I write to express my hakarat hatov (positive recognition) and my gratitude to the two health professionals from EMA Care that have been from the start professionally involved and continue to be interested in my care and long-term recovery.
After a serious fracture, I was hospitalized in the north, and my insurance company recommended EMA Care services to help me. After a surgeon was pressuring me to sign consent for surgery, I realized that I needed to remain alert and therefore declined their offer of pain medications.
In the morning, the physicians had met and decided to proceed with surgery. My leg was not more swollen than the night before. I knew I was in trouble and felt very unsafe being there. I did not want surgery, and I wanted to return to the US for another opinion (Turns out, I didn’t need the surgery).
I called my travel insurance and they immediately responded and sent health professionals from EMA Care to visit me and to assess the situation, all the while coordinating with EMA Care to transfer me to a well reputed hospital in Jerusalem. At the same time, EMA care was coordinating my return to the US through my US insurance company, which was my preference.
Meanwhile, the health professional, from EMA Care were helping me in so many ways, too numerous to sketch in detail. Eliana, from her location, was constantly in touch with me, and Shani, who visited me, was in touch with Eliana throughout the ordeal. Shani, compassionately, remained at my bed side beyond her allotted time. Eliana informed me of my patient rights, including that I had the right to refuse surgery.
Shani also introduced me to the social worker, Talia, at Poriah, which turned out to be of great benefit for me in getting the Clexane treatment and the necessary Fit-to- Fly document for my flight back to the States. The administration of Clexane was done upon Eliana’s urging.
It was bashert and brilliant thinking by Eliana to ask Shani to be my attendant on the flight. Eliana, on my behalf, had successfully advocated that an attendant should accompany me. My US insurance finally agreed to a non- medical attendant. Eliana knew that by asking Shani (a health professional), I would have the best of both terms. And in reflection, having Shani accompany me was really critical to my well-being on the flight. She even taught me on the plane how to use crutches!
Shani graciously took Yad Sarah’s crutches back with her to Israel. The EMA Care team was an exceptional human resource for me and I am sure that I am not the only one to reap patient care benefits from them.
These health professionals are amazing: they use good judgment, are skilled and professional and give their hearts to the people under their care.
Please thank them on my behalf and know that you are truly blessed in using their services. I feel fortunate to have been the recipient of the medical attention and bed-side care given by the EMA Care staff, including Eliana and Shani.
B’hatzlachah u’bivrachah.
LM, New York
