Orlando Valera lived with knee pain for more than three years before coming to see Corewell Health Lakeland orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Postma in Coloma. Why did he wait so long? As a native Spanish speaker, he was concerned about his ability to talk to a doctor about what was bothering him. And as someone without health insurance, he was afraid the doctor would tell him that he had to have surgery, which he was sure that he could not afford.
Personalized care in his own language.
When Orlando arrived for his first appointment with Dr. Postma he was pleased to meet registered medical assistant, Luz Perez, who greeted him in Spanish. Luz would soon go from Orlando’s translator to his personal advocate. Postma took X-rays and discovered that Orlando would need to have both knees replaced for the pain to stop. Orlando said that he had ”100% confidence in him” but there was still the matter of paying for those surgeries.
Discovering options to make surgery affordable
Luz was able to help Orlando connect with a financial counselor who could help him with payment options. “I didn’t know Corewell Health even offered this service,” said Orlando. “The financial counselor helped me find a way to afford both surgeries. I’m grateful because without the assistance, I probably would have lived with the pain for the rest of my life.”
Being treated with respect and reassurance
Orlando had surgery on his left knee at Corewell Health Lakeland Watervliet Hospital. Two months later, he had surgery on his right knee. “All the nurses at the hospital treated me with respect and made sure I was comfortable,” said Orlando. “Dr. Postma also checked on me frequently.” He did physical therapy at home and at Corewell Health Lakeland Rehabilitation in Coloma and was reassured that he could check in any time he needed it.
Orlando is feeling much better now and has some important words of advice for anyone suffering and worrying like he was, “Don’t let the fear of surgery costs prevent you from fixing your pain.”
