Poor Medical Services, Somerset Medical & Orthopedic Group in Flemington, NJ!

     I have had in the recent past (like probably many of you) bad experiences with the medical system like hospitals, doctors and the unreasonably high charges implemented by these entities beyond what public and private insurances permit leaving us pay the rest unjustly. It is a common fact to all that most clinics, doctors and hospitals exaggerate the fees to submit to insurance without really being held accountable for their actions. We pay the fees because we consider disputing or complaining too much of a hassle mostly but is being given as real services? Unnecessary testing that has little or nothing to do with the medical condition just so these professional services get the most out of a single visit.You would think with such exuberant fees for services we would get quality but not too is not the case in fact many have become abusive in their handling of patients irritated when the patient or their families even ask reasonable questions about care. The media glorify the medical community and do not question what i really going on. One such institution is my beloved Somerset Medical Center which has made it a habit to mistreat both patients and families, I can attest to that fact many times over. Somerset Medical Center of course has a patient advocates representative taking in complaints but that's just about all they do, no action to correct leaving the guilty parties inside this institution free to repeat over and over again their abusive and sometimes incompetent actions towards their patients and families especially in the Emergency room environment. At times they use their internal security system (guards or glorified want-to-be policemen) to put their misbehaved visitors in their place verbally or even by physical actions. I have brought this issue to the proper person in charge but again all that is done is a nice phone conversation about the issues but absolutely no action or at least none that can be verified by the party making the complaint. Then there is the staff of doctors (some not all) that seem to think they have a free pass to do as they want without no fear of retribution from senior staff. One has to ask where is our protectors like the state government agencies in charge of overseeing these abuses or the Medicare/ Medicaid system, the largest source of income for most medical facilities and doctors regulated by our federal government. You have to wonder why no one really can understand why out healthcare costs has grown so large and unmanageable, the medical profession has a large chunk of the blame in my view and in many people out their that experience the medical Juggernaut.

     As a veteran I saw the need to seek out a private physician to take care of my ever growing medical issues knowing full well the the VA system is overwhelmed and under funded so I went to see what I thought would be a professional medical doctor (Hunterdon Orthopedic Institute in Flemington, NJ). In my first appointment (15 minute talk with doctor and over 2 hour wait in waiting room, medicare overcharged scamming), I couldn't help hearing the staff in the office talking about how to take advantage of their patients to pay more for services by billing practices, seems to be their main concern and I should of walked out with that small clue of what to expect.To much of my surprise and shock my so called well referred orthopedic doctor (Collata) turned out to be an arrogant pom-pas ass who's only interest is the bottom dollar in my view and pay little to no care to listen to the concerns of his patience. Maybe he doesn't like injured vets or he has an issue with Hispanic people, all I know is that he made me waste my time and money and rewarded me with what amounted to useless medical sound bites with an attitude (anger?) and could not manage to read the images on the CD from the VA, I guess he had no time while on vacation and rushed in frustration. God forbid a patient of Dr., Collata should ask questions or even update him with other issues which could be relevant. I walked out of his office angry about the way I was treated and I wouldn't recommend him to treat a cow let alone another person yet some choose to ignore this pom pas incompetent ass.

     So I warn all of you reading this article/ blog NOT to seek out treatment from this individual who claims to be a professional doctor and to complain to everyone (state & federal agencies, twitter, blogs, the media and if need be the the legal system) when you come across an individual or institution that have these bad practices in abusing the public in their time of need, when they are sick. Shame to all who do this and be warned you will be exposed at least by me.

Republican sweep in Flemington!

From Flemington's mayor to the common council, all republican candidates took control or won their respective bids this past elections. Even though registered voter turnout was only 48% of registered voters in the Hunterdon County area (expected low turnout in mid term elections) the consequences of what happened this past November 2nd elections are already being felt. There is an expected property tax increase proposed and will likely pass despite the promises the so called taxed too much party claimed to keep low. Now the residents that voted for the change will have to put up with the republican parties real plan to raise taxes, lower social programs and create havoc on all levels of government starting with locally. The voters that stayed silent (52%) this past elections will have to wait until next elections to put things right thats if they really want it at all. It seems that the the deceptive practices of the republican rich man's party representing really the socially elite 2% of us and the large uncontrolled investment in ad campaign has worked to convince many of us in thinking they are on our side. So next time you see your tax bill or other rate increases, give yourself a good pat on the back for making this possible and hope they do not make too much damages to your wallets before we are all able to fix this mess next elections, just saying. Election results can be viewed at: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/countyclerk/election/Official%20November%202010.htm

Latino Health Fair Event held at Hunter Hills.

Today the residents of the area living in the Hunter Hills Apartment complex in Flemington, NJ enjoyed a very helpful and informative "Latino Health Fair". It was put together (or organized) by a local church organization with the cooperation and permission of the Hunter Hills complex owners. It couldn't of been a better day for such an event with sun and a mild breeze that all enjoyed including the many kids present. I was really surprise to see the event since no announcement I can recall was made at least that I could remember. I'm sure they announced it somewhere (I hope) but still a pleasant surprise all the same. The hispanic or Latino community in this area have been marginalized for some time now and it's refreshing to see this type of event give helpful information pertinent to this community. All were welcomed to attend and no one was turned away because many Latino issues addressed there are also everyone else's concern, after all we are all human beings and God's children, aren't we?

There were several organizations represented at the event like the Hunterdon's Regional Cancer Center, the local YMCA, the Hunterdon Prevention Resources and others. I spoke to a few of the representatives of these groups or organizations and got a clear idea of what they are trying to do (I think?), some good on face value anyway. The YMCA representative (Gabriela) spoke to me about the importance of exercise and the many other services the local YMCA has to offer like financial assistance programs. She also spoke about the dangers in pedestrian accidents and the new laws to enforce drivers to STOP, not just for people crossing roads but for those on bicycles too. For more on the local YMCA programs, call at 908-782-1044 ext. 638 or visit them at 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington. You can also email them at gbonnavent@comcast.net or vista their web site at www.hcymca.or

I also spoke to a representative of Hunterdon's Prevention Resources (Flor?) pointing out the importance of good strong family values and the many dangers of prescribed medications. Many parents and or seniors today have many dangerous unused medications that are presently available to our children and are being taken by them and putting their lives in danger. This is NOT just a Latino issue people but effects all of us today. You as a parent may not be even aware of this problem or that exists within your home until it's too late. For information about them, call at 908-782-3909 or at web site hunterdonprevention.com.

I then I spoke with a young man who represented Highlands Health Van that comes by Church Street in Flemington every Tuesday. The van was supposed to have shown up at the event but some issues prevented that from happening. This van or mobile clinic provides some basic key type health care and at a very affordable cost of just $20 per visit as compared to what it would cost you a visit and your local ER or even doctors office even with insurance coverage. You can find out more about their services by going to zufallhealth.org or calling them at 908-968-0898. We need more events like this in area, state and nationally.

Street Vending Sale in Flemington, NJ & Balloon Close call.

This past Saturday the 18th my historic town of Flemington, New Jersey had another successful street fair on Main Street with music and many vendors to draw in the public. The ailing economy and this towns shortfalls in commerce due to outside larger retail stores present has aided the lost of much town commerce and many store closings yet this little town (the seat of Hunterdon County) still has a lot to offer with its charm not found in the close existence of Walmart in Raritan Township. This town needs to promote itself with it uniquely has to offer and not try to compete with the ever increasing large chain retail stores it's surrounded with. The car shows are over but much can be done to draw in the public to this town and incentives must be given to do so by our local elected officials (municipality). Let us hope they do so before more local charm commerce is lost and Flemington becomes a ghost town.

Many also enjoyed a show of arial balloons, becoming quite common in our area but this past 14th of September the residents near Hunterdon Mews and Hunter Hills just off North Main Street came to a close call. This particular ballon came quite close to landing on top of the apartment complexes but the operators worked toward avoiding this and I believe landed further away in I hope a safe open field. Such are the events in this great little town of ours, lets hope it stays this way.

If you want to follow events in the historic town of Flemington, New Jersey, a good place to go to is http://culturemob.com/flemington-nj, http://www.americantowns.com/nj/flemington/events, and the towns official web site http://www.historicflemington.com/ and of course check in here when you can plus http://www.youtube.com/flemingtonnewjersey (my little youtube link to Flemington issues)

VRPCWORLD 1st Podcast

ANTI-HISPANIC SENTIMENT IN FLEMINGTON AREA GROWS!

Not too long ago, I experienced (what I perceived to be) a anti-hispanic environment at a local small bank here in Flemington, New Jersey. While I was waiting to open a new account, I over heard racial comments from one of the tellers while they were speaking to one of the clients. I did not consider it seriously since (to tell you the truth) this type of experience has been very rare to me. The teller took no notice that I was their waiting to see a bank rep to open an account. When the rep came, I was given the cold shoulder treatment having spoken to that exact person days before about opening an account and him being aware of my hispanic roots. I was rejected from opening a simple checking account, me a responsible person with NO issues what so ever much to my surprise. When I asked about it, I was given very limited information and a slip of paper to get my chex report and to their apparent delight left frustrated and embarrassed. These individuals actions in this small local bank was present and their desire not to attend even a LEGAL 4th generation US born hispanic (something they may have not considered before pre-judging me based on my name). I immediately sent a message to the banks main offices and got a response from their VP in support of the racist bank rep's actions at the Flemington branch. This is what we have come down to today where people like this and institutions can discriminate against people who's race they do not like and get the backing of their bosses without fear? Their are over 6.5 million legal Puertoricans identified latinos in the US who can vote, not to mention the other hispanic races legally here who also vote, pay taxes, serve in the military defending out country but people like this are allowed to discriminate against us openly without fear of the law. This can not be tolerated at all and must be faced down by all of us for your race could be next plus there is no such thing as one pure race, we are all racially mixed families already (mutts). This will change if I have anything to do with it. I did not serve my country and get injured just to sit by and let people and institutions like this get away with their bigotry and racism. Last contact with the bank was an unwanted and insincere apology by the offending representative to me of the Flemington branch and a weak explanation that my SS number was incorrectly entered but just happen to have my name and other specific data related to me? Yeah right, believe that one and you are more gullible then most.

Proposed budget in last vote rejected!

The proposed school budget in yesterdays election was overwhelmingly rejected by the Flemington voters. Was this in response to the governors appeals to voters to do so or is there an underlying reason for this and was it truly a anti-teacher response by the voters? I really do not believe it was an anti-teacher position but an anti-tax and enough is enough on spending. I have heard in the news and on radio (101.5) the bull shifting the blame on the teachers for the high costs of the state and local government but no real mention on the very high costs of administration. High salariries and perks for the elite in the education system seems to be tabu yet it really represents the higher ratio of costs. I mean can you really justify a 6 figure salary to anyone inside the education system when teachers and most of us don't even come close? The well off (rich) have convinced many of us to think its the teachers and unions doing to the state when it is them that are abusing the system. How about salary cut, freeze or elimination on our elected officials in the state or school board? Does anyone in the media radio or TV willing to expose the real costs involved and where that money is really going not to mention corruption schemes? No this is not being done so we as individuals must educate ourselves and use the power of our vote & speech (exposure). For those of you normal people among our great state that have been brain washed into thinking our teachers and unions are evil, take care your job maybe next to be targetted by the wealthy of our state. For results about our elections, go to NJ.COM for more.