Dr. Todd Forman
Kelly Medical Group
1255 15th Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 319-4700, -4500

RE: Constance A. Webb
Coverage: Medicare #178-42-5089-A Effective:  6/1/99
  Medical #178-42-5089-6 Effective: 9/1/99

URGENT REQUEST TO IMPLEMENT IN-HOME CARE

Buc needs a prescription for supplies.
 
These are covered by both Medicare and Medical.  Shields Home Health should be contacted as soon as possible in this regard.

Buc needs additional nursing.
The County Board of Supervisors are aware of my possible burnout as care giver and have contacted the Counties In Home Supportive Services who have presently allocated the maximum of 283 hours per month for in-home nursing.  They will allocate more hours with a doctors prescription certifying that the patient requires a bit more than ordinary custodial/housekeeping care throughout the night.  Please review and update Dr. Nagata's and Dr. Kudrow's recommendations in this regard as well as nursing schedule.
This certification should be sent to IHSS, Region 1, Area VI (Rancho Park), 10961 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064.  All communications should show File Number 6158.  Ms. Knox is Buc's case worker at (310) 312-6279.   Ms. Parker, her supervisor, has been in contact with Supervisor Zev Yaroslovsky.  His deputy, Ms.----- at ----, knows all about this.  All three should be notified when this is implemented.  Please fax the certification to this number------, with hard copy mailed backup

Buc needs additional in-home services.
Please refer to section 250 of Home Health Services Medicare Manual (provided in patient medical records) certifying patient's condition and generating plan of care both medically necessary and essential to this patient's recovery.  This should also be expanded to include any testing and treatment outside the home.
Buc needs a bed.
There has been considerable concern about Buc's dilapidated bed, but no positive action taken by the Department of Corporations.  I believe a physician's recommendation sent to Ms. Virginia Armstrong, Consumer Service Representative, Health Plan Division, Department of Corporations, 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1105, (213) 576-7145  (213) 576-7500 could make a difference.  Please make reference to RFA 38033, her letter to me dated 9/24/99 (enclosed).
Also, Buc's Medicare Regional Home Health Intermediary (CIGNA) at (805) 383-2083 should be contacted.
Hopefully, as quickly as possible, these things can be put in order.
Thank you for you interest in Bucwheat.

Sincerely,
 

Joel Webb
910-B 20th Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 828-2292 (310) 829-0767
 

Oct 5, 1999