Letter from Dr. B.

[Guest guest]

Via Ellen:

The following is from Dr. Burrascano:

Hello!

I hope you have been able to get some rest and be with

loved ones over the holidays, and at least spend some

time not thinking about Lyme, politics, and all that

stuff.

As many of you know, shortly after I heard of the

favorable outcome of my OPMC hearing, the attorney for

OPMC filed an appeal against me! An appeal to reopen

the case, with the goal (as previously) to remove my

license, or make some other kind of severe penalty. I

learned of this ONE DAY before the Albany hearings

were scheduled to take place. Interesting timing.

Needless to say, I was very angry! It was good, in

retrospect, that I did not tell everyone at that time,

because in my anger I probably would have said things

that I would regret later. Now I've calmed down a bit.

To me, this appeal, which I and my attorney have to

address with our own counter appeal, is a form of

harassment. They know they have unlimited resources

and can try to wear me down and/or force me into

bankruptcy. Truly, these legal expenses, more than the

actual legal action, is what causes MDs to leave

practice- they cannot afford to continue doing this.

Many have asked me what they can do. To properly

answer this, I need to explain how OPMC works: The

hearings are " closed " . NO outside information, other

than the charts themselves, can be admitted. No

testimony, no letters from patients, no witnesses are

allowed at the appeal, no new scientific articles,

NOTHING. For this appeal process, I have to rely on

the results of the OPMC hearing I just completed, plus

written briefs prepared by my attorney. Again, this

brief cannot refer to any new or outside information-

just what was already in the first hearing. The final

decision of this appeals board is 100% binding. There

is no possibility for further appeal, or to go to the

civil courts, or to any higher power within the

system.

Because of these grim realities, my push has been for

reform of the system, and fundraising.

My briefs have to be submitted within the next two

weeks. The decision will be announced sometime in

March or April 2002. Until then, I can continue to

practice as usual, with no restrictions or changes in

my methods of patient care. I have been able to see

new patients now that I have more help in the office,

and my patients continue to get the best treatment I

can give them.

Treatment wise, I believe we are making progress, and

more of my patients and those of other LLMDs are

finally getting well. There is so much for all to be

gained if we are allowed to continue to treat Lyme as

the chronic infection that it is.

Politically, inroads are being made too. The Albany

hearing apparently was of tremendous benefit, and all

those involved in it deserve major thanks and

congratulations. Plans must continue to move forward

and maintain the momentum.

As we enter the new year, we can look forward to more

progress and successes in treating our patients, as

long as we are not restricted from doing so by the

uninformed or those with other, perhaps secret

agendas. To quote once again, one of my friends and

mentors- " we will not go away " .

Peace and strength to all of you, and best wishes for

a happy new year.

Dr. B..................!

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