By now you may have heard that our clinic has endured some major changes. First, let me say thank you for supporting me through the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) proceedings this past summer. I hope that by bringing you up to date on the status of our practice, you will know I continue to be committed to our cause.
As many know, we refer to Lyme as Lyme Borreliosis Complex (LBC), because of the myriad of health problems and co-infections that often accompany chronic borrelia infections. Through a series of interesting events which will be revealed in time, our diagnosis and treatment of LBC was the subject of an investigation by the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) this past summer. At the conclusion of the hearing in July 2006, the Board issued a one year suspension of my medical license with an ``immediate stay.'' The ``immediate stay `` means that my license was immediately reissued upon the provision that we adhere to four specific conditions set by the Board. The four conditions are listed below as they were listed in the official hearing summary. Below each condition, we provide a brief explanation of how the clinic has responded to the stated condition.
CONDITION A: ``Dr. Jemsek shall develop an informed consent form approved by the North Carolina Board President.''
An improved consent form was developed and has been approved by the NCMB President and is being presented to patients who choose to undergo treatment.
CONDITION B: ``If a patient's diagnosis is not supported by current Center for Disease Control (``CDC'') Condition, then the patient must have a consultation or second opinion by a North Carolina licensed infectious disease physician approved by the Board President before treatment.''
A list of NC licensed infectious disease physicians was sent to the NCMB and we expect to receive approval of that list of physicians soon.
CONDITION C: ``Any treatment of Lyme disease either by oral or intravenous antibiotics for greater than two months total time must be included in a formal research protocol with Institutional Review Board (``IRB'') supervision approved by the Board President.''
Our Lyme Research team has developed a research protocol that has been submitted to an IRB for approval. We are hopeful that this research study will be approved by end of year 2006.
CONDITION D: ``Any complications of treatment must be addressed immediately.''
Patient response to treatment is always carefully monitored. Additionally, we have been tracking infection control rates within our patient population in detail since 2003. We will continue to do so and will address any complication immediately.
As a consequence of the NCMB proceedings, many major insurance carriers decided they no longer wished to remain in contract with our clinic. This has jeopardized the continuation of care for many patients who depend on insurance coverage for their medical care. Most significantly, this action has resulted in the heartbreaking loss of the HIV division of our practice, which was the largest private practice in the Carolinas with 1,000 patients and growing at a rapid rate before these events occurred.
These changes also necessitated our filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is a reorganization bankruptcy, not a liquidation bankruptcy. The bankruptcy will allow us to continue operating while restructuring our debt, and make changes which will allow us to remain financially solid and continue providing care to hundreds of patients with LBC.
Nurse Practitioners Christie Roeske, Michelle Sack, and all of our staff join me in our dedication to our practice and your care. You may have already taken note of our name change to Jemsek Specialty Clinic which occurred as a result of this organizational and legal change.
To be clear, here are the facts about where the Jemsek Specialty Clinic stands: 1. We are continuing to see patients on a regular schedule. 2. Operations have changed to a fee-for-service model. We are not ``in-network'' with insurance companies. Fees are posted on our website www.jemsekspecialty.com 3. We continue to build a strong network of referring and collaborating physicians who are supportive of our treatment approach. 4. Research is continuing and we are working with a national IRB in order to gain approval to initiate our first clinical research trial in LBC.
I believe that when like-minded individuals come together they can create powerful change. We can and will accomplish much when unified. In time, the work that the Lyme community is doing now will be the cornerstone of change for not only LBC but also for other chronic disease states.
Please know that we are honored to provide the medical care to those whose lives are affected by LBC. As always, please contact us at the Jemsek Specialty Clinic if you have any questions about our clinic or your care.
With regards,
Joseph G. Jemsek, MD FACP Board Certified Infectious Disease Specialist
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
^^^^^
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
My hat is off to him. He is under so much duress, yet he still is working to help the patients and has not stopped his research.
I am very impressed. I wish him all the best. Posted by heiwalove (Member # 6467) on :
god. how the hell is anyone without immense financial resources supposed to afford adequate lyme treatment? 700 dollars for a consultation??? no acceptance of medicaid/medicare? ugh, ugh, ugh.
god bless the usa. Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Thanks Connie,
This is just all so heart-breaking...I have no words tonight.
M
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
We need insurance to cover doctor visits and treatment. We have these infectious diseases and we deserve to be covered. It's a human rights issue.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Well looky here. He is BACK! And with a new plan! How wonderful to hear the news.
Most folks would have crumbled LONG before this.. but not our LLMD's! Not our Dr. J!
I wish him... his staff... and all his patients the best of luck. And thanks to Dr. J for not only putting up with the likes of us.. but also fighting for us and all those who came before us and who will follow in our footsteps.
THANKS Dr. J!
Now.. talk about surprises!
I did math!
I checked the prices because they seemed to be a concern for one of the posters.
Here's what I figured... and yes I am so proud I did math!
Also note.. the clinic WILL file your insurance for you!!! They don't have to... not by any means... but they have offered.
Ok..
Recently I sent a friend to a local doctor who I had been giving info to and trying to educate for the past few years. I really thought they could handle a simple case.. so I sent my friend there.
After a one hour wait to be seen.. an 8-10 minute visit with the doctor who said.. after seeing 6 recent tick bites from the past 5 days... and a big Lyme rash that was 3 days old...
That they needed to go to get a Lyme test run and report back to their office in a week for follow-up.
NO doxy.. no nothing! NO attention to the Lyme rash.. no thought that a Lyme test (ELISA) wouldn't be able to determine positive or negative within days of being bitten.. if at all.
And a bill that was paid in cash that day for $180.00... in a hoe dunk little town and office. The follow up visit.. another 10 minutes... would be $120.00.
Soooooooo.. figuring this out.. aside from the HORRIBLE skill of the duck.. and the potential to have the Lyme continue spreading unchecked for weeks to years... or forever...
Most ducks charge for a 10 minute appointment.. but I allowed 15 minutes in my figures... even though the visit was less than 10.
At $180.00 per 15 minutes.. it equals out to $720.00 per hour.
Dr. J's fees.. not counting the fact he actually knows what he is doing...
Is $700 for the first visit.. and $350 for the second (then it drops even more).
The first AND second visit are 3 hours each.. making a total of 6 hours.
Final cha ching...
Duck fees... HAD they seen the patient for the same number of hours.. it would never happen but just in case..
$4,320.00 Total
Dr. J's fees for the same amount of time... SIX HOURS..... and quality care to boot...
$1,050.00 Total
So the dope ducks are charging at least FOUR times more than you'd pay for the same amount of time with someone who actually can and will help you rather than allow you to worsen and go untreated.
And they file your insurance for you!
Now..
If yanyone wants to complain.. be my guest. But at least slam the right people when you do.
It's NOT the LLMD's fault we are so sick and need so many things. It is the ducks fault for letting us get that way in the first place.. and the insurance companies fault for being well.. insurance companies... and playing their games with your life.
And.. we also need to kick the CDC, FDA, IDSA, Yale, Hold the Mayo and MY favorite.. Hopkins... and all the pig slymes who know better and still chose to be evil do'ers.
Go after them!
And be pleasured we have someone who is still fighting them to be able to help you.
Thanks Dr. J.
And guess what.. I did MATH! Will miracles never cease?
HA!
Posted by 8man12 (Member # 7664) on :
CONDITION B: ``If a patient's diagnosis is not supported by current Center for Disease Control (``CDC'') Condition, then the patient must have a consultation or second opinion by a North Carolina licensed infectious disease physician approved by the Board President before treatment.''
A list of NC licensed infectious disease physicians was sent to the NCMB and we expect to receive approval of that list of physicians soon.
That misses 80% of lyme victims
Posted by lymesux (Member # 6248) on :
Thanks Connie for posting this - what a shame it has come down to this.
I applaud Dr. J in this time, as always, just not sure my kids and I can continue care with him - it stinks!!
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
{We need insurance to cover doctor visits and treatment. We have these infectious diseases and we deserve to be covered. It's a human rights issue.}
Insurance is "for-profit" industry just like Wal-mart. It is not "social" or government sponsored or paid for by tax dollars. Private industry period!
Next time Government Healthcare is offered up, sit up and take notice. Once it is taxed and in the hands of the government, you can start to talk about human rights and what you deserve. What did you do to deserve a handout from someone else anyway? Huh?
Do you really think your insurance premiums more than cover the cost of monthly IV antibiotics? I hear they run 3-6000 per month. Is that how much you pay in premiums?
Someone under another post said the Jemsek attack was driven by insurance companies trying to stop the expensive long-term treatment. That I believe! If you could even get Government to force insurance companies to operate at a loss, they would just simply close their doors and go find another way to make money. They are private industry.
Would Dr Jemsek have any greater freedom under Govt sponsored healthcare? I don't know. I kind of doubt it. Is there a good answer for those of you who can't afford medical care out of pocket? I don't know what that answer is.
I wish I did.
This post is not in support of insurance companies. I'm just trying to make you understand the principals of business. It is only about profits and losses.
Maybe what we need is affordable healthcare. Not affordable insurance. Affordable medicine and medical treatment.
Maybe we and our doctors need more education on basic healthcare we can do at home. Such as eat better. Live better. Try not to get sick or if sick, try to keep your body as fit as possible to deal with the sickness. Maybe doing this would reduce the amount of synthetic medical needs and thereby reduce the overall costs?
Maybe we need to investigate Big Pharma and find out why they charge so much for the drugs.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Geeze...
With fees like those, how the heck did he get into the financial mess?
Condition B REALLY bothers me. Who is the state of NC to tell a patient they MUST have a second opinion? I'm assuming that the state is not going to pick up the tab for this "second" opinion.
Furthermore, can a patient of Dr. J start treatment before this second opinion or do they have to wait??
Disgusting!!!!!!
Posted by Areneli (Member # 6740) on :
Hush guys! This second opinion is to protect him from another attack by medical authorities and a condition of his probation.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Marnie said:
"Geeze... With fees like those, how the heck did he get into the financial mess?"
I would like to answer that question, if I may...or at least try.
I was a patient of the good doc for 3 years. I only left his practice because I moved clear across to the other side of the country and found a closer LLMD.
When I began seeing doc J in 2003, his fees were some of the lowest out there. And YES, I did my research.
He was also one of the very few still accepting insurance and Medicaid/ Medicare.
He also worked very compassionately with his patients when they could not afford to pay on time. For me, it took almost an entire year to pay off my very last appointment.
That was NOT due to any extravagant cost...it was because, I simply had NO money left. Doc J, and his practice, did not harass me over this bill, I was never charged interest, NOR was I ever refused continued treatment.
His empathy for and dedication to his patients is beyond compare in my book.
My first appointment was 4 1/2 hours long! He was thorough, intelligent, informative, sincere and never once claimed to be able to CURE me.
BUT, he said that he and I would do our best to get me better...and this offered me a sense of hope without false pretense.
I have nothing but admiration, respect and empathy for this most dedicated practitioner.
Melanie
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Doctors have to pay salaries and benefits of staff, pay medical equipment, and pay large insurance fees. The fees don't all go into the doctors' pockets.
I am sure there are many reasons for the financial difficulties, and most are probably related to the hearing.
I would guess that the clinic was not paid for many costs that would have been covered by the insurance contracts due to the hearing. The amount of time spent with patients was probably cut significantly during the hearings.
It is also very, very sad that the clinic has to close it's HIV practice. Dr. J is also a pioneer in treating HIV/AIDS, and it is very sad that those patients are also hurt by this ruling.
Posted by Areneli (Member # 6740) on :
I wouldn't be too sorry about HIV/AIDS patients in this aspect. Protocols are well known, effective and some very cheap. Survival rate approaches 20 years. Not bad for once such a deadly disease. Most of HIV/AIDS patients can get treatment within walking distance.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Its C section that gets me
"any abx greater than 2 months...must be reviewed...supervision by the board president..."
So now the board president is driving our treatment
when did God die and make him the leading athoritiy on lyme?
And so the board members will be the ones who say when treatment finished
This is unacceptable!@%#@
And you can thank the medical board for the reason the prices went up. Fighting in court wan't cheap and came at a price"our very lives"
The insurance company pulled out and now no treatments for HIV patients too.
The board has blood on their hands Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Re-Section B
There are NO IF docs in NC who believe in chronic lyme. In particualr in absence of a CDC positive Elsa or WB & also in the absence of a bull's eye.
period!
Treating chronic lyme patients cost Dr. J so many things too numerous to mention & he did not abandon us! He's my hero. Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
Thanks again Connie for taking the time to post this.
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
quote:Originally posted by Areneli: I wouldn't be too sorry about HIV/AIDS patients in this aspect. Protocols are well known, effective and some very cheap. Survival rate approaches 20 years. Not bad for once such a deadly disease. Most of HIV/AIDS patients can get treatment within walking distance.
They still lost a great, caring doctor who is responsible for some of those protocols.
While survival rate may be "not bad," life on HIV meds isn't easy. The medications do cause many side effects.
Just because these patients have more options, doesn't mean that they aren't impacted by this. We should recognize that this ruling by the medical board had a greater impact than on just the Lyme community. Perhaps that may even allow us to build relationships with allies.
Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
Well said Aniek. It's so hard to start over w/ another doctor, especially a good one.
I noticed on his website my LLNP who I usually see is no longer listed. Looks quite a few have been let go. I will really miss her.
Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
I don't know what I would do if I lost Dr. J. I can't imagine the loss felt by the patients that can no longer see him.
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
^^^^
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
It is not healthy to alter the immune response via Tetracyclines (et al) and reducing ethanol (ongoing) via abx, IMO, is not necessarily a good idea. Activate PKC to *prevent cell death* merely prolongs the disease. This keet will go into a cyst form. The infected cells NEED TO DIE to get Bb "out in the open" so our OWN defenses can hit it.
UPregulating ethanol via Flagyl doesn't work either....personal observation. You've just altered the cell wall.
Ethanol and morphine do not mix: (A tad of research follows)
"The phenomenon of combining ethanol and opiate use and the resultant toxic effects were noted as early as 1881 [Hubbard, F. H., The Opium Habit and Alcoholism, Barnes, New York, 1881, pp 3-14]."
Possibilities examined: 1. Ethanol and heroin act additively or synergistically on the central nervous and respiratory systems, producing cardiopulmonary arrest that is more often fatal than that produced by heroin alone.
NO and superoxide. Open the acetylcholine channels. MAKE more ATP to drive Mg INTO the cells. Reduce amylase and lipase....starve that sucker. Far infrared. Research it.
Gi Gi is RIGHT. It IS mercury that is causing HUGE problems. THIS IS THE AUTOIMMUNE TRIGGER. I linked this in another post.
Now...why? Selenium too low.
TOO ACIDIC...too much TNF alpha, too much PFK triggered by acidic insulin, too many fab damaged acidic antibodies...too much oxidative stress.
Either TARGET it with the RIGHT acidic things OR get alkaline. Pick one.
Learn from the vets...they know much more! Dig Liver Dis. 2002 Jun ;34:403-10 (ethanol and NO connections)
Knock out neurobabesia...IV Na bicarb. (In dogs). Long time ago in Germany.
In case you all are wondering, I'm counting on "others" to read this...lurkers.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
Well, I consider him a hero. He could have filed a complete bankruptcy/liquidation and closed his doors completely, wiping his slate clean. Instead, he reorganized and is trying his best to continue against enormous odds.
I think his detailed Lyme Overview is one of the most informative and authoritative works out there. Everyone ought to read it. Although on opposite coasts, I appreciate that his website is still up for the vast amount of knowledge that "lives" there.
Michelle
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Dear Editor,
The problems facing Dr. Jemsek are shameful to say the least. The North Carolina Medical Board needs to be taken out behind the wood shed for targeting and punishing a doctor who has helped so many people who's lives were destroyed by other North Carolina doctors who couldn't tell a tick from a turkey.
Lyme disease patients are losing their highly skilled, compassionate doctors, who know how to treat tick borne diseases, to the "system", which in this case is so rotten it could stink up an entire planet.
I can't believe the officials there were stupid enough to fall for this evil plot perpetuated by a handful of money grubbing people and that they allowed themselves to be sucked in, hook, line, and sinker to a monopoly run by a bunch of wart hogs.
As a support group leader I have received thousands of desperate calls for help over the years and they continue to come in on a daily basis. These patients are so sick now because their previous doctors followed the medical boards recommendations and theories and they DIDN'T work!
If our doctors continue to be targeted, we will have to start sending the growing number of chronically ill patients to the medical board doctors homes and offices so THEY can take care of them.
Then they can tell these sick people that they refuse to treat them for their ongoing infectious diseases and sit there and watch as they suffer in pain, deteriorate, and die. I don't have the heart to do it any more, especially when I know the officials know better and can fix the situation.
Sincerely,
Posted by TNhayley (Member # 8249) on :
Been sitting here a while trying to think of the best thing to say, because I feel I must say something out of respect and admiration. And I'm just blank and overwhelmed.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." MLK, Jr.
For both Drs J ... very tall men indeed.
H
Posted by TNhayley (Member # 8249) on :
Been sitting here a while trying to think of the best thing to say, because I feel I must say something out of respect and admiration. And I'm just blank and overwhelmed.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." MLK, Jr.
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