Back in business: John Hunt values Healthnetwork’s assistance

John Hunt has always valued Legatus’ relationship with Healthnetwork Foundation, but when his severe back pain incapacitated him late last year, Legatus’ executive director realized that value firsthand.

Pat Ridolfi

On Christmas Eve, Hunt experienced a severe attack of back pain which traveled from his lower back and radiated down his right leg. He spent two hours on the floor, unable to move until his son found him and helped him into a chair.

Doctors subsequently diagnosed him with retrolisthesis of L1 and 2. Hunt had been going to a chiropractor on a maintenance basis for manipulation for a number of years, but he knew this episode was different. He realized his situation would require more than manipulation because simple movements like standing too long or bending over to pick something up proved to be too difficult.

Hunt called Healthnetwork and was immediately referred to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), the No. 1-ranked rehabilitation hospital in the U.S. Even better, Hunt and his wife Kathie were in Chicago at the time, so travel was not an issue.

Pat, a Healthnetwork medical coordinator, secured Hunt’s first appointment the next day. When he arrived, Hunt was greeted at the elevator by Matthew Ginsberg, global patient services business process manager, who went through the necessary paperwork so he could get started.

Hunt saw Dr. Alexander Sheng, who was able to identify the crux of the problem. He ordered the appropriate scans of Hunt’s back and diagnosed the problem immediately. Hunt was then introduced to Davalyn Partain, who began his physical therapy program that day.

John Hunt, Legatus’ executive director, and his wife Kathie are founding members of Legatus’ Chicago Chapter

Over the next two weeks Hunt had a series of follow-up visits to RIC and received exercise assignments between visits. His short-term goal, to fulfill his responsibilities at the Annual Legatus Summit by Jan. 28, was accomplished.

“My experience with Healthnetwork reaffirmed my belief that Legatus’ affiliation with this organization is a valuable Legatus member benefit that should be called upon whenever a family health crisis arises,” Hunt said.

Hunt said that what impressed him the most was the manner in which he was received at RIC and how diligently and professionally they helped him achieve his short- and long-term goals. Hunt said his rehabilitation continues to go well, and he is grateful for Healthnetwork’s assistance.

PAT RIDOLFI is a medical coordinator at Healthnetwork Foundation.

HEALTHNETWORK is a Legatus membership benefit, a healthcare “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected]

HEALTHNETWORK FOUNDATION is a non-profit whose mission is to improve medicine for all by connecting CEOs with leading hospitals and their doctors to provide the best access to world-class care and increase philanthropic funding for medical research.