03-02-2010, 06:33 AM
Monty, will you continue to have that insurance in Puna? You are self-insured? Very few primary care doctors here take new patients. A couple years ago, no one was and people were stuck with the clinic. The clinic is walk in and if you want an actual appointment you wait two months. The only good cardiac care in the state is on Oahu. They do some simple things here like stress tests.
A test or procedure that requires sedation means a trip to Oahu for TWO and overnight accommodation for one or two nights. Price tag for my husband's angiogram $800 apart from any copays on the medical. It is very difficult if you do end up in the hospital. There are basic rooms at UH Manoa for $70 a night if you want to have spouse or family nearby, and your companion has to find someone to watch your own house.
Any emergencies you experience living in Puna, your first stop is Hilo Medical Center - 45 minutes away, and not a cheerful, competently run place. If your needs exceed their abilities, you are put on a small plane to Oahu.
I understand your desire to come to Puna, but if you have known cardiac issues, I think you're picking a hard row to hoe for yourself.
As for the son, at age 14, fresh from the mainland, I think he would encounter a whole lot of attitude at the public schools, probably anywhere in the state. He is not going to be embraced except by other kids whose families have relocated. 14 is not a good age to have your parent(s) yank you away from what you know so that you have to start over, but your call, not mine.
A test or procedure that requires sedation means a trip to Oahu for TWO and overnight accommodation for one or two nights. Price tag for my husband's angiogram $800 apart from any copays on the medical. It is very difficult if you do end up in the hospital. There are basic rooms at UH Manoa for $70 a night if you want to have spouse or family nearby, and your companion has to find someone to watch your own house.
Any emergencies you experience living in Puna, your first stop is Hilo Medical Center - 45 minutes away, and not a cheerful, competently run place. If your needs exceed their abilities, you are put on a small plane to Oahu.
I understand your desire to come to Puna, but if you have known cardiac issues, I think you're picking a hard row to hoe for yourself.
As for the son, at age 14, fresh from the mainland, I think he would encounter a whole lot of attitude at the public schools, probably anywhere in the state. He is not going to be embraced except by other kids whose families have relocated. 14 is not a good age to have your parent(s) yank you away from what you know so that you have to start over, but your call, not mine.