LETTERS OF SUPPORT

I read with interest the article in the newspaper, the Mat-Su section January 9th on the imaging center will seek certificate of need.

I broke both my shoulders and tore the rotator cuffs in both shoulders and also dislocated my right shoulder. Some tendon and ligament damage was also done in my left shoulder. I had to have surgery on both shoulders. This incident occurred 11/5/07. Since that time I have had several x-rays, MRI’s, CT scan, etc. I continue to still have these rechecked to see if my right shoulder in particular is progressing. Since my doctor wants these done ASAP I usually can not get in right away at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center so I go to Imaging Associates of Providence. My doctor who is located in Anchorage can get the results immediately from Providence. Providence is also the preferred provider for my insurance.

If I would have had to go to Anchorage for these procedures it would have been a great inconvenience for me since I had both arms in slings and cannot drive. I have to still depend on my daughter who lives in Wasilla and my husband who works in Anchorage to take me to these appointments. My husband would have to miss a lot of work if he had to take me and my daughter and her husband have their own business and she would not have been able to take at least 3 hours out of her schedule to take me to Anchorage. Fortunately for me she only lives about 20 min. from my house and the Imaging Associates of Providence is only 15 minutes away. I can rely on her to leave her business and take me for these scans, etc. without taking up a lot of her time.

There is a definite need for this center to remain open. I know I am not the only person out here that needs transportation for these appointments and has to rely on others. When I go for my appointments I see many other patients who have someone bring them in.

I hope the state realizes the importance of the center and grants the “certificate of need”.

Lynnette Stouff
Palmer, Alaska