How things are going in America… Today I had a patient, who I have not seen for over a year, send me a MyChart message out of the blue. She has been uninsured for about a year, which is why she has not been able to come in for any appointments. She is not currently taking any meds (because, you know, no insurance). She has two special needs kids who have had to ration care because of expense. She was able to get a job with Walmart, but her benefits don’t kick in for 90 days. So she can’t come in because, despite having a job, doesn’t get insurance until her other benefits kick in. The kicker to all this though, is she wasn’t even messaging me about her meds. She was wondering if I could write her a note so that she could have a chair or a stool available to her while she is checking customers out. She had spinal fusion surgery 4 years ago and can barely stand for any amount of time. So, instead of just letting her have a seat, Walmart required her to ask her doctor for approval, despite not providing any insurance to see said doctor. And yes, I did write her the letter.