Pathological exaggerations: Part two

The recently released issue of the AIDS Network “Guardian” Newsletter is chocked full of jewels of wisdom from Karen Dotson.

Jewel #1:

In addressing the newly constructed AIDS Network/Dr. Jeff Wilton, DDS dental clinic Karen states:  “We’ll do things in stages,” says Dotson. “First we’ll offer care to clients whose care we’re currently paying for at other locations, then other clients followed by UW patients. We’ll seek donated care from specialists, and as other needs are identified, we’ll address them and keep moving forward.”

Karen:  Please translate.  What exactly does that mean?  Does “offering” mean that people will have a choice and that AIDS Network will continue to reimburse for those who wish to continue going to the ARCW dental clinic?  Or will you force ARCW dental patients to come to the AIDS Network dental clinic in order for services to be reimbursed? Karen, what exactly are you saying?  And what is the reference to UW Patients all about?

Jewel #2:

In addressing the recent legislative change in Wisconsin’s HIV testing statute, Karen says:

“The bill allows health care providers to test for HIV/AIDS when people come in for routine exams, unless a patient declines to be tested. Previously, patients had to sign a separate form consenting to an HIV/AIDS test and many declined. Now the test will be a normal part of a routine exam, like any other test.”

Seriously, Karen.  Have you even read the bill?  The legislation calls for informed consent.  The statement that the test will be a “normal part” of a routine exam, like any other test, is another example of the pathological exaggerations that have become the norm at AIDS Network under Karen’s “leadership”.

Jewel #3:

Addressing legislation that was the brainchild of ARCW Karen states:

“The HIV Medical Home Bill will help alleviate the challenge of often-insufficient Medicare reimbursements for the types of health care services AIDS Network supplies to clients. We have worked to educate legislators about this challenge, and the need to restructure reimbursements so they’re more in tune with the marketplace.”

The problem with this statement is that it is simply not true.  First, the bill will not help “alleviate the challenge of often-insufficient Medicare reimbursements”   This legislation has NOTHING TO DO WITH MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENTS.  The legislation relates solely to MEDICAID reimbursements.  (There is a big difference between Medicare and Medicaid, Karen)

The second problem with the statement is that AIDS Network will not, in it’s current form, qualify for the reimbursements called for in this legislation.  One of the main requirements for increased reimbursements is that you provide medical care and treatment services.  AIDS Network does not run a medical clinic or, for that matter, fund the UW HIV Clinic. Another pathological exaggeration.

The third problem with this statement is Karen’s assertion that “We have worked to educate legislators about this challenge, and the need to restructure reimbursements so they’re more in tune with the marketplace”

Last time I checked Karen Dotson was not a registered lobbyist.   AIDS Network has been missing in action at the State Capital and has relied on the efforts of ARCW to effectively lobby for HIV/AIDS issues.  Karen, who do you think you’re fooling with this statement?

The spin machine is operating full throttle at AIDS Network and, in doing so, diminishing what little credibility the organization may have been able to hang onto during the last several years.  With every pathological exaggeration Karen Dotson is driving AIDS Network closer and closer to their ultimate demise.