Christine sent a message to Joseph R. Swedish – President and Chief Executive Officer of Anthem, Inc. Email Address that said:
Dear Mr. Swedish:
This message is being sent to you on behalf of a close and long-time friend of mine, Mr. Larry Firman. Larry told me that his PSA levels haven risen to over 8 ng/ml. He was referred by several of his male friends to Dr. Burnett at Johns Hopkins in Maryland for a consultation, as Dr. Burnett has an exceedingly high success rate in curing prostate cancer. Larry did meet with Dr. Burnett and felt most comfortable with him and his plan of treatment. As Larry was told by local urologists that it is urgent he have surgery performed, Dr. Burnett stated that he could set him up at any time for the procedure; however, Larry's Anthem BCBS HMO will not pay for the surgery because Dr. Burnett is not located in the state of Virginia. For Larry to pay out of pocket for Dr. Burnett's services, of course, would be cost prohibitive. Larry feels that his chances for a successful result are so much greater with Dr. Burnett. It is my understanding that Larry and his wife, Cindy, have had letters and medical information sent from several doctors, including Dr. Burnett, to Anthem BCBS regarding his medical situation; but, to no avail. They have exhausted every resource and don't know where else to go. Mr. Swedish, Larry does not know that I have contacted you regarding this matter; but, I want so desperately to help him. He feels as though all hope is about gone and that he does not want his family to be put through the ordeal of having to care for him as his health diminishes. Larry was a police officer until he had to leave the force due to blackout spells. He then started his own lawn maintenance business at which he has been working for years. Larry is a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Though he has siblings in the area, he is the only one still taking care of his 85-year-old mother, as well. In closing, Mr. Swedish, Larry does not know that I have contacted you regarding this matter; but, I feel I must try to help him if at all possible. It was most disturbing and a bit frightening to see the hopelessness he expressed yesterday during his visit. Should you be able to do anything about the insurance coverage for his surgery with Dr. Burnett at Johns Hopkins, please let me know. I can, then, have Larry and his wife contact you with the necessary information. Mr. Burnett, I appreciate the opportunity to send this email to you. Thank you.
Christine
