My story begins with a visit to a family doctor. Unfamiliar pains brought me to him. The doctor sent me for testing and more testing, and the diagnosis was a very difficult one. In the next stage, askanim entered the picture, and they recommended the most expert doctor in the country. This doctor does not see patients through the health clinic, and in order to get in to him one needs a form from the health fund approving financial coverage of the visit.
I put in a request for the form, but the health fund refused to approve the request. “We have our own doctors who deal with this field,” they claimed. They gave me the name of a doctor who worked in their clinic, claiming he was an expert in his field.
I talked this over with those in the know. All of them agreed that the greater expert was the one who worked privately, but paying for a visit was not in my budget. I tried to get some protektzia rolling, tried requesting a special inquiry commission, tried convincing the branch manager to convince the management, but everyone stood staunch and firm against my repeated requests.
I explained that it was a matter of pikuach nefesh, and the documents showed this black on white, but there was no one to talk to. They refused to give me the form. “Go and see our doctor,” they said, “and a speedy recovery to you.”
Did I have a choice?! I went to the doctor who was not recommended at all, and he took my case seriously. He instructed and gave what he gave, knowing himself that there was not much to all these treatments. For this specific illness, l”a, there is no medication.
