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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Friday, June 22, 2007 12:01 AM CDT
Judge sides with Sarah Bush over Padgett
Physician assistant barred from local practice for almost another year

By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
nwest@jg-tc.com

UPDATED: NEOGA — A judge this week agreed with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center that physician assistant David Padgett must not practice in or near Neoga for 11 more months.

Padgett — who was fired from the SBLHC Neoga Clinic in late 2005 but didn’t officially leave SBLHC’s employment until May 2006 — sued the Coles County hospital in a bid to overturn his contract’s “not-to-compete” covenant, which forbids him from working as a physician assistant within a 25-mile radius of Neoga for two years after the end of his relationship with SBLHC.

The two-day trial in the Padgett lawsuit concluded May 17 in Toledo, but Judge Steven Garst waited to issue a verdict until he received and considered written arguments about case law from attorneys on both sides.

In his opinion filed Tuesday and announced Thursday, Garst wrote, “The evidence showed that there was consideration for the employment agreement and terms contained therein.

“The covenant not-to-compete does not create a hardship on Padgett sufficient to vacate it.”

But SBLHC’s victory was not entirely a landslide. Garst also restructured the geographic limits in Padgett’s not-to-compete covenant, which originally stipulated that Padgett could not serve as a physician assistant within a full 60 miles of the hospital east of Mattoon.

“The restrictive covenant in this case should be reduced to a 25-mile radius around (the hospital), the Neoga Clinic, the Toledo Clinic and the Casey Clinic,” Garst wrote.

SBLHC officials said they are not too upset by this modification of Padgett’s contract. “The court felt that enforcement of the 25-mile limit was adequate to protect the hospital’s interest specific to Padgett,” said Patty Peterson, SBLHC spokeswoman.

“We still feel like it’s a big victory not only for us but for the community, so we can continue to provide health care there.”

SBLHC President and CEO Gary Barnett said, “We regret that this issue has detracted from the good works of Neoga, its residents and Sarah Bush Lincoln. We want to move forward and continue to provide health care to area residents through the Neoga Clinic.”

Neither Padgett nor his attorney returned calls Thursday.

Padgett testified in court that he eventually would set up a practice again in Neoga.

While SBLHC never offered an explanation for Padgett’s dismissal, both sides previously agreed SBLHC had the right to fire Padgett without cause, provided he was given a 180-day notice.

This notice came in November 2005, igniting an outcry from Padgett’s patients and other supporters throughout the region. Protesters picketed the Neoga Clinic, while a petition drive generated thousands of signatures.

In the end, Garst sided with SBLHC on each of the four arguments made by Padgett’s attorney, Steven Wakeman of Peoria.

Wakeman claimed the not-to-compete covenant violated the “public policy” of providing health care in rural, medically under-served areas.

However, Garst wrote, “To follow Padgett’s logic, if it is a health care shortage area, then all covenants not-to-compete for a medical provider who is employed in such an area would be void. The evidence introduced at trial does not support that proposition.”

Wakeman also argued the covenant limited the options of patients. But Garst countered, “Every time a change of medical provider occurs, it affects the choice of the patient, whether the medical provider voluntarily moves, voluntarily retires, becomes disabled or cannot practice based upon a covenant not-to-compete.

“Again, the burden of proof to establish that the covenant is injurious to the public welfare rested with Padgett. Padgett did not meet that burden.”

During the trial, Wakeman said the hospital’s “protectable interest” was lessened because Padgett is a physician assistant, not a doctor. Garst wrote, “Padgett, as a physician assistant, generated the same revenue stream as a physician (and) had the same contacts with patients as a physician.”

Wakeman contested the two-year and geographic limitations of the covenant. But apart from decreasing the restricted radius around the SBLHC hospital from 60 miles to 25 miles, Garst said, “The two-year time period is not unreasonable.”

Contact Nathaniel West at nwest@jg-tc.com or 238-6860.

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Anon wrote on Jun 21, 2007 1:34 PM:

" I'm sad. "

padgett fan wrote on Jun 21, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Was the hospital THAT afraid of Padgett and his popularity? In a world of crazy healthcare, people should have a right to any provider of their choosing, not just ones that are in your particular network or affiliated with the local hospital. David Padgett was an awesome PA and the community is who is going to suffer. Sarah Bush has once again flexed it "big bad muscles" and won again. Sarah Bush chose to let him go, he didn't leave to compete with them. What are they so afraid of, if people have a choice in their healthcare, that Sarah Bush won't be their choice?! HHHMMMM, there's a thought.........Hopefully David will set up camp 26 miles out and will continue to take care of his patients who had grown to like him so well. "

Legal Beagle wrote on Jun 21, 2007 2:00 PM:

" The law is the law. He signed the contract. He is legally bound to it. "

Anon wrote on Jun 21, 2007 2:20 PM:

" To Legal Beagle: I know that you are right - but I still don't like the outcome. "

des wrote on Jun 21, 2007 2:55 PM:

" Good job Butcher Center, you kept another doctor from practicing here in the area because you disagree with him. "

money wrote on Jun 21, 2007 5:09 PM:

" I think there needs to be an investigation......just how much money does SBLHC pay these people to side with them......OH yes what a community hospital!!! "

Choice in 11 Months wrote on Jun 21, 2007 5:35 PM:

" Gary B and his crew won the battle, but not the war. If Padgett can stick it out for 11 months he will be rewarded with patients from all over the area (times two if he accepts Health Alliance). "

Disgusting wrote on Jun 21, 2007 5:41 PM:

" This stinks to high heaven. Sarah Bush has proven again their fear of competition, lack of class, and strong arm tactics. Even if the law was on their side in this issue, it would have shown more class and character to have said, People need to have the health care THEY want and we will take the high road and be considerate of others. But no, SB once again shows how puny they are and we are stuck again with a second rate health facility. When they opposed Carle coming here it was repulsive and now it is revealing their true character all over again. Boycot them folks. Go to Carle in Urbana. Instead of a stupid Dump The Pump Day around here we really need a DUMP SARAH BUSH DAY. "

Mr Big wrote on Jun 21, 2007 6:04 PM:

" Wins again.... "

Starting A Movement wrote on Jun 21, 2007 6:09 PM:

" I will go to Padgett as soon as he can practice just as fast as I can and tell everyone I see to do the same. We will make this guy a great living and Sarah Bush will wonder why so many are sick of their antics. I have never been to Padgett and don't know the guy but I know SB and that is enough reason for me and everyone I can influence non-stop. I am already hearing others saying the same thing as I am so this is not going to end for a long, long time. "

How many nurses ... wrote on Jun 21, 2007 7:51 PM:

" .. will have to quit because of Bush's stupid 12 hour shifts? I know another one who quit and said she could not give good quality attention the patients by working those ridiculously long hours. It's all about MONEY, an not quality care at the BUSH. Sara Bush is doing to health care in Coles county, what George Bush is doing to the people of Iraq. "

Savant wrote on Jun 21, 2007 8:30 PM:

" Yeah - Yeah! What did I say? What's next? The Seals? "

Get over it. wrote on Jun 21, 2007 10:27 PM:

" He signed a contract, he is bound to it. Enough said. There is SOME reason he was fired. By the way people talked of him doing care at their houses and at all hours and so on, I'm guessing that had something to do with it. That's a huge insurance risk for any hospital. He wouldnt get away with that anywhere. Once his contract that HE SIGNED is up in 11 months then go to his office. Big deal. "

What a Mess wrote on Jun 22, 2007 12:09 AM:

" No matter what you think about the contract that doesn't improve Sarah Bush in any sense. Right now they are about as unpopular as I have ever witnessed any hospital and their public relations is so bad it will take them ten years to get over all the mess around there, from this deal, to the Carle deal, to the very low morale problem out there. "

Not a fan wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Of SBLHC or doc Dave That is the way it is around here though sub- par hospital and sub-par doctors "

Speak the Truth wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:21 AM:

" To Get Over it: Yes a contract is a contract, but there were obvious problems with the contract. The judge vacated part of the contract. Your assertion of the traditional and very old "liberty to contract" interpretation has been struck down by the Supreme Court since the New Deal. "

Beaches wrote on Jun 22, 2007 9:34 AM:

" I am disappointed, but understand the ruling. As a patient of Dave's I have already left the Neoga Clinic, so SBLHS isn't getting any more of my business anyway - hopefully Dave can make things work and come back to the area next year. SBLHS continues to frustrate me with their administration's heavy-handedness and refusal to listen to their customer base. I use the emergency room because I have no other choice, but Champaign or Effingham will get most of my healthcare business now. They may have won the battle, but the war rages on, and they aren't winning many allies. "

Bad Public Relations wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:22 AM:

" This is a terrible public relations move for Sarah Bush. They keep out competition and then have an arrogance that will cost them more over the long haul than if they had shown a little class and character. You reap what you sow. I hear it everywhere I go now that people are sick of them and when they are sick they won't go to them. "

Chad (USAF) wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:28 AM:

" Isn't SBLHC supposed to be a non-profit hospital? Just a question...and a thought. "

DP wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:04 AM:

" @Get Over It: "By the way people talked of him doing care at their houses and at all hours and so on, I'm guessing that had something to do with it." NPR did a report about a year ago about how it's much more affordable to hospitals, and actually higher care for doctors to go to a patient's house. The statistics in research along these lines is that patients recover better because of the personal care received, rather than feeling like a number (which too many businesses, not just hospitals, are treating people as). "

Rotty wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Good luck, Mr. Padgett - We hope to see you again soon! The big men, with their big egos, at the Bush need to be brought down to size, & it's only a matter of time before it happens. I bet ole Gary has a series of feel-good meetings lined up for today. [rolls eyes] ~ Keep the faith, Dr. Dave! "

Mike P wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Perhaps he can hire in with carle, work outside the limited boundry for the rest of the required time, and then come to their clinic, or set up a new one, where they and he see fit. He can make his house calls part of the business, and its possible carle would see the value, he adds, and expand the practice more. Carle could send a mini bus down and ferry patients back and forth to champaign surgicenters, and do quite well. Wait until the inquiries hit SBLHC, for quality and availability of care to many. As much as it has been discussed, they can't continue to fly under the radar, and stay sub par forever. Disgruntaled, overworked, and fed up employees, will eventually emerge as witness to the facts, and fallacies. Money and connections can't keep the truth hidden forever. Hopefully the implosion, will clear some of the dead wood from other public groups, and status quo, will take many steps in a different more positive direction. Best of luck to the good doctor. PA's like him show it takes more than a peice of paper and a shingle strewn with initials, to be dedicated to quality health care. "

Friend Of The Fair And Reasonable wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:15 PM:

" I will never spend a penny that goes to anything Sarah Bush is connected with again. I have a fair amount of influence on a considerable number of people in this community in my position and I will express my concerns privately to hundreds of people about this. They can do what they want but I am certain I can influence quite a few. This is one large donor from the past that will support "worthy" causes in the future. For obvious reasons I won't disclose who I am so SB employees won't be able to harass me by phone or in person. "

TRUTH wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:19 PM:

" D.Padgett, PA-C, was not, is not and will never be a DOCTOR ! And as such does not have the authority to act as one ! "

Old Timer wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:25 PM:

" Speaking of house calls, that is all we ever knew back when we older folks were younger. It was wonderful having the family doctor come to our house. I was born in our house. It cost $25. Now it is even tough to get a doctor on the telephone. "

Re: truth wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:46 PM:

" He has never claimed to be.... And just where IS that 25-mile line? "

Mike P wrote on Jun 22, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Don't forget, the best place to get sick or sicker, is a doctors office, or ER waiting room. Grouping the sick together, was a wonderful capitolizing innovation for health care. Doing outpatient surgery in a place not constantly filled with the sick, now there is a novel idea. Many "doctors" dont have the people skills, or objective point of view, to practice on the living. In several practices around here, the PA's cover the office, more than the doctors do. Good health care, is in the eye of the patient, not the credentials on the name tag. "

Shelly Kay wrote on Jun 22, 2007 2:22 PM:

" I was so very sad when I read the headline. I had hoped that the judge would side with the public, but I do understand the law. Looks like we have another 11 months and then we can once again return to our healthcare provider of choice. And by the way "Truth" we all know David is a physicians assistant and not a Doctor!!! That doesn't change the fact that he has given more people better and more personalized care than a lot of "real dr.s" in this area. "

Observation wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:33 PM:

" Sounds like TRUTH has a chip on his shoulder. No one has claimed he is a doctor. It sounded like you enjoyed putting the man down, making sure we all knew he wasn't a doctor. He is what he is and seems to have made a lot of friends. Maybe that is because he doesn't come on the message boards and put down a PA because he is not a doctor and never will be. "

To Legal Beagle wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:35 PM:

" You sound like a crummy lawyer. You may not be but your post makes you sound like one even if you aren't. No ethics, just money and legal jargon. "

TRUTH HURTS wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:55 PM:

" TRUTH, since you are not a doctor you kind of like putting down Mr. Padgett and saying he is not a doctor and never will be one. Why is it so important to YOU? You don't even know that he would never go on and become a doctor, unlikely, but you can't just make blatant statements like that about anyone. There are already enough "grumps" in the world. Get happy, man. It is not necessary to spend your life hurting people. "

very interesting... wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:37 PM:

" As a friend of Padgett I was delighted the other evening to learn he could practice 25 miles from SB facilities. Sounds like a big WIN to me! I was elated until the morning newspaper headline told me I was a looser!!! Huh????? "

Fear Factor wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:27 PM:

" How far in miles is Neoga from SB? If it lacks any someone should rent him a building to work out of just beyond it, like at about 26 miles from SB. Sarah Bush should be ashamed. They must really fear him to be so neurotic. Oh, and they are also in fear of Carle so I guess it is nothing new. If they would do good work and service with a professionally kind attitude they would not have to fear competition and not be losing so many doctors and nurses and the morale would not be so low. "

objective wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:28 PM:

" I feel very sorry for Mr. Padgett and his family at this time when the price of everything is going up. But the law is the law. The State of Illinois, Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation has very strict guidelines on what any medical professional can and can not do under their medical license. If someone came to your home and stole something, would you be as supportive of them. Probably not. Like I said before, the law is the law, not only in Illinois but every state. Mr. Padgett should feel lucky that he still has a license and is not in jail. "

observant wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:34 PM:

" des, it is Mr. Padgett, PA not doctor! "

MIke Dreslik wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:05 PM:

" SBLHC is not a care giver, they a simple money maker.This is true because if they cared about the health of the people in Neoga, they would allow Padgett to practice in Neoga. To SBLHC, you should realize you have already lost all of Padgetts patients and their trust. Once the trust is lost it is gone. You have taken a caring person from treating the sick and a well qualified one at that. I look at the clinic parking lot every day and it is never as full as it was when Padgett was there. That is the voice of the people. "

To Objective wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:25 PM:

" So when Bill Clinton broke the law he should not continue to serve as president? "

To Objective wrote on Jun 22, 2007 9:12 PM:

" Did Mr. Padgett break the law? I don't think so... This was a civil case; no laws were broken, or the state would be on him fast!! "

Mike P wrote on Jun 22, 2007 9:36 PM:

" I guess I missed any laws being broken, and a lucky to have a license and not be in jail instance. By all means, expand on that choice of words. I don't want to be supportive of comissions of crimes. Or is it some don't know that going to court, and having a case decided by a judge, doesn't only follow being arrested and booked? Courts interpret laws, and agreements. He brought the suit, not was being sued. If he stole from someones home, by all means this should have been reported to authorities, not in the comments section, anonymously. This isnt the choconour former judge thread, this fella was a heath care provider, P.A. Aka Dr. Dave, by many it seems. "

Early Bird wrote on Jun 23, 2007 6:44 AM:

" Des seems to have a problem keeping facts straight. On this site he refers to Mr Padget, PA, as a doctor and over on another site he infers I am retired. I hope my employer doesn't read that and cut my paycheck off. You have to love all the nonsense some people post on here. Many of us have been asking for name registering, perhaps some sort of intelligence testing would be better. "

pissed wrote on Jun 23, 2007 7:47 AM:

" To all who think Padgett was not a doctor just a PA.True as that may be he seemed to know a lot more then some doctors. He saved my mothers life 2 times when she was in sblhc. After looking at test results treated her for a urine track infection. OOPS they stopped him from making rounds at SBLHC. My mom had to go back several months later they put in a catheter she devloped another infection no one treated her for, they sent her home that way. 3 days later she was back in. with severe blatter cramps still not treated for the infection she died 2 days later in their bed. Is that what killed her think about it. Would padgett have saved her I will never know. Because of sblhc dumb decision to fire padgett. Thanks Dave for the times you saved her for us. "

objective wrote on Jun 23, 2007 7:56 AM:

" to Mike P, As I stated earlier, There are certain guidlines any medical professional has to abide by. Mr. Padgett knows what he is legally allowed to do or not do under his license of Physicians Assistant-Certified. Why SB decided to fire him and not turn him into the state for malpractice is a good question. As for my reference to someone breaking into your home and stealing something, that was just as an example as to breaking the law and if people would be as supportive. Again the law is the law, so do we get to chose who is arrested for breaking it. I guess so. "

To Objective wrote on Jun 23, 2007 4:16 PM:

" Padgett did not break the law. If he had broken the law he would have been arrested. "

To objective wrote on Jun 23, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Do you have firsthand knowledge of malpractice? You talk like you do. If not, your statements are bordering on slanderous. Do YOU know what the guidelines for a PA are, by chance? If not, I'd tone it down! "

To, Mike, P wrote on Jun 23, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Hey, you're, getting, better, about, the, commas, but, you, still, use, them, too, much, and, it, makes, your, comments, hard, to, read, , , , , , "

Mike P wrote on Jun 23, 2007 10:52 PM:

" The article on the 22nd, there are two sharing this comments section, mentions their mutually agreed right to let him go, without cause. Your statement is the first I have heard of any wrong doing, still not real clear what you reference to come by this. By all means, expand on your choice of words, if you will. "

Anon wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:13 AM:

" When David Padgett was released from his contract I heard several stories from SBLHS employees - and one from a board member. All implied wrongdoing on Dave's account - and all were different. If he was dangerous, (Which I doubt) then SBLHS is covering something up which could harm people - not good - and if he's not dangerous SBLHS is just flexing it's administrative muscle and that's not good either - remember, we'd heard that he ran afoul of Hoppin, who is now a VP. "

idea wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Maybe Carle should put there surgery center in Neoga, there is land right of I57. After all we are not far from Matoon or their medical building in Matoon. Also another plus this Cumberland County not coles SBLHC cant push us around. We can force a vote of the people to allow it. Bigger plus they can setup an area in the center for Padgett to work every one is a winner. "

Hmmmm wrote on Jun 24, 2007 2:07 PM:

" I still say, Dave worked (practiced)pretty much by himself for years and once a week, a real doc came down to Neoga to sign off on his charts. Whether he did house calls or saw patients in the office, there was no one to supervise him; but I guess now that there's a doctor there all the time, all of a sudden, Dave is out. I just want to remind everyone--there are half a dozen doctors leaving SBL between now and September--I say, better start looking for doctors or just plan on driving elsewhere, like 50 miles from SBL! "

SB Needs Competition Really Bad wrote on Jun 24, 2007 5:19 PM:

" Sarah Bush is a pathetic excuse for a hospital. I am embarrassed by them. I am aware of some things there but don't feel it best to disclose them on this board. They need competition REALLY BAD!!! "

Neoga wrote on Jun 24, 2007 5:44 PM:

" We can wait 11 short months for Dave to come back ,so SBLHC make what you can for now as it sounds like a money thing to you anyways. "

listen up. wrote on Jun 24, 2007 5:59 PM:

" Spend a night in the ER at Cook County Hospital or now called Stroger Hospital. Your love for SBLHC will come back. Trust me. "

My 2 cents wrote on Jun 24, 2007 6:29 PM:

" All of Neoga does not support Mr. Padgett. Some of us feel that he obviously bent the rules or SBL would not have let him go. It is convenient for the patient to be able to call and get any prescription they want over the phone. But is this a good idea? I know that David ordered meds many times without seeing the patient. That was the main complaint when he left. That now you have to really SEE a doctor to get meds. This is the safe way and the way it should be. I say you all should quit whining and go see a real doctor! "

Shame on you Anita wrote on Jun 24, 2007 6:34 PM:

" That last crack might hurt Doh's feelings, and I know it was meant for him, due to his habit of doing just that. "

Fed Up wrote on Jun 24, 2007 8:49 PM:

" I polled 10 people this morning and 8 of them hated Sarah Bush and 6 said they would never step foot in there again. They really have a major PR problem whether they know it or not. They just trash people and competition and anyone they can't control. Maybe THEY ought to LEAVE. "

Snot Nose Tommy wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:30 PM:

" 7 words - hospital good, Barnett and butt kissers bad. "

re: my 2 cents wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:37 PM:

" So the PA there now is substandard? Why go see him when you need to " quit whining and see a real doctor"? Maybe SBL should just get rid of all PA's?!?!? I don't think so... "

my 2 cents wrote on Jun 24, 2007 10:14 PM:

" I did not comment on the PA who is in Neoga now. But, a PA is NOT a doctor. Anyone who has a serious medical condition should be seeing a doctor or at the very least, a PA who is in constant contact with a doctor. A doctor checking in once a week and signing off on paperwork is not doing his or her job. The idea of having a physician's assistant is to assist a physician, not replace them. "

MIke P wrote on Jun 24, 2007 11:30 PM:

" If seeing a PA, is against your better judgement, be sure to specify that to your care givers office, and check before you go to your appointments. Many offices cover the many reasons Dr.s take time off with a PA, or even a nurse practicioner. SBLHC set up the practice in neoga the way it was ran when this fella was there. They considered it cost effective, until he built that practice up, to where having a regular doctor there was worth the expense. These are not first year med students, needing constant oversight. Most doctors offices will write a scrip, for various meds, without an appointment. Some unknown person can't call in a hey I need some more oxy contin from florida, they can just go on the internet for that. A rumor mill of wrong doing, does not a wrong doer make. SBLHC ER, is no busy, overused, hanging on by a thread, big city ER. They aren't even in the same category of numbers, vs resources. Sblhc has plenty of potential to be great. It has since it started. Names on plaques in the halls, seem to be more important than the people in Dr. and nurses uniforms, working long hours constantly. People retire from there, and have to go on cobra. Imagine working in healthcare, for more than 30 years, and then not having decent benefits, or insurance, when you retire from it. I find that, not much incentive to make a career of it. Many go into health care, to help people. Administrators go into it, often to wring those folks for all they have, and bring in the next one to do the same with, it seems to me. Hiding under the not for profit guise, is no excuse, for understaffing, and lining their own pockets. They fear competition, for the loss of staff they would face, not only the having to be competitive in providing services. If carle came in, they would have no problem finding dedicated experienced help. I imagine there would be quite a stack of applications, to get out from under the mismanagement, and into a decent quality of life to go with their chosen field of expertise. Lets not forget it is the administration that is at fault, not the people providing the care. They do alot, and could do much more, if they were given the proper resources and staffing levels. We have had the potential there, since its inception, a more dedicated group of people would be hard to find. Too bad names on placks on the wall, and administrative sallaries, tie the hands so much, keeping quality health care from being associated with SBLHC. Its great all the new resources are there, but ignoring the core business, is inexcusable. "

bystander wrote on Jun 25, 2007 7:57 AM:

" As an outsider looking into hometown issues I am appalled at the idea that the hospital is unappreciated. Close it down and see how "wonderful" it is to die before you are transported to the nearest hospital. And to those of you who only use the ER or the facility when it is conventient - how hypocritical! Or to those of you who think it terrible, file lawsuits, etc and continue to use it for your convenience - how unethical! If it is an unsafe facility, why do you still use it and send your family members there? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Mr. Padgett was probably "practicing medicine without a license". Privacy laws are protecting Mr. Padgett! Having worked at SBLHC before moving to one of the larger cities with larger hospitals I can attest to the fact that you have a facility that is as modern and up-to-date as the others. "

PA has to work under a Doctor wrote on Jun 25, 2007 8:31 AM:

" No matter where Dave plans to work, since he is a PA, he will still need to work under a Dr. "

Anon wrote on Jun 25, 2007 8:50 AM:

" To Bystander: Thank you for your comments, and for your "assumption" that from the outside you know what was happening. SBLHS has some great people working there - but the upper administration does not share the interest in this community that the "hands on" caregivers do. I do not believe SBLHS to be unsafe - I have had a minor operation there and had my child there - both times the service and physicians were wonderful. But, I do not agree with the administration and their methods of running health care in this area. If I wanted to be in a more urban environment I am sure that the hospital situation may be worse. You aren't here anymore and times change. "

To: BY STANDER wrote on Jun 25, 2007 8:53 AM:

" My My..........I think you should have gone to bigger and better places...Good thinking on your part. However if you are of the medical profession, you should know that it takes more than (modern medicine modern technology and fancy updated machines) to run a good medical facility. LIKE GOOD doctors, human relations, knowledge and many more IMPORTANT things that we as BY STANDERS as you say, CAN'T SEE but we can feel............and regardless of whether it is good or bad, our emotions and thorough investigations do play a big part of picking a doctor and medical facility. "

My 2 cents wrote on Jun 25, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Time to get over it, folks. David signed a contract and knew exactly what it said. The judge did not really side with SBLHC. He sided with the law. Whatever the reason David was let go, he's still gone. Find a doctor and move on. "

C. Sanders wrote on Jun 25, 2007 10:38 AM:

" As always, the people are the ones who come out the real losers here. Health 'care' has become a joke in our country. How many of us can afford it? How manyof us are giving 10-20% of our pay for something that may or may not pay a dime,and usually you have to fight to get them to pay anything at all. Health care has become an industry, and like all corporate industries, apparently there is no room for humanity or a sense of responsibilty to whom or how they impact them, onlyMAXIMUM profits. Once again, my corprate slogan, POP Profits Over People, seems to be the Real threat to the well being and security of the people of our nation. How about we stop handing israel over a billion a year, just because and use this TAX MONEY for Americans, or the 10 million reported today for radio stations to destabilize Venezuela, etc. Competitve health care? We all lose, fat cats get fatter. "

We all lose? wrote on Jun 26, 2007 7:35 AM:

" With modern health care? It's expensive because it is good. In case no one has noticed, life expectancy continues to skyrocket. We'd all like fantastic modern medical advances as cheaply as possible, but it can't work that way. "

Interested Observer wrote on Jun 26, 2007 6:29 PM:

" To read most of the comments regarding SBLHC in this (or any) article, one might be led to think that SBLHC is little better than a charnel house dedicated solely to profit, yet whenever SBLHC is evaluated by any independent group, like the Joint Committee on the Accreditation of Hospitals, SBLHC *always* scores highly. Logically, SBLHC must be one or the other, so I'll go with the independent experts who say that SBLHC is a fine hospital and conclude that those who say otherwise simply don't know what the heck they're talking about. "

Pocket Change wrote on Jun 27, 2007 11:31 AM:

" To My 2 cents, Why didn't I think that? Finding a new doctor...your brilliant! Your the answer to my prayers. If I can only find one that treats me as a human being and not a number, one that knows I prefer to not be treated like their guinea pig, and on that doesn't rush into the exam room spend less than five minutes with me only to rush out to the next paying guinea pig without answering any of my questions or adressing my concerns. That should be sooooo easy to do. It's obvious that your happy with whatever Quack in the Box that is available in this area, but I'm not! "

Southern Il Hope wrote on Jun 27, 2007 3:24 PM:

" Well, Dr. Dave Padgett, I hope you read this. There are MANY people including past patients that would welcome you to the Olney area with open arms. Tell Sarah Bush where to trim their bushes and move this way with your practice. Some people (like that hospital)are more wrapped up in money than they are the real meaning of true medical care(like you practice). Best of luck, and we will be watching for your come back somewhere. Be sure to make a big announcement when you do. You have lots of support!! "

medic57 wrote on Jun 29, 2007 5:26 PM:

" I go to Dr. Clemaco in Arcola, isn't it strange that SBLHC has opened up a clinic right next door to him. Why? Is it because that he only charges $20 for an office call to people who don't have insurance? On another note, I was in SBL 3 years ago for Pancreatitis, I am allergic to Phenergan and had the arm band on that said so, according to their records, they only gave it to 12 times in 3 days. Must've thought the arm band was for what I was supposed to have. "

smileyone wrote on Jul 1, 2007 1:53 PM:

" Yeah, good one, Chad (USAF) another great printing piece for the JG, what exactly does NON-PROFIT consist of?! Maybe I should start writing articles for them. The hospital shouldn't have such stipulations in their contract in the first place, to what does it harm for one practicing with them to leave their facility and make their bread and butter elsewhere (since they are non-profit!) Sounds like we are living in a communist little community, doesn't it?! "

smileyone wrote on Jul 1, 2007 1:58 PM:

" Well, let's see, it's about 40 miles to drive to Carle in Champaign,so I would see no problem driving 26 to see "Dr. Dave!!!" "

smileyone wrote on Jul 1, 2007 2:01 PM:

" I am not a doctor either but have been a nurse for years and my friend often refer me to me as doctor, meaning they respect me and my opinion. I believe this is the same when referencing Dr. Dave because he has done noble things and saved lives, and makes house calls like more docs should!!! These docs nowdays are overcroded with patients, I mean for heavens sake, at my doctors office, even with an appointment, and yes I am talking about the Sarah Bush Family Practice, you must take a number to be seen!!! "