it pays to complain

I have been doing a lot of public complaining and it has paid off! About a week ago, the residents received a new health insurance packet where we were basically restricted (because of the outrageous costs for HMOs) to use the hospital we work in (university hospital) and related physicians as health care providers. The cost comparison is for the university hospital plan versus the HMO is $17 vs $218 for one person. Obviously, it doesn't leave anyone much choice.

I don't get sick to use insurance anyway, except for the fact that I'm pregnant now. I purposely chose a HMO last year, paying only $70/month, but this new plan is forcing me to change to a different doctor half-way through my pregnancy. The thing is, I really wanted to keep my anonymity/privacy when it came to having a child where I know a lot of the OB residents/staff. It's just plain weird to me--especially since the delivery of a child is such a vulnerable position in the first place. You're naked, you're feet are in stirrups,etc.

Luckily, after writing a 2 page paper to the housestaff council, I got a reply from the vice-president of benefits at the hospital who said they'll cover my expenses at the HMO until 6 months post-partum.

Life is good . . .

in training

For the past week, my husband and I entertained our niece and received some good training in parenthood. This is the third time she has stayed with us in the past 2 years--and we always end up having the same struggle.

Have you ever met a child who turned down--without even a thought--ice cream, candy? When this girl eats one chicken nugget she is full. Eating to her is ranked right there with cleaning her room.This has been an on going issue since birth for her, but I guess since she's only with us for a week at a time we get so shocked by it all.

At every single meal we have to remind her to chew, drink, and swallow otherwise she gets caught up in whatever she is thinking about. I have learned that watching TV and eating do not go hand in hand since the TV seems to put her in a trance.

But other than that, she is the most pleasant, mild mannered 9 year old. Tiny and petite with an appetite to match.