Larry King:
As you all know, Abe Lester has been going to the same physician, Dr. Schwartz, for the past twenty years. It was Dr. Schwartz who first diagnosed Abe with mitral valve prolapse. It was Dr. Schwartz who saw Abe through two hospital admissions, for food poisoning and cellulitis, and innumerable cases of bronchitis. It was Dr. Schwartz who prescribed statin drugs for Abe and reduced his cholesterol to acceptable levels.
Through all those years, Abe Lester showed unflinching loyalty to Dr. Schwartz, the proof of the pudding being that even though Dr. Schwartz was not in Abe’s medical insurance plan, Abe was willing to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for the doctor’s services.
But today, Abe Lester has to make a decision, perhaps the biggest decision in the history of HMOs and PPOs. Abe has to decide whether or not to stay with Dr. Schwartz or switch to a new doctor that is in his medical insurance plan. CNN has decided to air Abe’s decision during this special presentation of “Larry King Live.”
How are you feeling, Abe?
Abe:
Not too bad, Larry. I still have a little cough from a bout with bronchitis.
Larry King
First of all, Abe, tell us how you came to making this decision.
Abe
Well, it wasn’t easy. I really like Dr. Schwartz. I trust him. He’s seen me through a lot of bad times. But you see, Larry, I just retired from my job and I get a pension. But the pension isn’t too much…
Larry King
Would you mind telling us exactly how much your pension is?
Abe
Well it varies. There are cost of living adjustments, taxes, loans to pay off…let’s just say it’s quite a bit less than I made at my job. The good thing is that I still get medical insurance. While I was working, I never wanted to use a doctor in my plan since I was doing so well with Dr. Schwartz, but recently I started to wonder if I can really afford him anymore.
Larry King
So the decision is basically between money and loyalty. Have you told anybody what your decision is going to be?
Abe
Only a few people. You can count them on one or two fingers.
Larry King
Did you ask anybody for advice, Abe?
Abe
Yeah, I talked it over with a few people. My mother gave me the best advice. She’s 85 and has five or six different doctors. She said to me, “Abe, your health is the most important thing. If you’re dead, you can’t spend the money you save anyway.” She also said, “Do what’s good for you, not what’s good for the doctor.”
Larry King
Wise words from a wise woman. Tell me, Abe, when exactly did you finally decide?
Abe
I was still deciding in my sleep last night, Larry. I had a dream that I was in cardiac arrest, shortness of breath, pain in my left shoulder. I managed to get to a phone and call Dr. Schwartz. But he said he couldn’t help me because I didn’t pay the last bill. Then I woke up and knew what I had to do.
Larry King
So are you ready to tell America your decision, Abe?
Abe
Yes, Larry. I decided I am going to switch to Dr. Applebaum. He’s in my insurance plan. All he takes is a $15 co-pay for each visit.
Larry King
Dr. Applebaum! You just made his day, Abe. We have a live feed up from his office. Look at the nurses and file clerks dancing in the waiting room!
Abe
Yeah. That’s another reason I picked Applebaum. He has great nurses who really know how to draw blood and handle urine samples. They all work as a team. I think I can work with them and stay alive another twenty years.
Larry King
Abe, I’m sorry to say this, but we’ve just received reports that Dr. Schwartz has burned your medical files. What do you say to that?
Abe
Well, I’m sorry to hear that, Larry. I still love Dr. Schwartz. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a prostate exam. But put it this way, Larry. Let’s say Dr. Schwartz called me up one day and told me he didn’t want me as a patient anymore. Would that justify me and my wife burning down his office?
Larry King
Well, we’re out of time, Abe. Thanks so much for sharing your decision with us. And by the way folks, revenues from this special will go to AARP and the Cleveland branch of the Over the Hill Hoopsters. Congratulations to you Abe and to Dr. Applebaum.
Abe
Thanks, Larry.
