Dateline: 2009/October/8th

Boise, Idaho

A TreasureValleyNews.Com Exclusive

Meridian, ID:

The Facts: Our subject entered the St. Alphonsus Urgent Care Clinic on Cherry Lane in Meridian on 10/7/09 at 3:30 PM. She was experiencing flu symptoms consistent with the Swine Flu an/or the seasonal flu, high fever, cough, body aches, etc. At 5:00 P.M. she had still not been seen and was so sick she informed them she had to leave. She was told that it would be another two hours until she could be seen. The scene was surreal, the clinic was crowded with scores of people wearing masks waiting to be seen and scores more waiting in the facilities rooms with the same symptoms. Her companion informed them that she was too sick to stay and would return the next morning. Before leaving, her companion inquired about getting a prescription for Tamiflu (a common anti-flu/anti-viral medication) and was told that Tamiflu would not be prescribed by this clinic because all pharmacies were sold out. Her companion then inquired if they could get a prescription and try to find a pharmacy that might have it. He was told that it would only be prescribed for those in high-risk groups. After leaving the facility the companion went to the Albertson's pharmacy in Meridian and inquired about Tamiflu. He was told that they had plenty and would fill the prescription when she had a prescription. They even offered to hold it for her. The next morning, before 8:00 AM, the same subject and her companion entered the same clinic and were seen. The subject was diagnosed with the Swine Flu an/or the seasonal flu. The patient asked for Tamiflu and was immediately denied; the reason given by the doctor was that Tamiflu would not be prescribed by this clinic because all pharmacies were sold out. Her companion then informed the doctor that they had a prescription waiting for then at Albertson's. The doctor became noticeably agitated at this point as if their authority had been challenged and the doctor stated that the pharmacist had no right to do this. The doctor went on to say that it would only be prescribed for those in high-risk groups. It was explained to the doctor that the patient had the right to medication that was appropriate for this illness several times and the doctor responded that it was policy for this drug to be prescribed only to those in high risk groups ("rationed"). Finally, after much persuading and probably the fear of a person who might take their decision farther up the chain of command, the doctor relented and wrote the prescription.

The Questions: Is St. Alphnosus rationing healthcare? Who are the special few that St. Alphnosus will give prescription to for Tamiflu? Do you think the Mayor of Boise would have a problem getting a prescription for Tamiflu? Shouldn't any American with the money to spend be able to get a legal drug for a legitimate ailment? Is this the medical profession practicing social justice? Can't we even trust doctors any more? What makes the life of someone in some group more important than that of the person that doctor is seeing? Who made them God, Judge Jury and Executioner? YOU Decide!

Story: Still Developing!