Interviews and Testamony

#1: Interview with Cory Smallwood (Former Director of Pink Ribbon Good, St. Louis Branch)

 

More information: https://www.pinkribbongood.org/

 

Context:
Cory Smallwood led the St. Louis branch of Pink Ribbon Good (PRG), an Ohio-based nonprofit organization, for five years, helping provide free meals, rides, house cleaning, and support for women with breast and gynecological cancers. Although she does not work for PRG anymore, inspired by her mother’s breast cancer battle, she continues to stay connected with PRG’s mission. 

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AS: What is the biggest challenge lower-income families face during cancer treatment?
CS: Beyond the treatments themselves, financial strain is a major issue. Patients struggle to balance medical costs with daily expenses like rent, food, childcare, and bills while going to treatment instead of working. Many also lack a strong support system, making PRG’s services invaluable. 

AS: How significant is healthcare affordability for cancer patients?
CS: Many PRG clients come from low-income backgrounds. While cancer affects people of all financial situations, those who can’t afford essentials—like food and transportation—suffer the most. PRG helps cover these hidden costs that aren't always considered in cancer care.

AS: How would more affordable healthcare impact cancer patients in St. Louis?
CS: Cancer dictates much of a patient’s life, especially their ability to work. Many have to cut hours or stop working entirely, which is devastating for those in lower-paying jobs without healthcare benefits. If healthcare were more affordable, patients could focus on recovery rather than financial survival.

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#2: Interview with Mr. Pitcavage (Healthcare Professional)

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Overview:
Mr. Pitcavage, a nurse certified to work in any hospital unit, shares insights on patient attitudes, healthcare challenges, and industry changes.

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Key Insights:

• Patients often don’t understand necessary medical procedures and expect unrestricted freedom, which creates challenges.

• Younger individuals (under 40) typically don’t prioritize healthcare unless they have a medical condition, while older patients rely on it more.

• Parents of young patients can be the most difficult to deal with, followed by younger adults and then elderly patients.

 

Opinions on Healthcare:

• Lowering healthcare costs is complex since prices vary by hospital and are controlled by insurance companies, not hospitals.

• Healthcare is constantly evolving due to new technology, tools, and medicine. Nurses must adapt, problem-solve, and handle high-pressure situations.

 

Defining Healthcare:

• The ability to provide proper care based on a patient’s needs.

 

Core Aspects of Healthcare:

1. Law – Patients can sue if they feel mistreated.

2. Insurance – Coverage decisions dictate patient care.

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#3. Interview with Dr. Randall Edgell (St. Louis University Hospital)

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Making Healthcare More Affordable:
Dr. Edgell believes there must be a balance between healthcare innovation and government regulation. While companies need profit incentives to develop new treatments, price limits on medical devices and drugs could help reduce costs without stifling innovation.

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Monetary Barriers to Treatment:
He frequently sees economically disadvantaged patients, many of whom are uninsured or rely on Medicaid. Limited insurance often leaves patients with large medical bills, restricting access to necessary treatments like post-stroke physical therapy.

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Potential Policy Changes:
Dr. Edgell supports better regulation of private healthcare profits, improved insurance standards, and ensuring no one is uninsured. He advocates for a more consistent pricing system across hospitals to prevent excessive cost variations.

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Biggest Roadblock to Affordable Healthcare:
The healthcare system is too fragmented, with inconsistent regulations, insurance coverage, and pricing. A more organized and uniform approach could help make healthcare more accessible without hindering medical advancements.