Brain tumors can be especially horrible as they penetrate deeply into tissues that are quite fragile. Their rapidly growing fingers often extend far beyond the reach of even the sharpest scalpel and the chemotherapy needed to destroy them will unfortunately destroy sensitive brain tissues as well. They become inoperable and little or nothing can be done to save the life of the patient.

That’s what I think about when I receive a request for my signature as I did today in the office. The “pre-scribed” nurse’s order was a request for Mr. Jones to be able to use a curved spoon for eating his meals. Now let’s think about that for a moment.

First of all, I have no idea what a curved spoon is. My spoon is curved when I look at it. Perhaps this spoon is really curved or curved up when mine is curved down. Maybe it curves to the right or something. I honestly don’t know. But I do know that Mr. Jones has Parkinson’s disease and apparently his nurse or therapist has determined that he would do better eating with a curved spoon.

That’s all fine with me. Yet think again about the fact that I have to approve of something that until one minute before, I had no idea even existed. This is Medicare’s way of assigning blame and responsiblity. If he chokes on it, they blame me and I get sued. After all, I approved it. If I approve it, then it gets paid for through the CMS system and the family is not held responsible for payment. After all, I requested it.

Can’t somebody just help the man eat?