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1/19/2010
Deborah Jenkins
Pacific Grove, CA

I just saw your documentary on PBS last night. The behavior of Phoebe Putney's CEO and many of its other executives and medical staff was appalling (and scary). I almost shudder when I think of those two ex-FBI men confronting one of the "whistle-blowers" in his car, and asking him to come with them- then making a scarcely veiled threat against his family (including their young child) when he refused. I can only imagine what would have happened to him if he'd gone with them- probably be beaten to a pulp. These two men are no more than common thugs. No wonder they're no longer in the FBI. The harassment of him and his family by these men and the hospital, including the mysterious occurrences used as terror tactics (e.g.- tampering with the doorknob of their house, so that it came off in his wife's hands when she tried to open the door, and the strange disturbances with their phone) is heinous. This is the behavior of criminals and bullies, not the healing touch that is normally expected of hospitals. I commend him, his family, and the doctor who helped him in this effort for having the courage to continue to stand for their convictions, and for the poor victims of this hospital. It seems that this hospital has forgotten what's important in their mission- caring for ill patients- not milking the poorest (and probably, the least able to protect themselves) of them for all they're worth, then forcing many of them into bankruptcy, and other dire circumstances in order to pad their own pockets- again, behavior expected of thugs and criminals, not a non-profit hospital. It's disturbing to me that the perpetrators of this (to me) criminal behavior are still employed by the hospital, and according to GeorgiaWatch, have actually significantly increased the hospitals fees. It's also very disturbing to me that local officials decided to side with the hospital, instead of protecting their own citizens from this egregious behavior.

I looked on the Phoebe Foundation's website, and as I thought, the hospital was founded by charitable and hard-working people. I also noticed that Judge Putney (whose mother, the hospital is named for) had only three requests- one of which was that "the hospital serve all those in need, regardless of ability to pay." I suspect both he and his mother (as well as all others who worked hard to found this hospital) would turn over in their grave if they knew of the greedy, uncharitable people involved in its operation now. I also have to wonder why the hospital feels they need to solicit charitable contributions with the excessive fees they charge, and the amount of money they take in (Oh, I forgot- that goes to pay the high salaries of their officials.)- and better yet, why they expect people to voluntarily contribute (directly, or indirectly) to these outrageously high salaries.

Thank you for exposing this problem both in Albany, Georgia, and nationwide. It seems extremely timely, with the president and Congress currently discussing- and hopefully, acting on- health care reform. We can only hope they come to an agreement that will improve both the quality of health care, and its costs- and that these changes will truly help the majority of our citizens- especially the poorest and sickest of them.

1/19/2010
Vince
Los Gatos, CA

Many of these hospital executives can be seen worshiping in their respective churches as they take advantage of those without no voice or recourse!

And yet, many Americans believe it's okay for the Wall Street crowd to run much of the countries' "public safety and health."

When will we ever learn! WHEN WILL WE EVER LEARN, AMERICA!!

10/29/2009
Healthwatcher
Peoria, AZ

Check this document - see page 5, another non-profit money hungry hospital system
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/10/01/TBirdHospital.pdf

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!

6/29/2009
Leesburg, Ga

Phoebe's behavior is unacceptable. They are like the Mafia. Your either with them or you leave them alone. If you stand up they will crush you. They like to be known as the "Hospital with a Heart". What a joke. They have succeeded in overcharging all the major manufacturers in Albany. What little bit they take care of the poor is subsidized by the major employers in Albany. Reports from these manufacturers indicate Phoebe charges at least 30% more than other Hospitals that supply health care to thier sister plants. Dougherty County allows it to happen because it eliminates their indigent costs. I will not post my name because Phoebe is likely to sue me.


6/29/2009
Albany GA

I don't personally agree that this documentary was entirely truthful, but then I can admit that I do not care for Charles Rehberg or John Bagnato, personally. I am certainly not saying that Phoebe is perfect by any means, no business can claim that distinction. Having seen several of the "Phoebe Factoids" I found them extremely offensive and distasteful. Some of the factoids might have been about exposing "supposed" inappropriate billing practices, but the ones I saw were mainly about just disparaging the reputation of Joel Wernick. I just really question the motives of Rehberg and Bagnato, because I had a very dear friend who had surgical procedures performed by Bagnato, when he still had privileges at Phoebe and she was there for several weeks and as soon as she was out of the hospital she was being hounded by his office to make payments, that sounds like his office is doing the same thing that he is accusing Phoebe of doing. Always remember whenever you are pointing fingers, three more are pointing back at you. I just hope President Obama realizes that healthcare cannot be reformed overnight it will take years, the Clintons thought it could be done overnight, look how much progress they made, none. The insurance plan suggested by Obama sounds alot like socialized medicine to me and I don't personally want socialzied medicine because that means, your physician is chosen for you and you are put on waiting lists for any sort of surgical procedure. Americans won't accept this I know, because we are all abuot instant gratification, we want it now, want the best and want it cheap or free.