Pseudo Summary

Without my Governor Doyle's assistance, I would still be seeking diagnosis after six months of being ignored. I politely asked if we could discover why all those communications from my doctors seem to disappear, and why there was inefficient flow communication. I was told to write a letter. I wrote to the County Executive Scott Walkers office, it  seemed appropriate as he is  in charge of the Milwaukee County. Also he was on  a search for money, by slashing budgets,  how better to find money than  to use an existing budgets, but rather use this money more efficiently!

Since I was given no answers I decided to use my legal right to legally request my own patient information within the gamp bureaucracy, and so I sent them is digitally signed and legal document three times now requesting my patient information. Gamp recognized receipt of this legal document, yet  denies it as any paperwork concerning me, they're patient. I told them what I thought of that analysis, as you can read below.

If I must fight them in the courts to determine why things are so inefficient I will, hoping those that follow me will get the support that GAMP was intended to provide as a core function of the community as Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walkers assistant states.

The 31 emails, starting in the Governor Doyle administration, onto General Assistance Medical Program - Milwaukee (GAMP), and then on to the Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker administration, and eventually complaints to the federal government. 

 It is a joke, except the inefficiency and waste are worth crying for.  

E-Mail Correspondence log

1. From: Cunningham, Erin - Office of Governor Jim Doyle
[mailto:Erin.Cunningham@gov.state.wi.us]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 10:32 AM
To: 'mcataldi@ultravisual.com'
Subject: Vince

Hi Marifran,

I got in touch with Audrey at GAMP, but did not get very far with her.  She told me that Vince has not chosen a provider or a clinic and that is why there is a hold-up, but it seems from his website that he is seeing GAMP-approved doctors in GAMP-approved clinics (such as Dr. Wetzler and Dr. Deckard).  I am most interested in Dr. Deckard at this point because he seems to be the kind of specialist that Vince needs in order to nail down a true diagnosis, and get on the path to effective treatment or surgery.  Am I correct that Dr. Deckard is GAMP-approved?  If so, have you had any updates on the tests that Dr. Deckard recommended?  Have they been approved yet, or is Vince still waiting?

Would it be better for me to contact Vince directly?  If I can get the most recent updates on doctor's visits, tests, etc. from Vince, I will then try to contact someone (other than Audrey) at GAMP and DHFS to follow up.

Thank you,

Erin Cunningham

3. From: "Vince Cataldi" <vince@cataldi.us>
To: "Marifran Cataldi" <mcataldi@ultravisual.com>;
<Erin.Cunningham@gov.state.wi.us>
Cc: "Vince cataldi" <vince@cataldi.us>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 2:33 AM
Subject: GAMP Contact: and Vince Cataldi


Erin/Marifran:

I found my friend Jan, to find the identity of her friend within GAMP; the person who helped me about a month ago to bypass autocratic Audrey's attitude.  This 'Good Guy' at GAMP is: Catherine Frances  414-275-6351  -- work # at GAMP.

Please talk to her, as her heart is in the right place, and she is both knowledgeable, and is trying to improve things, as I am too.  Let's all join forces (positive), and start improving this mess.

Thank You - Vincent J Cataldi

4. From: "Vince Cataldi" <vince@cataldi.us>
To: <Erin.Cunningham@gov.state.wi.us>
Cc: "Marifran Cataldi" <mcataldi@ultravisual.com>; "Vince Cataldi"
<vince@cataldi.us>
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 10:04 PM
Subject: RE: Vince Cataldi


Erin/Marifran:

I am resending this with a Read Request, to better understand when/if  Erin receives my response, as I heard no response.

I am not complaining, in fact I am so pleased for the efforts of Erin and the Governors office.  I am only trying to be efficient, and avoid or minimize any more delays. 

Thank You.  Vince

6. From: "Vince Cataldi" <vince@cataldi.us>
To: <Erin.Cunningham@gov.state.wi.us>
Cc: "Vince Cataldi" <vince@cataldi.us>; "Marifran Cataldi"
<mcataldi@ultravisual.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 2:22 PM
Subject: Vince Cataldi - GAMP UR

Erin:

I thank you very much for the introduction you gave me within GAMP.  Bridget Murray invited to call her anytime, and she is kind, helpful, and concerned, yet there is a communication problem in the UR department.

The Utilization Review department has been contacted several times by Dr Deckard's office on my behalf to request the diagnostic MRI tests Dr. Deckard's needs to make a sound assessment.

After my office visit on the 16th of June, the doctors office faxed a request on the 18th, called Lori on the 25th to follow up, and again faxed a request that same day;  then again left a message and faxed a request on July 1, and again faxed a request this morning July 2.

This seems like a lot of wasted time and energy for the specialist doctor, who is doing us (me) a professional favor.  I have left a message with the UR department requesting a return call to explain the status and all specifics this communication, and their phone number is 414.257-6994. (Bridget said to speak to anyone who answers the phone - no one did)

I also obtained blank forms to authorize release of patient information which I will happily fill out and send you if that may help dig into the specific details.  Otherwise please feel free to do anything that come to mind if you suspect it may help, with my blessings and lively gratitude.

Thank you again for you assistance, you helped me, I am being treated respectfully and promptly. 

This makes me hopeful things will improve soon.

Gratefully,

Vincent Cataldi

9.  07-04-03 GAMP investigation warranted and requested

My sister asked for a favor, and found an ear at the Governors office. Erin, who thankfully came to the rescue with care, professionalism, and effectiveness, found my GAMP specialist who blamed the delays on me. Erin researched at the web site, and saw past this ridiculous statement, found her boss, the head of GAMP specialists, who was great, and her people told us, that my doctor made no requests of them, which was proven to be non-sense. This was the second of three un-truths, intended to evade responsibility.

Next someone in the Utilization department dropped the ball again, lied to me, refused to give her name, but suggested I write if I have a problem, so I decided to oblige her. I don't care if she likes me, perhaps a taste of fear - my fear - will help.

My friends ask me not to make waves - but I don't see how it matters much, this should not be an issue of favors, but rights. GAMP is ignoring me as nothingness, if I seriously annoy them, can they harm me any better, so 'Dam the torpedoes, full speed ahead.'. Some inept bureaucrat in the GAMP Utilization Review Department cares about themselves, but not the sick they are employed to help.

The Utilization Review Department failed to act professionally twice, just with Dr. Deckard.  This department stalled to approve the first doctor consultation, and then abused the system to delay progress to explore my problem, why? The details are below. (see 07-03-03)

Power comes from knowledge, timing, and its' assumption, I assume. If I don't fight for myself and my doctors, why should anyone else care if I live or die.

The letter I wrote, as requested by the lady in the GAMP Utilization Department, who would not identify herself, said in part:

Darlene:

Please tell me the pending schedule of the town meetings that County Executive 
Scott Walker is hosting, so I can go.

Sincerely
Vincent J Cataldi

08-30-03

From: Vincent J Cataldi
1651 N. Farwell Ave. #110
Milwaukee, WI., 52302
414  276-3773

To: County Executive Scott Walker
901 N. 9th Street
Courthouse, Room 306
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1458
Phone: 414-223-1375
Fax:  414-278-4211

CC: Bridget Murray
GAMP - Operations Manger
(414) 257-7374
fax: 414 454-4292

CC: Darlene J. Wink
Constituent Services Coordinator
 414-278-4191
dwink@milwcnty.com

Dear Darlene J. Wink


Your response was too late for me to attend the last meeting due to pre-scheduled medical appointments; this might have been an oversight on your part, as you say, however if you honestly are requesting answers from GAMP I will accept that as progress, albeit begrudgingly on your part.  By now you and Scott Walker must be able to conclude that I will not stop insisting upon answers because as you say 'it is a program that is necessary and speaks to the core functions of county government'.  I add it must be efficiently administered or the public will not accept your leadership, and it must equitably administer, too, or it is not legal under the American system of law.

In the meantime, as we both wait for honest, forthright, answers from GAMP, I must protest the demeaning and insulting tone of your last email.  I also wish to point out that it is riddled with illogic or untruths, neither of which should be acceptable to an administration that came to power through a re-call election.  I am also inclined to surmise that your lack of answers shows true apathy, not a good sign from Scott Walker and/or his choice of staff.

Regarding your question on an audit trail - I would not have this information.  I am also e-mailing Bridget Murray and asking if she can address this question for you.  You should know by now, and how can it be a confusing answer, unless the answer is no?  It is your duty to discover answers to this and my other questions.

Also, I guess I am confused on your website it states that you are in excellent health.  If that is not the case, you may wish to change your website.  It would take to much time to update my resume since 1990, it is not relevant, and way outside my prioritized list of things to do.  I am however building a web site dedicated exclusively to this issue, it is meant to help you find the pertinent data more easily.

Since you are the first and only who told me to send my 35$ administration fee to continue my GAMP eligibility, you know perfectly well I am not in excellent health. If you read what I sent you, and copy below, you know I am not in excellent health.

I have nearly 160 million bytes of information on the two web sites - 140 Mb on my extremely poor health, all of which you ignored.  Instead of trying to serve the electorate, you searched enough to find an old resume summary which was last updated in 1990 I believe, and chastised me for my errors, explaining you believed my health still to be excellent.  I do not believe you are so stupid or busy, so I believe you are not serious or not sincere. If this is not dishonesty on your part, it surely is incompetence and inefficiency, which is why I came to Scott Walkers office in the first place.  We desperately need increased efficiency of information flow.

I hope this information is of assistance to you.
Let us be honest - you have told me nothing!


Please, I want your support.
We must improve efficiency of each dollar spent.

- Please investigate why GAMP refused to pay my general doctors visit on 07-28.
- Work in progress - but please see the Yahoo site I built for your connivance:
: http://www.geocities.com/gamp.milw@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely


Vincent J Cataldi

Dear Mr. Cataldi,

In your last e-mail you have asked for your medical records.  The General
Assistance Medical Program (GAMP) does not have medical records of
patients.  You would need to contact your clinic or doctor regarding this.
The only thing that GAMP would have is the application that you filled out
when you applied for the program.  If you would like a copy of your
application I would be happy to send it to you.  If you have any other
questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bridget Murray

Patient's Request for Patient Information

TO:  Health Care Provider,    Holder of Medical Records:

NAME:  General Assistance Medical Program
              GAMP - Milwaukee Wisconsin

SPECIALTY: Milwaukee Wisconsin Indigent Care

ADDRESS:  802 North 94th Street
                      Wauwatosa, Wisconsin  53226

PHONE: 414 -257-7374
FAX:       414 -454-4292

This is to confirm that I am requesting a copy of all of my medical records
including test results and interpretations to be sent to me, from the
provider listed above, for date(s) of service on  (all records to date)  to
be used for my own purposes.


By signing this release I verify that the signature below is my own or is a
signature of my legal representative.  For verification of my identity, I
am providing my social security number and my date of birth.

Social Security #  399-58-4965
Date of Birth : 04/14/1954
Print your name : Vincent James Cataldi
Today's Date: 09-11-2003
Sign name here VJ Cataldi   (electronically signed)

27.  From: Vince Cataldi

To: CountyExec@milwcnty.com ; dwink@milwcnty.com ; BMurray@milwcnty.com

Cc: gamp.milw@sbcGlobal.net ; erin.cunningham@gov.state.wi.us ; OCRComplaint@hhs.gov

Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 10:31 PM

Subject: Patient's request for release of records again

Patient's Request for Patient Information
TO:  Health Care Provider,    Holder of Medical Records:

NAME:  General Assistance Medical Program 
              GAMP - Milwaukee Wisconsin

SPECIALTY: Milwaukee Wisconsin Indigent Care

ADDRESS:  802 North 94^th Street

                      Wauwatosa, Wisconsin  53226 

 

PHONE: 414 -257-7374

FAX:       414 -454-4292     

 

This is to confirm that I am requesting a copy of all of my medical records including test results and interpretations to be sent to me, from the provider listed above, for date(s) of service on  (all records to date)  to be used for my own purposes. 

 

 

By signing this release I verify that the signature below is my own or is a signature of my legal representative.  For verification of my identity, I am providing my social security number and my date of birth.

 

Social Security #  399-58-4965

Date of Birth : 04/14/1954

Print your name : Vincent James Cataldi
Today’s Date : 09-11-2003 

Sign name here VJ Cataldi   (electronically signed)

 

Dear Mr. Cataldi,

In your last e-mail you have asked for your medical records.  The General
Assistance Medical Program (GAMP) does not have medical records of
patients.  You would need to contact your clinic or doctor regarding this.
The only thing that GAMP would have is the application that you filled out
when you applied for the program.  If you would like a copy of your
application I would be happy to send it to you.  If you have any other
questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bridget Murray

29.  From: Vince Cataldi

To: BMurray@milwcnty.com ; dwink@milwcnty.com ; CountyExec@milwcnty.com

Cc: OCRComplaint@hhs.gov ; erin.cunningham@gov.state.wi.us ; gamp.milw@sbcGlobal.net

Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 5:33 AM

Subject: Say what?

09-16-03

From: Vincent J Cataldi
1651 North Farwell Ave. #110
Milwaukee, WI., 52302
vince@cataldi.us

eFax: 262 364-3999

414  276-3773

To: County Executive Scott Walker
901 North. 9th Street
Courthouse, Room 306
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1458
Phone: 414-223-1375
Fax:  414-278-4211

Bridget Murray
GAMP - Operations Manger
(414) 257-7374
fax: 414 454-4292

Darlene J. Wink
Constituent Services Coordinator
 414-278-4191
dwink@milwcnty.com

Dear County Executive Scott Walker, Bridget Murray, Darlene J. Wink:

Especially: Bridget Murray

 

Thank you for your invitation to contact you as I need.

 

As  a patient, I have been patiently trying to understand the reasons for the apparent inefficiency of the inner workings of Gamp, General assistance medical program -- Milwaukee.  Until yesterday I had no informative response regarding my request from anyone in authority.  I am truly delighted that you were willing to acknowledge the receipt of my legal, electronically signed, request for the release of my patient information to me, as law insist that you must oblige.

 

As I mentioned to you several months ago when I first started asking you for help, I am an information specialist with considerable experience analyzing information flow.  There is absolutely no way that I can conceive of, which would allow GAMP operations to function as you say.  The General assistance medical program - Milwaukee must have something written down; bureaucrats love paper, they do not destroy it, it is their life-blood.

 

The General assistance medical program -- Milwaukee, is an organization, which behaves essentially as an HMO.  Because, the General assistance medical program -- Milwaukee is my pseudo insurance Co., you must certainly have information, regarding me with my name and my patient ID number on file. This includes both computer records, paper records, telephone logs or records, and the archived faxes.

 

My doctors and I have send you countless messages in the form of faxes (your official and requested method of communication), e-mail, and also several electronically signed e-mails.  It would astound me very much, if you did not have an accurate and comprehensive record of me, Vincent J. Cataldi.

 

How could it be logically possible that your organization is behaving as an insurance Co., and your employees within the gamp utilization department do not have the previous history for each patient in order to determine what is sensible, required or ridiculous?  How could you possibly work within a budget, understand your budget, or request next year's budget, unless you saved this information: how could you possibly hope to be efficient unless you did so!

 

Also, it is not conceivable to me, that you do not have a budgetary analysis per patient at your fingertips, including what was Spent, when, and why; including who made each of the decisions to allow or deny medical service per patient.

 

I ask you please to use a broader syntactical perspective, and reconsider my legal request to release to me my patient records.  If you continue to insists that you have no information concerning me, your patient, you only reconfirm my worst fears regarding your inefficiency, most likely an inefficiency, and too. a systemic inefficiency, through out the General assistance medical program --

Please let us work together, the efficiency of every dollar spent is more critical today than ever.

---

 

I am still waiting for answers to simple questions, are the answers a secret?

http://www.geocities.com/gamp.milw have sbcglobal.net/

 

In the meantime, please accept my request herein to send me all my medical records at GAMP, and send these records to me by eFax, eMail or snail mail.  Also, please email me or call me to acknowledge that your are cooperating.  I am now receiving three bills rejected by GAMP - two from St. Mary's emergency room, and one from my GAMP doctor, and all of these are bills incurred during my GAMP eligible period: 1-29-03 to 7-29-03.  This may be nothing more than another example of inefficiency at GAMP Milwaukee, or worse, it could be vindictive retaliation because I am insisting on answers to question which I mentioned above.

 

Thank you

 

VJ Cataldi

09-19-03

From: Vincent J Cataldi
1651 North Farwell Ave. #110
Milwaukee, WI., 52302
vince@cataldi.us

Office for Civil Rights Violation

thank you for your correspondents received on August 21, 2003 by the Department of Health and Human Services, office for Civil Rights (ocr).

We are in the process of reviewing your correspondence to decide whether OCR has authority and H. able to take action with respect the matters you have raised.  We will complete our initial review is quickly as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact:

office for Civil Rights, region five

233 North Michigan Ave., Suite 240

Chicago, Illinois, 60601

1-800-368-1019

GAMP Milwaukee

• Bridget Murray Milw County
• Bridget Murray
• GAMP general assistance medical program
• General Assistance Medical Program GAMP Milwaukee
• general assistance medical program
• Give GAMP a chance
• legal request patient medical records
• PAULA A LUCEY
• PAULA LUCEY Milw
• PAULA LUCEY Milwaukee County
• Paula A. Lucey
• request for medical records

• Froedtert Hospital

• Froedtert Hospital: email

• GE Light Speed Cataldi

• GE Light Speed

• general electric medical systems

• general electric

• Light Speed CT

• Medical College of Wisconsin

Give Health A Chance

Vincent J Cataldi -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 - USA
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