Patient Stories: How a primary care provider saved a life
Prisma Health highlights stories of patients whose experiences showcase the need for quality, compassionate health care during emergencies and in everyday life. This short video shows how primary care and building an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider became the difference between life and death for one local man.
Ernie Alessandrone moved to Travelers Rest, South Carolina, from his previous home state of Georgia and worked as an electrician. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure and hospitalized in 2019, Alessandrone recovered and began regular visits with primary care provider James Gettys, MD, at Travelers Rest Family Medicine.
Alessandrone had returned to everyday life and hadn’t seen his primary care provider in a while, but following a motorcycle wreck, Alessandrone was informed that something unexpected had been found on an MRI scan. He would need back surgery, and the medical providers he spoke with said he may be facing cancer.
Speaking with Dr. Gettys, Alessandrone poured out his fears and found Dr. Gettys reassuring in a time of great uncertainty. During a visit with Dr. Gettys, Alessandrone mentioned ongoing shoulder pain from the wreck.
“When Ernie came through the door, I recognized that he did not look well at all,” said Dr. Gettys. “He was very pale and breathing hard.” Dr. Gettys checked his vitals and noticed abnormal blood pressure and a low oxygen level. “We started talking and he said he was feeling breathless, and I noticed his fingers were really really blue.”
Dr. Gettys took some time to check Alessandrone’s oxygen levels while moving around as compared to when he was sitting still, and saw significant, worrying differences. He pushed for further testing to find the cause of Alessandrone’s pain and discomfort. Because Dr. Gettys advocated for the seriousness of Alessandrone’s condition, he was admitted quickly to a hospital, where testing discovered a blood clot located within his lung.
“If Dr. Gettys wasn’t my doctor, I wouldn’t have been going to the doctor that day,” said Alessandrone. “It makes a difference that he’s my doctor. I went in for my arm being sore from the motorcycle wreck. Because I’ve been going to him for so long, it’s more personal. Everyone in my family knows his name.”
Having a long-term relationship with a primary care provider can lead to symptoms being noticed that might otherwise be missed. These small details may be the difference between life and death.
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