ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Dr. Jemsek's hearing before the NC Medical Board has been moved to late spring or early summer. We are in the process of soliciting support letters from anyone who is interested in doing this. Attached is a petition that one of the NC Lyme Foundation members, Tom Hock, developed. I will post again in this thread and give the address of Dr. Jemsek's attorney as letters need to be mailed to his office.
I am sure many of you have standard letters already ready for the support of Lyme doctors across the country. It helps greatly to show that this same senario is being played out over and over across the country and people are not getting treatment for a very serious disease.
Lyme disease Standard of Care Petition
To whom it may concern,
The undersigned patients of Dr. Joseph Jemsek, family, friends, and supporters of those patients, and other concerned parties would like to bring to your attention an impending health care crisis in North Carolina. This crisis involves the potential loss of the legal right to choose between two standards of care for over 1000 Lyme disease patients due to the pending investigation of the Jemsek Clinic by the NC Medical Board.
Currently, the medical community is deeply divided over the appropriate method of effectively treating Lyme disease. Due to the lack of reliable test procedures and insufficient and conflicting research, two different standards of care have emerged in the practice of treating Lyme disease. Some physicians believe that treatment for 30 days is sufficient for curing Lyme disease and that any remaining symptoms "reflect a self-perpetuating autoimmune response", while other physicians believe that persistent symptoms require further treatment based on the
patient's clinical response. Recent surveys show that physicians are fairly evenly split between these two standards of care.
The legal standard of care for treatment of a medical condition is determined by the consensus of treating physicians. With two legal standards of care, the medical ethical principle of autonomy states that the decision for the appropriate course of treatment belongs to the patient. The American Medical Association (AMA) requires that a treating physician disclose and discuss with the patient the risks and benefits of all available treatment alternatives. We agree with the AMA, the American College of Physicians, and other professional medical organizations interested in promoting informed patient consent. We need to ensure that:
� Physicians, insurers, patients and governmental agencies understand that two treatment approaches exist.
� Physicians give patients sufficient information about treatment options to enable patients to make a meaningfully informed choice and respect the autonomy of that choice.
� Insurance reimbursement is provided for treatment rendered in accordance with either standard of care.
� Government agencies provide unbiased information and remain neutral regarding both standards of care and treatment approaches.
Our immediate concern is that the NC Medical Board gives the Jemsek Clinic fair treatment with regard to the legal standard of care for Lyme disease; Dr. Jemsek follows the International Lyme Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) treatment recommendations. We are asking you to support Dr. Jemsek's right to provide treatment according to the legal standard of care, and our right to make an informed choice between treatment protocols.
Thank you for your support in this time of crisis,
Sincerely,
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
THE NORTH CAROLINA LYME DISEASE FOUNDATION,INC.
Hello Everyone,
After careful thought and consideration, the NCLDF, Inc. is providing you with some ideas and guidelines that we would like you to consider when writing letters of support for Dr. Joseph Jemsek. As you know, Dr. Jemsek is under investigation by the NC Medical Board and is scheduled for a hearing sometime Spring 2006. (The exact date can change so we will inform you of this later). The vast majority of us in the Lyme community are aware that there exists extreme controversy in regards to the most effective way to diagnose and/or treat Lyme Borreliosis. Most patients are keenly aware of how much better they feel after continued therapy for Borreliosis. We believe that Dr. Jemsek is really being investigated because he diagnoses and treats lyme based on a different standard of care. In fact, it appears that many medical boards around the country are attacking lyme physicians that treat longer term. This has to stop.Together we can put an end to this senseless mission. I ask you to please read this entire email and help in every way that you can. I sincerely thank-you in advance for all your help.
1. You may write letters in support of Dr. Jemsek. These letters should go directly to his lawyer. Send all letters to Mr. James Wilson, 9911 Rose Commons Drive, Suite E-313, Huntersville, NC 28078. In these letters please include what circumstances led you to your final appointment with the Jemsek Clinic. Talk about the process that was used to make your diagnosis and what you were advised about the diagnosis and treatment. Please include comments about your health then compared to now. It would be helpful to talk about your experience with other doctors but please do not mention names. Family members and friends may write also discussing your improvement. (ANY LETTERS YOU WRITE MAY BECOME PART OF PUBLIC RECORD AND PLEASE SEND THE NCLDF A COPY SO THAT WE CAN USE THEM IN OUR ADVOCACY WORK.)You may send these to me at Beth Jordan, 192 Mylands Road East, Louisburg, NC 27549.
2. It is vital at this time for you to contact your legislators. In person visits are the best with 2 or more people.You may also contact them via phone, letter or email. It is important that you alert them to the impending health crisis in North Carolina. Over 1000 lyme patients are at risk for losing their doctor. This is not a small thing.Specifically tell them there are two standards of care for lyme and that you as a patient have a right to choose which one you receive.(The two standards of care are summarized in the attachment below for those that need it). You can search for your legislator by going to www.ncga.state.nc.us. Click on the citizen guide and you will find the info you need.
3. You may also write letters to the newspapers, to the Governor, state health officials ( at health dept)and to anyone you feel would be interested and concerned with this health crisis. Specifically, remember to talk about the two standards of care and your right to choose that which is best for you. Also mention the fact that NC's main lyme specialist is under investigation and how the loss of his license could be detrimental to so many in our state.(Dr. Jemsek currently treats over 1000 patients with chronic tick borne disease).
It is important in all of your correspondence to be balanced, articulate and factual. Hostility though understandable will not help our case. Many of you have expressed an interest in helping with our work at the Foundation. Here is your chance to really make a difference. Remember, people without lyme can also write letters. Family members and friends can be very helpful with this. Please do all that you can and if you need help do not hesitate to contact the Foundation.
ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
up
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
I'm writing a letter to the Charlotte Observer--is it Bowen or Boman?
Thanks, L
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
quote:Originally posted by Linda LD: I'm writing a letter to the Charlotte Observer--is it Bowen or Boman?
Thanks, L
Not sure what you are asking. Let me know.
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
Bowen test and IGENEX.
Will you proof my letter to the Charlotte observer? I am going to include my address phone number and that I founded BULLET--lyme Support group.
Thank you!
L
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Yes. I sent mine in .He needs all the support and prayers we can offer.
He is a dedicated,caring doctor,who has put himself on the line to help lyme patients.
He is the only LLD in the south east and alot of us will be up the creak without him. Here in the carolina's,most doctors won't even admitt there is lyme and refuse to even test.
I was told to keep my letter very short and concise as the "board" at the hearings will not have that much time to read long letters.
I wrote my letter " To whom it may concern"
And kept it under two small paragraphs.
And sent it in.
Lets all "support another doctor who is now under the gun " for treating us!!!!
ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Has anyone been able to do a support letter to help with this situation? I always respond from NC when there is a call for action in support of other LLMDs. I haven't seen much action on this request. Would love to know if anyone out there is helping with this.
Thank you.
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
ConnieMc yep sent mine in. You can pm me anytime if you want help with yours.
take care
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Oh No!!
I didn't realize this was happening to my LLMD!!!
I've got to crawl out from under my rock!
I'm sending that letter asap to his attorney.
What else can I do to help???
Even though I'm six hours away in Alabama, Dr. J. is worth the drive.
Can we go to the hearing to support him??
Please let me know what I can do to help.
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6918 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Not to worry Aklnwlf
You still have time ,as I think the hearing aren't till Aprril.
I wish people would send in short letters of support to dr. J , just like the Texas rally is doing.
*All they would need to say is something like.:"TO whom it may concern":-----
*Yes I too have to go out of state for treatment...
*This has been a hardship for my family...
*My life is shattered by lyme disease....
*And because I didn't get promp diagnosis form my local GP's & doctors ...it is now a devasating disease.
*This delay in diagnosis has caused....
*I beg you not to persecute the doctors who are helping us...
TWO SHORT PARAGRAPHS. THATS ALL YOU NEED TO DO.
Lets all sent a quick note in before they take all our doctors away from us!!!!!!!
Who will be left to treat us?
See ConnieMc's first two posts for the address on where to send your letters
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
I wrote the Charlotte Observer and if anything is printed I hope someone will tell me.
This is such a stupid question, I'm actually embarressed:
What is the attorney's address? I'm in East Tennessee, I don't think it will help to call the politicians over there--but I can write a letter of support to his lawyer, where is the address?
Thanks, Linda
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
quote:Originally posted by Linda LD: I wrote the Charlotte Observer and if anything is printed I hope someone will tell me.
This is such a stupid question, I'm actually embarressed:
What is the attorney's address? I'm in East Tennessee, I don't think it will help to call the politicians over there--but I can write a letter of support to his lawyer, where is the address?
Thanks, Linda
Linda - Thanks for your help! The atty's complete address is in the second post on this thread. James Wilson. Under number 1.
The NC Lyme Foundation is also listed for anyone who is willing to send copies of their leters to them for their files. Also under # 1. Beth Jordan.
Anyone willing to contribute a letter to this cause is certainly welcome! All support is greatly appreciated!!
posted
Is there any reason why everyone on lymenet who knows of Dr. J's fine work couldn't write about that knowledge. Most of us have read nothing but good things about Dr. J. That would make many more letters. I don't see him, but would really like to support him.
Please do something to keep this on the front page as a continuing update. That is what is being done for Dr. Jones. I came across this accidentally.
-------------------- tj Posts: 296 | From Portland, OR | Registered: Jun 2003
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
I agree tijtighe
I don't know why this thread isn't swamped with more people on this board asking about writing a letter.
This is happening all across the country. Ct, Texas, NC and who know where or when they will stop?
I don't think they will be happy untill all our doctors are no longer there to help us.
So please, even if this is not your doctor, write a short letter. Because you know what? Some day they may be coming after yours.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
Insurance is going after my doc...
L
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Up for our heros. Our LLD's who are putting themselves on the line for us.
keep wring those letters, as every voice counts.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
Just sent my letter of support for Dr. J to the lawyer noted in the second post. Kept it to one page and positive. Mary Anne
Posts: 58 | From SC | Registered: May 2004
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