November 29, 1961
Fred Grubel
Mr. I. Langer
Purchase of Pacemaker for indigent patients.
As you know, Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz is performing quite a few of the so called pacemaker operations. That is, operations which involve the insertion of pacemakers into patients' bodies. Up to now, General Electric has provided, without charge, these electronic instruments because they considered the matter still on a test basis.
They now advise Dr. Kantrowitz that after use of fourteen such instruments they could no longer provide the apparatus without charge. Much rather, they request full payment at the rate of $650. for the implanted instrument and another $350. for an optional external control.
So far as private patients are concerned there is no problem but seeing to it that the patient pays the cost of the instrument. However, there are problems with regard to medically indigent patients. If such patients are City charges there is even a problem whether money raised by the patients or their friends for these instruments can be retained by the hospital. It might have to be turned over to the City on account of the City paying for the patients' hospitalization. The situation could be relieved if the hospital would be able to assure the establishment of a special pacemaker fund. I feel that an initial investment of $10,000. may be a beginning which could tide up over at least for the next few months.
If you want to have more specific information on the project, please contract Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz.