General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My Dallas Ebola Hospital Theory - ENJOY! [View all]DhhD
(4,695 posts)staff is gloved and knowledgeable to prevent exposure to a virus. They know that Ebola is passed by body fluids; where as, Hep A and B, might be on the fingernails or fingertips; Hep C, a virus, on urinated pants or on places bleeding.
I believe that they knew if they turned away this West African traveler, with viral symptoms, he would go to another hospital, the county hospital, Parkland, who is ready to work with patients that need care under Medicaid. In other words, Parkland is the Texas Health and Human Services provider in Dallas County. It is a long process for the doctors at the other area hospitals, to contact TX Health and Human Services to get Medicaid set up. There was no federal grant set up at this hospital either. University of Texas works with Parkland through Medicare and Medicaid. The university hospitals with pay for care services already set up, are another alternative that the patient and his family were probably directed to, in my opinion.
There is no Medicaid Expansion in Texas. This patient would require a very long and expensive stay.
I blame this on Tea Party Governor Rick Perry and the Tea Party Extremist in the Texas Legislature who give a crap less about the numerous minimum wage and below earners in this state with no health care options.