Posted by medlib on July 14, 2002, at 11:37:42
In reply to Re-Introduction and a Question, posted by Abby on July 12, 2002, at 13:42:45
Hi Abby--
Welcome back! It's great to see your "handle" once more.
Re code B58.61: I suspect (but can't document) that this is a billing code for a Medicare Part B provider (her physician). Chronic coumadin therapy is most often prescribed in the elderly to prevent complications from small blood clots in the lower extremities and/or in the brain (stroke). (Coumadin [Warfarin] is a widely used anticoagulant, erroneously called a blood "thinner".) Pts. on coumadin or heparin must have regular blood tests (PT, PTT) to keep within the therapeutic range (much like lithium).
While everyone should give someone they trust a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care", it sounds like your aunt has given her son an unlimited Power of Attorney (or he had her declared mentally incompetant and requested legal guardianship). This can be (in the wrong hands) a license to loot. If your aunt is not likely to regain mental competance, the only other recourse that I know of is to try to prove malfeasance (i.e., document that he spent her funds on items which will not benefit her.) Poor woman. It's one reason I have no intention of living so long.
Glad to hear that you're doing better. Hope's in short supply for many of us right now, and it's great to be reminded that better is possible.
Take care---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:446
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/2000/20020416/msgs/453.html