The Professional Patient

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Unresolved Issues List (Under Construction, content is currently being added)

A Working List (Topics may be expanded)

Topics (1) to (23) precisely match the list of MLH Patient Rights published policies identified in my January 6, 2023, letter to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Billing Department, each a policy in which I possess evidence MLH staff denied me.

Topics (24) and (25) are universal topics of special concern to all patients.

Topics (26) and forward are incidents I was denied resources and questions in which I was refused answers.

Prior to meeting with Transplant Senior Director, Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar, I noted (16) incidents and infractions that I desired to discuss.

As evident in the audio recording, my meeting with Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar greatly expanded the list.

Some issues occurred multiple times, thus again expanding the count beyond (2) dozen.

As evident in the audio recording, Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar treated the topics I raised as though they were jokes.

Issues are still outstanding in my email to Social Worker, Ms. Caroline Utley on Feb 4, 2022, 5:22 PM, Subject: Please Assist

Topic (1) contains details relevant to others.

Straightforward topics requiring no additional information to resolve: 

1. 10A - Inpatient caregiver list

2. 10B - Outpatient caregiver list

3. 11 - Detailed bill for my August 6, 2021, inpatient hospital stay

Under Construction, Please Forgive Our Typos, Editing In Progress

Working List (Topics may be expanded and new topics added)

More so an outline, further details are being added throughout the week of February 6, 2023:

1.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To have your personal dignity respected”  (Contains details relevant to other topics)

When Ms. Utley replied to my February 4, 2022, email offering a meeting with her director, doing so had the appearance of escalation and I was optimistic the resources I requested would be provided.  I waited a week for the reply and the proposed meeting date was another week of delay.  I also noticed that Ms. Utley had broadcast her reply email announcing the meeting to (2) individuals in my home, not on my medical contact list.  I clearly expressed my desire to discuss and resolve the countless infractions of various types that I had witnessed and experienced.  Ms. Caroline Utley and Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar did nothing but expand the list.  As evident in the audio recording, Ms. Jaishankar and those under her direction engaged in disgraceful and disrespectful behavior.  Ms. Jaishankar scoffed and rolled her eyes throughout the meeting, witnessed by Ms. Diane Warren.  Setting aside the manner in which Ms. Jaishanka spoke at the meeting, she lied and contradicted herself.  One example, she claimed HIPAA limited a patient's medical contact list to (2) individuals.  She stated I was not to ask questions and that her purpose was to respond to the (11) tasks listed in my email to Social Worker, Ms. Caroline Utley on Feb 4, 2022, 5:22 PM, Subject: Please Assist.  Ms. Jaishankar insisted my medical questions must be written and a list submitted for her to determine whether or not worthy of an answer.  I was assured that Ms. Jaishankar's proclivity to play doctor and create obstacles for patients seeking resources and answers to medical questions is highly illegal.  Ms. Jaishankar committed to providing my outpatient caregiver list but proved to be another lie.  Playing a childish game, she interjected that nothing really mattered because the legal department would intervene should I need anything.  I have a legal department also.  My life's work has become ridding the medical field of arrogant, manipulative people who have no business working alongside talented professionals.  I feel fortunate Ms. Jaishankar, Ms. Donlon, Ms. Utley, and Dr. Helmick chose me to demonstrate their true colors.

MLH employee, Mrs. Patti Green Sims, the lab technician at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Germantown, and her husband (an ex-employee fired for racial conflict) Mr. Michael Malone Sims, the married couple who supplied illicitly supplied other individuals and me with narcotics for over (3) years, wrote and spoke of instances such as these.  On the last day in ICU following my liver transplant surgery, Mr. Sims did several notable things.  Although I was receiving IV morphine, Mr. Sims fed me his morphine tablets, more than once.  I recall (3) times but am unsure, considering the situation.  Dressed in a black clergy costume sporting a white collar, he had a near-physical altercation with my nurse, named Delores.  He wrote of me crying and pleading for help, him instructing me to request a patient advocate.  According to him and in his own words, in a message sent to Ms. Diane Warren, he texted her saying my nurse was lucky he didn't punch her in the face.  Three people, one after the other, came to my room to inform me nobody was available to assist me.  During the investigation two months later, I learned someone not among by two medical contacts called the hospital and was permitted to direct my care.  Ms. Jaishankar did not permit me to pose questions.  When the topic of Nurse Delores arose from an item in my email to Ms. Utley, she left the room for a few minutes and upon returning, she announced to had reviewed my medical records and discovered no record of a nurse named Delores.  I derive one of two possibilities.  She either lied or something even as basic as my caregiver's name was not recorded or intentionally deleted.  Possessing no medical license, she claimed to have responded to every possible question I could have posed, with nothing there to be questioned.  Most disturbing, when I asked if it mattered if my medications were correct, she answered, "No".  I take issue with Ms. Jaishankar's continued employment at MLH and I am committed to initiating litigation promptly and issuing national press releases, should she remain employed by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in any capacity.  I have the knowledge, skills, and resources to end this egregious behavior.

Targetted as I was and treated differently than their published policy establishes is guaranteed to all patients, the only word I find to describe such an imbalance is discrimination.  Whether one patient or more, inferior care is unacceptable.  I feel fortunate to possess the audio recording and such a large storehouse of evidence.  Bestowed upon me, I will enact change at MLH, in the media, and in influencing legislators.  Prior to my liver transplant, I had planned to write about my experiences and become an advocate for organ donation.  Now, of even greater benefit to society, I have been entrusted an opportunity to expose behavior increasingly common in the practice of medicine.

2.    MLH Patient Rights policy,  “To be free from all forms of abuse or harassment”

Each time I attempted to discuss the abuse toward me perpetrated by an MLH employee and her husband, a former MLH employee, one of two things consistently occurred, I was ignored and the subject changed or the individual abruptly left the room saying nothing.  I had previously provided extensive details in emails, explaining the risks to my health and safety.  It did cross my mind if my caregivers denied me assistance and resources, the emails would stand as evidence.  I expected the details to be openly discussed in the weekly patient meeting and was glad for them to use me as a case study that could benefit others. 

3.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To access protective and advocacy services”

I was categorically denied every resource I requested.  At the very least, hospital security should have been engaged, in nothing more than awareness I reported attempts to end my life.  No incident reports were filed while I was in the hospital pleading for assistance.  When I raised these topics multiple times in October 2021, my caregivers either ignored my statements and changed the subject, or swiftly left the room saying nothing.  Witnessed by either Mr. Duane "Dutch" Warren or Ms. Diane Warrren, one or the other accompanied me on every visit.  I had already supplied to them in emails of details that can be authenticated for use in legal proceedings they were informed.  Very obvious, just as Ms. Jaishankar did in the audio-recorded meeting, they were dead-set on not discussing the details.  It was played like a game that never ended.  The game continued and carried on throughout my medical complications they were resistant to treat me and answers to my medical questions they were reluctant I receive answers.  I very intentionally used email for documentation purposes.  They didn't want to hear me say anything they would have to admit to hearing or for me to speak to anyone else.  For my second serious complication, Dr. Helmick instructed me not to see my urologist.  I asked for another surgeon to assist me but was ignored.  Dr. Helmick had no clue what he was doing and severely prolonged my pain, seemingly intentionally.  Although there is no concrete evidence, the timeline and forbidding me to make an appointment with my specialist speak volumes.  There were disrespectful remarks almost every time it was necessary to seek medical care elsewhere.  Medical or otherwise, they disapproved of me receiving any type of assistance.     

4.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To have your cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, and personal values, beliefs and preferences respected”

Catastrophic organ failure can but usually doesn't occur overnight.  I experienced liver-related symptoms and other conditions throughout my adult life.  I was no stranger to fatigue, weakness, and pain.  For (12) years of my career, I traveled extensively working as a consultant at large companies and hospitals literally all over the world.  My combined air miles were calculated to be equivalent to circling the equator 17 times.  During the 90's, working at D.C. General Hospital for a year on a government contract, my team and I were invited to Congressional Luncheons, invited to provide feedback on what was to become HIPAA.  My participation was hardly worth more than an honorable mention but I take great pride in my knowledge of HIPAA and its abuse.  I am a Professional Patient in two senses, one is my professional career but more so, a person with a life-long illness requiring I actively participate in the management of my healthcare.  Now, due to the shortage of quality healthcare professionals, it is more important than ever for patients to learn how to actively participate in our own healthcare, to become our own caregiver team manager, and to speak up when our caregivers fail us.  Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare distributes brochures describing MLH as a team environment and the Methodist LeBonheur 2020 Annual Report, Mr. Michael Ugwueke, CEO, spoke of the hospital's commitment to health and safety.  

5.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “Access to Quality Care”

The year following a liver transplant, you are heavily reliant on very frequent lab testing and medication adjustments.  I experienced numerous complications, two severe.  One was an infection my transplant caregivers refused to treat until a doctor elsewhere diagnosed I had the worst infection he had ever seen and thought it reprehensible I was minimized and disregarded.

6.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To receive care regardless of your age, race, color, national origin, culture, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status religion, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression”

7.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To ask for a change of provider or a second opinion”

Associated with the second severe complication I experienced, upon explaining I planned to visit my long-time urologist, Dr. Helmick instructed me not to make an appointment and not to visit him.  Multiple times I requested a different surgeon but was ignored.

8.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To access your medical record and to know who else has accessed your record”

After Mr. Michael Malone Sims called and I asked what was discussed, my Post-Transplant Nurse Coordinator lied, claiming she did not know because the "call came into the switchboard".  In Mr. Sims April 18, 2022, legal deposition, under oath, he said he discussed my health.  Similar to Ms. Jaishankar played doctor, even rendering a diagnosis Ms. Donlon deliberately withheld and I presume not aptly documented in my medical records.  Published MLH policy guarantees a large number of commitments to patients.  I hold an enormous amount of evidence, admissible in court, that proves a long series of horrific abuse I incurred and described to my transplant caregivers in tremendous detail, pleading for their assistance.  Instead, I am lied to and told my medical records are wiped clean, all to protect a drug dealing co-work, I presume is still employed and continuing to risk other lives.  My transplant caregivers engaging in these activities are accessories to the crimes they lied and manipulated to cover up.  Not at all surprising, Mrs. Patti Green Sims long ago explained that 30 percent of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare's employees and affiliates would fail if required to undergo drug testing.  MLH administrators made the decision to reduce the odds of being tested.  I have countless examples supported by substantial evidence demonstrating how the hospital's commitments to patients are worthless, deceptive, and manipulated by those to whom we entrust our care.  My upcoming book, The Professional Patient: Appalling Facts About Healthcare, enumerates examples of what all patients should know, substantiated by the medical and legal professionals assisting me.

9.    MLH Patient Rights policy, “To question what is documented in your medical record and request changes to that documentation”

Directly requested in my February 4, 2022, email to Ms. Utley, (posted below) refused/denied by Ms. Jaishankar

10.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To know the names and professional titles of your caregivers”

10A. In February 2022, I requested in writing, my inpatient caregiver list from Social Worker Ms. Caroline Utley and next, Transplant Senior Director, Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar.  Contradicting  American Medical Association ethics and standards, Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar refused.  Captured on audio recording.  Still awaiting the comprehensive list.

10B. In February 2022, I requested in writing, my outpatient caregiver list from Social Worker Ms. Caroline Utley and next, Transplant Senior Director, Ms. Gayatri JaishankarMs.  Gayatri Jaishankar verbally committed to providing it but lied.  Captured on audio recording.  Still awaiting the comprehensive list.

11.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To receive information about your hospital charges regardless of your insurance coverage or ability to pay”

In May 2022, I requested in writing and follow-up phone calls, a detailed bill for my August 6, 2021, hospital stay.  Severely overcharged an insurance co-pay for my May 2022 corrective surgery, I concurrently requested a refund by all of my requests were ignored.  Still awaiting the detailed bill and the refund.

12.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To be involved in decisions that affect your care by providing you with information and answering your questions”

13.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To request assistance with ethical matters”

As evident in the February 2022 audio recording, Ms. Jaishankar did not like that I used the word ethical when requesting assistance.  She claimed I did not understand the "ethical" and refused to provide me a definition when asked.  The word ethical is also associated with topics involving drugs.  The resources and assistance I requested were applicable to all definitions.  As evident in the recording, I asked Ms. Jaishankar if it were not important that my medications are correct.  She shook her head and replied, "No".  My duty to society is to ensure all patients are aware of the vile, disrespectful games played by transplant team caregivers. 

14.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To be informed of unanticipated adverse outcomes”

Nothing prepared me for liver transplant surgery.  "Education" covered the basic facts.  There is much I wish I had known but prior, patients would not think to ask.  I had other preexisting conditions disregarded and prolonged.  One was a complication managed so poorly, it required the intervention of a surgeon elsewhere.

15.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To receive information you can understand”

As evident in the February 2022 audio recording, Ms. Jaishankar did not like that I used the word ethical when requesting assistance.  She claimed I did not understand the "ethical" and refused to provide me a definition when asked.  No matter what my question was talking with Ms. Jaishankar or Ms. Suzanne Donlon, there was strained resistance to provide a complete answer.  Answers were frequently incomplete or sarcastic.  I repeatedly asked for the results of my urine lab tests, which were not posted on the online portal like other lab tests.  Of the half dozen instances, one result was volunteered and one other reluctantly answered.  Documented in emails, never once did I receive the results in printed or digital form, only spoken.  I recall Ms. Suzanne Donlon having stated that I tested positive for cannabis during the first urinalysis.  I at no time used illegal cannabis.  I believe important for everyone to know, MLH drug testing does not distinguish the difference between illicit cannabis and legal, over-the-counter cannabis derivatives.  The emails I exchanged with my transplant caregivers demonstrate their reluctance to assist me.  My pharmacist warned me that a medication I was temporarily prescribed severely depletes potassium, recommending that I ask for prescription potassium because it is far more effective.  Ms. Donlon replied stating they would not prescribe anything not indicated necessary by lab test results.  Certainly, I accepted both were opposing opinions.  I grew to expect opposing opinions and confusing logic. 

16.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To have pain assessed and managed appropriately”

Upcoming

17.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To express concerns about your care and have those concerns not interfere with your current or future care”

Upcoming

18.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To express concerns, complaints and/or a grievance to the patient advocate or a member of the administrative team”

Upcoming

19.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To inform us of changes in your condition or symptoms, including pain”

Upcoming

20.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To notify us immediately if you have any safety concerns”

Upcoming

21.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To speak up if you are not happy with your care”

Upcoming

22.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “Ask questions about your care, treatment and services”

Upcoming

23.  MLH Patient Rights policy, “To be actively involved in planning your care and do your part of the plan”

Upcoming

24.  Signage falsely implying that MLH takes precautions to safeguard patient privacy, claiming video and audio recording is prohibited, and doing nothing to enforce the false sense of security.

In her audio recording, Ms. Jaishankar admitted staff merely say, "Don't do that", when observed.  Patients are able to sue anyone violating our medical privacy, including the hospital, hospital staff, other patients, and visitors.  A hospital not taking reasonable precautions to safeguard sensitive information is a violation as well.  Ms. Jaishankar admitted their policy is worthless.  The statement is one implemented to deceive patients.  

25.  Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare administrators knowing protects 30 percent of employees and affiliates with drug additions.

Administrators chose to ensure the least frequent number of staff drug testing, aware that 30 percent would fail.  Patients are not informed of the risk to their health and safety.  Mrs. Patti Green Sims, a laboratory technician and recreational drug user employed by MLH spoke of this at a social gathering long before my liver transplant.  Three physicians I consulted confirmed the percentage.

26.  After contracting a severe infection, I was denied treatment for two weeks.  Only after another doctor elsewhere explained it was the worst infection he had ever seen and my transplant caregivers were negligent to so casually disregard me.

Upcoming

27.  My post-transplant caregivers disregarded and minimized a second complication, intentionally prolonging the pain I experienced.  Extensive details are forthcoming.

Upcoming

28. I witnessed and experienced multiple HIPAA violations, casually disregarded, and Ms. Jaishankar refused to discuss.

Upcoming

29.  Upon informing Social Worker Ms. Caroline Utley and Transplant Senior Director, Ms. Jaishankar of security breaches I desired to report, Ms. Utley refused to me with me and Ms. Jaishankar forbade me to report it, not permitting me to ask questions or make statements, refusing to refer me to the appropriate resources.  Captured on audio recording.

Upcoming

30.  There are well-documented incidents of my post-transplant caregivers deliberately lying.

Upcoming

31. There were multiple lab tests in which I requested results both verbally and documented in emails.

Upcoming

32. Ms. Jaishankar positioned herself as my only resource for answers to my medical questions.  Playing doctor, I was advised her doing so was illegal, being that the Tennesse Department of Health confirmed she does not possess a medical license.

Upcoming

33. Open items from my February 4, 2022, email to Ms. Caroline Utley.

Confirm all (11) tasks requested in February 2022 are complete to my satisfaction.  

January 6, 2023, Letter to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Billing Department

Wayne P. Vaughn

6473 Gillia Cir S

Bartlett, TN   38135-9499

January 6, 2023

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

P.O. Box 2279

Memphis, TN  38101-2279

Re: Account 1000036547

Dear Account Manager:

Numerous issues make it necessary to place my account in dispute.  An outline starts on page (4).  Any collection attempts without first reaching mutual agreement will be deemed harassment and acknowledge your acceptance to compensate $1,500 for each incident.  

I received a liver transplant on August 6, 2021.  Experiencing a combination of unfortunate events and medical complications, I requested resources guaranteed by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s published policies, but all were disregarded and ignored.  Ms. Caroline Utley, my social worker, refused to assist me, and instead, referred me to meet with the Transplant, Senior Director, Ms. Gayatri Jaishankar.  I had documented nearly two dozen infractions of various types.  Many were breaches of “Patient Rights” policy, and other medical ethics contradictions.  Rather than resolving anything of importance, Ms. Jaishankar lied and stated inaccurate and deceptive misinformation.  As you will hear in her own words, she refused to permit me to pose questions and greatly expanded the already massive list of issues.  A small, starter set of details and evidence is enclosed.  An audio recording of Ms. Jaishankar’s February 18, 2022, meeting, and a very large, growing collection of evidence is available for download on the internet, visiting URL https://www.ProfessionalPatientBook.com.

A comprehensive list of issues expanded to include extensive details should be finalized and posted on the website by January 31, 2023.  I will be away traveling internationally mid-January.  Being detained due to Covid quarantine upon returning is possible but unlikely.  Rather than delay this letter to you, you can access the same information I have directed the media and political representatives to follow.

For the benefit of all patients, I am publicly releasing all of my medical information, redacting only my social security number, account numbers, and data deemed most dangerous to disclose.  My work, as well as that of many people assisting me, will serve to educate and invoke corrective actions.  Select transplant caregivers under the direction of Ms. Jaishankar enacted deplorable incidents of discrimination and retaliation, evident by their blatant disregard of published hospital policies, practices, medical infractions, and law.  I was denied things as simple as knowing the names and titles of my caregivers and answers to my medical questions.  I submitted written requests for a detailed bill (August 6, 2021, hospital stay), lab tests not posted in the portal, and a refund for an insurance co-pay in which I was grossly overcharged.  My phone service provider logged a river of follow-up calls, to no avail.  I had horrific safety issues in which I was denied assistance.  My caregivers aided hospital employees who illicitly supplied me and other individuals with narcotics.  All of these individuals jeopardized my health and safety.

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Prior to my liver transplant and with few exceptions, I received excellent care from highly professional MLH caregivers.  I was born at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Union location back when it was commonly known as Methodist Central.  On three separate occasions I indirectly worked with MLH in contracted capacities.  I selected my healthcare insurance, opting for MLH being my exclusive healthcare source, and my sole in-network provider.  Learning my caregivers lied, refused to assist me, and deliberately prolonged my painful complications, I will ensure no other patient is subjected to such vile behavior.  I have the knowledge, skills, and resources to resolve each issue to my complete satisfaction.  My objective and legacy are my upcoming book entitled The Professional Patient: Appalling Facts About Healthcare that will serve to educate my fellow patients and the caregivers who enact infractions against them.  Digital copies of my upcoming book will be made available to everyone free of charge. 

My caregivers aided my two foremost abusers, one Ms. Patti G. Sims, a MLH employee at the Germantown, TN, location, and her husband, Mr. Michael M. Sims, a former MLH employee fired for racial conflict.  The Sims supplied me, as well as other individuals, with narcotics for (3) years and twice Mr. Sims attempted to end my life, plotting to obtain the inheritance I received when my father passed.  In his April 18, 2022, court deposition, under oath, Mr. Sims spoke of me inheriting a million dollars in stocks and bonds, as well as describing a telephone conversation he initiated with my Post-Transplant Nurse Coordinator, Ms. Suzanne Donlon.  In his testimony, you will read he claimed he discussed my health, thus accessing my health information.  When I inquired about the conversation, Ms. Donlon lied, breaching published MLH policies.  Ms. Jaishankar and MLH caregivers under her direction continued a disgraceful campaign of additional lies, discrimination, and retaliation.  All were extensively documented and witnessed by individuals who accompanied me to every visit.

Two of my attorneys have assisted me defeat my abusers.  Court Orders and communications have been included within the downloadable collection of evidence.  My attorney victorious in April 2022, does not take cases of this type.  My other attorney recommended that I seek a third attorney who has exacting experience.  I am capable of initiating litigation, even unassisted.  This is my final, direct attempt to reach resolution.

Mr. and Ms. Sims failed to understand my text messages and emails were archived by Google Voice, making over (5) years of our communications, every written word exchanged between us, equating to 5,000 printed pages, accessible and easy to authenticate.  Along with the audio recording, every word of all communications with my caregivers was archived and easy to authenticate as well, both sent and received.  Many of my written requests were disregarded, minimized, or ignored, all well-documented.  Clearly discrimination and retaliation, MLH’s only possible defense is to claim that all MLH patients are equally treated as poorly.  I was personally targeted and demand explanation precisely as to why?

The evidence supports MLH administrators aid hospital employees and affiliates who use illicit drugs, a fact in which Ms. Patti G. Sims stated is know by MLH administrators to be 30% of the population.  My physicians not affiliated with MLH have verified her statements are true.  In response to an incident in which I described within my email to Ms. Utley, Ms. Jaishankar stepped away, and returned a short while later claiming she reviewed my medical records.  Her statement has only one of two possible conclusions, she either lied or my medical records were manipulated.  She agreed when I asked, that it did not matter to her whether or not my medical records were accurate.  She stated I did not understand the meaning of the word “ethical”, refusing to provide a definition when asked.  Refer to the website for additional details.

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We filed (6) complaints with the Tennessee Department of Health.  Responses have been received to all but one, the one with the highest probability of resulting sanctions.  We know for all complaints closed; no thorough investigations were conducted because nobody on the witness list was contacted.  Although deplorable behavior, the state boards declared the actions reported did not exceed their established standards.  We are awaiting the final response.  Obviously flawed, we are committed to improving medical standards and ensuring all policies are enforced.  Regardless of state board decisions, the America Medical Association defines for which matters physicians and hospitals are culpable.  Disregard for published policies are contractual breaches and advertising claims not adhered to constitute fraud.  Over the years, Mr. and Ms. Sims wrote of unpublished MLH policy, sharing examples of caregivers figuratively shoving patients under buses.  Preparing to publish their remarks, I had hoped to prove the Sims wrong.  Ms. Jaishankar performed as though the Sims had foresight to predict her statements and actions, substantiating the disgraceful caregiver behaviors Mr. and Ms. Sims described are true and commonplace.

Preparing for the April 22, 2022, court date, I found within the many years of text messages and emails that the Sims breached MLH’s information security, thus resulting HIPAA violations.  Ms. Sims was careful not to violate obvious HIPAA infractions.  For others, she seemingly lacked knowledge and awareness.  Ms. Jaishankar refused to permit me to discuss any details and absurd, falsely claimed HIPAA limits a patient’s medical disclosure to (2) individuals.  I desired to coordinate a meeting to release the security breach details to Mr. Ugwueke.  Ms. Jaishankar scoffed, rolled her eyes, and said, “No”.  Noted, my records accurately reflect, MLH administrators take no action when HIPAA violations are reported, no investigations are conducted.  The MLH sensitive information betrayed by the Sims will be described but not directly published.  Humorous, Ms. Utley blindly broadcast her response email deferring me to Ms. Jaishankar to two individuals not among my medical contacts.  These topics will make effective headlines when press releases are issued to promote both books, the first entitled Defending Revenge.  Content still in progress, The Professional Patient will fall second.

The February meeting was witnessed by Diane Warren, who accompanied me.  Not only did Ms. Jaishankar expand the number of ethical infractions and breaches of MLH published policies, but professionals I have consulted also attest that her actions were illegal.  Refusing the resources I requested, Ms. Jaishankar positioned herself as my only source of interpreting my medical questions, insisting I provide her a written list, and that I await her determination whether my medical questions are worthy of answers.  Such actions require a medical license.  The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed via email that Ms. Jaishankar does not hold a medical license of any type.  Other medical professionals whom I consulted and who do possess medical licenses have stated her proclivity to play doctor is unlawful and endangers patients.  In the recording, you will hear she committed to provide a list of my outpatient caregivers but proven another lie, she did not.

Consider this a demand letter for the countless contractual commitments Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has failed to satisfy.  Resolve every billing issue and ensure copies of this letter are properly directed to the appropriate administrators and departments.  Ms. Jaishankar interjected that the legal department would intervene, should I need anything.  I prefer either an administrator, other than Ms. Jaishankar, or a representative from the legal department contact me directly, first in writing, stating the capacity of their involvement and status of the unresolved issues.  Promptly inform me of any questions or additional information you may need.  It is senseless why I have been denied any of my requests, except purely out of spite, discrimination, and retaliation.  I continue to await the names and titles of all my inpatient and outpatient caregivers.  I desire to know why I am denied the detailed bill for my August 6, 2021,

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hospital stay that I requested verbally and in writing.  I continue to await every resource I formally requested and answers to my medical questions, precisely as guaranteed in the MLH’s “Patient Rights” document.  I anticipate the damages I incurred far exceed my account balance.  Ms. Jaishankar and Ms. Sims are liabilities to the hospital I hold dear.  Select MLH caregivers undoubtedly require education.  A copy of my email to Ms. Utley, dated February 4, 2022, subject line, “Please Assist”, is enclosed.

Summary Outline

Billing issues are divided into two categories:

I understand MLH’s accounting system does not manage having a prior balance under agreement while all new charges are intended to be paid in full.  My agreement was $100 per month applied to the 2014 service dates balance.  Online payments were frequently misapplied.  Constantly calling for posting corrections was time consuming.  Long ago, I stopped making online payments and set my bank to send the monthly payments on my behalf.  Upon insurance verification, the full amount for new charges was paid separately.  My payments ceased when MLH returned to me a check my bank mailed.  A separate issue, I was grossly overcharged for an insurance co-pay quoted $1,411.00, in which I paid in full and upon learning the amount was inaccurate, I requested a refund for the difference.  Certainly, mistakes occur.  MLH effectively stole the difference and decided upon itself to apply the theft to the overall balance.  A copy of my emails to and from Ms. Reed are enclosed.  Disregarded and ignored, I received no response.

MLH monthly statements are inadequate and possibly crafted to confuse how payments are applied.  The online system attempts to force patients to alter their monthly agreement to a higher amount.  I have no reason or desire to alter the agreement.  Long ago, I reported by letter that several payments listed on my bank statements were not reflected in the portal’s payment history, but I continued to make payments.  For many reasons, foremost proven inaccurate, I no longer recognize the balance comprised of 2014 service dates.  I request a clear and legally accurate statement attesting to the status of my account, the balance, and the total excluding the charges for the 2014 service dates.  More details are incorporated into the following outline.

1.     Balance Under Agreement – Consists of all unpaid charges incurred for service dates in 2014

a.    The agreement was $100 per month

b.    Many times, I requested the balance under agreement remain separate from new charges

c.     The MLH accounting system pressed for the agreement to change to include new charges, defying the original agreement terms

d.    I reported payments my bank mailed and deducted from my banking account were not applied

e.    Payments were frequently misapplied

f.      MLH reps I called were always kind and helpful, often themselves complaining about the MLH accounting system

g.    I sent a letter reporting the MLH balance differed from mine, but I was ignored

h.    My records reflect the balance for 2014 service dates exceeds (7) years

i.      MLH returned a check to me that my bank drafted and mailed to MLH on my behalf

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j.      I am awaiting my bank’s research department to provide copies of the last (3) checks they drafted and mailed to MLH on my behalf

k.     Partially redacted copies of checks and other relevant evidence will be posted among the files available for download on the website URL https://ProfessionalPatientBook.com

l.      I formally request that MLH provide legally accurate clarity (a written statement attesting the legal status of) for the 2014 portion of the balance

2.    Balance Not Under Agreement – Consists of all unpaid charges for service dates after 2014

a.    I am committed to promptly pay all new charges that are clearly reflected on statements and verified accurate by my healthcare insurance, no matter the total, once MLH has satisfied all contractual commitments

b.    Awaiting detailed bill for my August 6, 2021, inpatient stay

c.     Awaiting refund for grossly overcharged insurance co-pay associated with the April 5, 2022, hernia surgery

d.    Awaiting fulfillment of all contractual commitments identified in this letter and enclosures supplied with this letter

e.    Potential exists that the damages I have incurred exceed the account balance

f.      I formally request that MLH provide legally accurate clarity explaining why my detailed bill and refund requests were ignored

g.    I formally request that you and your department distribute copies of this letter and enclosures to all MLH administrators, to expedite resolution of all outstanding issues

h.    Feel free to utilize me as a case study, same as I am MLH to demonstrate points to my readership

“Patient Rights” Breaches

Below are (23) terms from the MLH “Patient Rights & Responsibilities” document breached by my caregivers.  Terms not breached are omitted.  The sequential numbers are merely for convenience, making them easy to reference by number.  In some cases, single terms were breached multiple times, constituting more than (3) dozen occurrences.  Keep in mind, this is only one agreement, one set of published policies.  This list excludes brochures and other published documents, such as the 2020 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Annual Report in which Mr. Ugwueke spoke of the hospital’s commitment to patient health and safety.  HIPAA, AMA ethics, and other legal infractions will be appended, and the details fully expounded by January 31, 2023, and available at the website URL https://ProfessionalPatientBook.com.

1.    “To have your personal dignity respected”,

2.    “To be free from all forms of abuse or harassment”,

3.    “To access protective and advocacy services”,

4.    “To have your cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, and personal values, beliefs and preferences respected”,

5.    “Access to Quality Care”,

6.    “To receive care regardless of your age, race, color, national origin, culture, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression”

7.    “To ask for a change of provider or a second opinion”,

8.    “To access your medical record and to know who else has accessed your record”,

9.    “To question what is documented in your medical record and request changes to that documentation”,

Page 5

10.  “To know the names and professional titles of your caregivers”,

11.  “To receive information about your hospital charges regardless of your insurance coverage or ability to pay”,

12.  “To be involved in decisions that affect your care by providing you with information and answering your questions”,

13.  “To request assistance with ethical matters”,

14.  “To be informed of unanticipated adverse outcomes”,

15.  “To receive information you can understand”,

16.  “To have pain assessed and managed appropriately”,

17.  “To express concerns about your care and have those concerns not interfere with your current or future care”,

18.  “To express concerns, complaints and/or a grievance to the patient advocate or a member of the administrative team”,

19.  “To inform us of changes in your condition or symptoms, including pain”,

20.  “To notify us immediately if you have any safety concerns”,

21.  “To speak up if you are not happy with your care”,

22.  “Ask questions about your care, treatment and services”,

23.  “To be actively involved in planning your care and do your part of the plan”,

The aforementioned caregiver drug use is one of two facility administration issues.  The second is a deceptive anti-recording policy posted on signage giving patients a false sense of security, implying MLH takes measures to protect patients’ privacy.  Ms. Jaishankar admitted MLH takes no lawful action to enforce compromised patient privacy.  Reference the website for a comprehensive list and extensive details.

Very truly yours,

__________________

Wayne P. Vaughn

Enclosures

Page 6

Email to Social Worker Caroline Utley on Feb 4, 2022, 5:22 PM, Subject: Please Assist

Hi Caroline, 

I need your professional assistance please to complete a set of tasks.  My target date is March 11th.  Every item is relevant to health and safety in accordance with medical ethics, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare contractual obligations (policy and advertising), and/or law (state and federal).  Should any reason not be self-evident, please ask. 

I prefer we talk directly and informally.  I decided not to impose upon you further, unless absolutely necessary.  Recent events have forced me to revisit infractions/breaches/violations I experienced in conjunction with assistance I previously requested but did not receive. 

Caroline, your time was limited when we spoke last.  I intently interjected (3) points into our last in-person conversation.  The objectives of my October communications with you and Suzanne were to:

a) Establish my character.

b) Express the importance of the assistance I requested.

c) Provide information to support the positive identification of the "caller". 

Bartlett Police Investigator Bynum called me, stating an arrest warrant was in process for a crime I did not commit.  I feel badly that my abusers chose to involve my caregivers.  That was their decision, not mine.  I respect that you have far more important tasks than to assist someone who is seemingly in dispute with another individual.  This is in fact a life-and-death matter, spanning many more people than just myself. 

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare is deeply involved in many ways.  I stopped counting upon reaching (16) infractions/breaches/violations.  My issues are with each kerfuffle itself and not with any individual.  AMA asserts that culpability resides with physicians and hospitals.  Invoking state intervention, seeking medical board sanctions, and litigation are among my least desirable recourse options.  Honestly, I simply seek resolutions.  My apologies for the length; I have much to cover. 

The content of the conversation Suzanne had with the October 6th "caller", my primary abuser, is now irrelevant.  Myself placed in similar ethical dilemmas, I am not offended Suzanne lied.  Knowing the details would have been helpful when first requested.  You unwittingly confirmed Suzanne initially lied about not talking to my abuser.  Elementary, logic dictated only Suzanne would have taken or returned such a call.  Although I was profoundly truthful, it was disheartening for me to witness my caregivers were not.  In a clinical environment, details are gathered and sent up into the mix.  Instructions and orders filter down.  I did expect everyone would ultimately do the right thing. 

Suzanne sent an email expressing my safety concerns were inappropriate, exceeded boundaries and unwelcomed.  Of course, conveying such to a patient boldly contradictions AMA ethics, Methodist policy and basic duty to protect.  I honor Suzanne's request as personal, to negate professional conflict, and will seek answers to sensitive questions from Dr. Eason.  Provided appropriate details are medically notated, all will progress smoothly. 

Early in my career I trained and advised numerous CEOs, Comptrollers, and other hospital administrators, implementing processes, procedures, and protocols.  Locations included:

a) Arnot-Ogden, NY

b) Auckland Area Health Board, New Zealand 

c) Bradford Health Board, UK

d) DC General (1-year government contract)

e) South Shore Hospital, Chicago 

f) [Additional facilities available upon request] 

My souvenirs are a large shoebox of airline boarding passes and over a decade of credit card statements in which I rely to reminisce, tracing my adventures back through time.  My third professional position, I worked with a team of former Methodist LeBonheur employees who founded Integrated Medical Networks (later purchased by Westinghouse) to compete with clinical and patient accounting systems, years later replaced by Cerner.  I recognized many of the infractions as they occurred.  My bio and background may not seem relevant.  I share this info merely to convey I have a robust understanding of my rights and the options available to me.  The assistance I now request is unconventional.  I desire to place my medical records on public display. 

Methodist University Hospital is my birthplace.  Back in 1964 the location offered maternity and was commonly known as Methodist Central.  Receiving my liver transplant at my birthplace is extremely meaningful to me.  I selected Cigna Healthcare Insurance, thinking of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare (in-network) as my home and family. 

I informed both Suzanne and Kristy separately (both witnessed by Dutch) that my abuser fed me morphine tablets my last day in ICU following transplant.  I also stated to both that my abuser had an altercation with nurse Delores.  Obtained since you and I last spoke, text messages between my abuser and individuals other than myself confirm he wrote about me "taking" morphine after he was told my doctor warned I would stop breathing if I received any more pain medication.  He commented about my nurse (Delores), "She's lucky I didn't punch her".  Precisely one month prior to transplant, my abuser wrote to me insisting I add his name to all of my assets.  I feel I must emphasize this is not a petty dispute between men behaving childishly.  My foremost abuser is now attempting to frame me for crimes in which I had no participation. 

The book I initially began writing centered on my liver transplant, related medical experiences and my mistakes.  Obtaining effective pain management is a long process and as everyone now knows, I took a huge shortcut after traditional means failed.  The bizarre oddities of my abuser's actions did seem to be fascinating to many people.  I expanded the scope.  My abusers have proven far more dangerous than I could have ever imagined.  My abuser who called Suzanne was a former Methodist University employee fired for racial conflict.  Everyone in my prior morphine supply chain were associated with Methodist LeBonheur in various capacities, including the prescribing physician.  Combining these details, I have the content for three books, nearly ready for editing. 

Two decades ago I was a director at the largest regional advertising company, representing national and international brands such as Pennzoil, RainX, Conoco, GreenLight, Kodiak (tobacco), Samsung, ServiceMaster, and Murphy Oil Soap.  My book promotion strategy will likely include sensationalized headlines.  "Methodist LeBonheur" is a recurring theme. 

Understandably, some tasks may be referrals or simple coordination. 

My Task List

========== 

1. Transplant Team Caregiver List

Compile list inclusive of everyone who attends weekly patient care meetings. 

2. Review all verbal and written communications, identifying topics and statements that may have been inadvertently omitted or not stated in accurate context within my medical records. 

3. Set meeting to discuss my medical records in detail, ensuring all health and safety topics are aptly noted.  Prior attempts were unsuccessful.  It is my decision to discuss my medical records in detail rather than to obtain a printed or electronic copy. 

4. Follow-up, for any medical record corrections, confirm all corrections were aptly implemented. 

5. I formally request assistance with all ethical matters raised in this email as well as all prior communications, verbal and written. 

6. When you and Suzanne called me at 10:18 AM on October 6, 2021, we removed one individual from my medical contacts and added another.  Please assist me with expanding my medical contacts to include anyone, every person on planet earth, nobody excluded.  Although I very much appreciate privacy and confidentiality, I have the opportunity to assist others by sharing my unique combination of experiences, knowledge, skills and resources.  Only Duane "Dutch" Warren, Diane Warren and Rafael Cruz have my A/D and POA authority to make decisions on my behalf.  So as to not consume an excessive amount of staff time, I ask to permit up to two 5-minute calls per day, thereafter stating the call limit has been reached.  Random people will not call.  Call nature will primarily be legal and media fact verification. 

7. My last day in ICU following transplant, I requested a patient advocate but refused, told no advocates were available.  Merely a simple misunderstanding with the nurse, I was in fact concerned about the aggression my abuser exhibited towards nurse Delores.  Please confirm whether or not any related details were noted in my medical records. 

8. Liability Insurance

Because you are a key person having witnessed and/or understand many of the events I have described, I may incurr further loss should you resign or relocate.  I formally request a few details, best that I recall, are required to provide upon request.  Should any of my statements be inaccurate, please correct me.  Understanding social worker positions are often contracted, please confirm:

a) The company name in which you are employed. 

b) Your supervisor's name and contact info. 

c) Your professional liability insurance (general or malpractice, all applicable) policy ID and claim processing contact. 

I appreciate your cooperation and request these details simply as a precaution.  I so very appreciate that you assisted me in every way within your responsibilities.

9. Meeting Offer - Michael Ugwueke

In the Methodist LeBonheur 2020 Annual Report, Michael Ugwueke talks about integrity, excellence and safety.  Dutch's photo with article appears on page 17, center.  I spent Christmas 2020 admitted to Methodist North with Covid and pneumonia.  There are Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare information systems breach issues within the evidence I possess.  I extend an offer to personally meet with Mr. Ugwueke to discuss these issues and to provide a copy of the evidence.  Should Mr. Ugwueke decline, my statements will accurately reflect that he declined. 

10. Methodist LeBonheur Drug Use

A Methodist LeBonheur employee who I once knew and supplied to me morphine tablets explained to me Methodist LeBonheur administrators decided against admission drug testing because a large percentage of employees and affiliates would fail when seeking medical care (as precisely worded as I recall).  What measures does Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare have in place to assure patients that their caregivers are drug free. 

11. Video/Audio Recording

Posted signs conflict with Methodist LeBonheur published policy and Tennessee State Law.  Which is accurate?  How does Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare enforce these restrictions?  How many times has Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare prosecuted violators or otherwise enforced these restrictions?

Thank you! 

Wayne P. Vaughn

Email Reply from Social Worker Caroline Utley on Feb 11, 2022, 4:35 PM, Subject: Please Assist

Dear Mr. Vaughn,

I have discussed your email with my director and she asks that, if you are able, that you stay for about 30 minutes after your next clinic appointment to meet with her and the Patient Advocate to address your concerns.

Thank you,

Caroline

Caroline Utley, LMSW

Outpatient Transplant Social Worker

James D. Eason Transplant Institute

Methodist University Hospital

1265 Union Avenue, 4 Shorb Transplant Clinic

Photos selected for inclusion in The Professional Patient: Appalling Facts About Healthcare.