THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994 TAG: 9406300059
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DELTHIA RICKS, ORLANDO SENTINEL
DATELINE: 940630 LENGTH: Long
All three people in the picture were blind - probably the result of cataracts, he surmises. His vision, too, had been giving way to the condition, especially his right eye, so that he perceived the world in hazy hues.
{REST} ``There wasn't a sharpness of edges,'' he said. ``There wasn't much detail. Color wasn't crisp - things were blurred.''
Even though Estes, 49, is uninsured and didn't have the $3,000 needed for an operation, he did find a way to undergo the surgery for free.
It was, for Estes of Oviedo, Fla., an unexpected introduction to America's network of no-charge health care - a hodgepodge of programs and charities that quietly flourishes in the shadow of an $800 billion-a-year health care industry.
Getting into this low-profile system, which provides everything from medicine to hospitalization, usually requires patients to prove they have no way of financing desperately needed services. But there are facets of it available to anyone - rich or poor; insured or uninsured.
The trick is knowing whom to call.
The program Estes found is called Mission Cataract Day. It was begun in 1991 by Dr. Frederick Richburg a California ophthalmologist who wanted to save the sight of those who couldn't afford surgery. In three years, more than 200 ophthalmologists have signed on to the project.
``This is a national program that has recruited physicians from all over the United States,'' said Darlene Jalowsky, chief of operations at the Eye Institute of Central Florida in Orlando. More than 50 free cataract surgeries - including Estes' - were performed there last year.
The last Mission Cataract Day was held in the fall; the next one is scheduled for May 1995.
In the meantime, the institute sets aside two hours every Friday for free eye examinations for people - with or without insurance - who are unable to pay for screenings. Patients are tested for visual acuity, glaucoma, cataracts and possible damage caused by diabetes.
``There are wonderful resources throughout the whole country,'' said Dr. Neil Shulman, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta and co-author of ``Better Health Care for Less'' (Hippocrene Books, $14.95). The book is an insider's guide to free and low-cost medical services and information.
``One of the problems with our current health-care system is that people aren't consumer-literate in medicine and don't know about all of the resources that are out there. Even doctors aren't familiar with them,'' Shulman said.
He suggests that cancer patients and their families familiarize themselves with the Cancer Information Service of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. Counselors are available to discuss by telephone all matters involving cancer, from treatment to experimental drugs. Dial (800) 4-CANCER.
Patients interested in taking part in a scientific study of new cancer therapies can obtain information by contacting the Cancer Research Institute in New York City at (800) 99CANCER.
Taking part in a study, Shulman said, could mean free medicine and hospital care, which is important because some people find the financial burden of cancer therapy so daunting, they fail to complete therapy.
Laurie Fisher, spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society in Orlando, said, ``We try to help those folks who are destitute, or at least get them pointed in the right direction. We work with all of the social workers from the major hospitals.''
The society helps transport some patients to and from treatments and provides women about to undergo chemotherapy with a session on makeup and a selection of wigs.
Shulman insists there is something for everyone with a medical need or health-related question at low or no cost.
If you want to lose weight, lower blood cholesterol levels or just want to know more about healthful foods, free nutritional advice is available by telephone from the American Dietetic Association ((800) 366-1655).
Free medicines to treat everything from allergies to depression to AIDS can be obtained through programs sponsored by dozens of pharmaceutical companies.
The medications are offered primarily to low-income and uninsured patients. The companies require detailed financial information to determine a person's need. A physician also has to confirm the patient's medical need and write to the company, explaining the condition and the amount of medicine required.
``The information on how to get medicine for free from pharmaceutical companies isn't something that these companies are going to advertise,'' Shulman said. ``But if they have these programs, the public should know about them.''
For example, transplant patients with family incomes as high as $40,000 can qualify for anti-rejection medication through the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Lynn Wegman, deputy director with the Bureau of Health Resources Development, which is part of the U.S. Public Health Service, said free medical care is available at certain facilities that received federal construction grants.
Under the Hill-Burton program, she said, treatment - including hospitalization when needed - is provided free.
Wegman said each facility decides which services are to be provided free. The clinic or hospital then is obligated to provide those services for 20 years. Once the 20-year mark is reached, however, the facility has fulfilled its Hill-Burton obligation and the free services end.
The Maryland-based agency can answer questions about medical care and the Hill-Burton program. Call (800) 638-0742 during business hours Mondays through Fridays.
Shulman reminds consumers that a little research can open doors to a new world of health care services.
``Before you embark on something that costs you tons of money, a quick phone call, a little educational information or just adhering to a few tips can really save a lot of money.''
{KEYWORDS} FREE HEALTH CARE INDIGENT MEDICAL CARE by CNB