninsured immigrant" or "self-pay immigrant" because that is at the heart of what matters in the clinical setting, determining what medical option is best, given whatever financial constraints our patients may have.
Thanks for the great radio show!
Budd Droese MD
Isn't "undocumented alien" the politically-correct term these days?
Emmett
A_Pharmacist said:
In the hospital pharmacy setting, we call anybody uninsured as indigent patients without regards to their legal status. Their lack of ability to pay is more important than their legal status for our work.
I listen to your show every Sunday night on my way home from work. By the way, it is your fault I forgot to stop and get milk for this morning - your show is just so intereting I tune out everything else.
To respond to this topic I want to do so sans opinion of the underlying issue (illegal) because in fairness to the hospital setting this is not the issue. The issue appears to be an ability to pay, and frankly across this great country we have many people in life's unfortunate position of being unable to pay. I agree with this post that the right term should be "indigent patient". In closing allow me to repeat that it is not about legal or illegal status which is an entire debate unto itself.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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