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HMO Controls Puppy Health Care Costs Sebastian Thor visits U.S. doctor and adopts innovative approach to health maintenance San Francisco, Calif. -September 25, 2002 - Sebastian Thor, breaking with tradition yet again, yesterday gave his endorsement to a radical new approach to puppy health care - the Health Maintenance Organization, (HMO), for non-humans. Under the new program, the immigrant puppy pays a fixed annual fee for his routine doctor visits and receives a substantial discount on any special procedures that may be necessary. As with the Human HMO concept, fees vary with the age of the patient. The Animal Health Network, in San Francisco's prestigious Diamond Heights, was selected as Sebastian Thor's health care provider of choice. Sebastian stresses that, as with traditional HMO's, it is important for the patient to take responsibility for his own health care. For example, in reviewing his chart, Sebastian reluctantly agreed to the listing of his species as "canine." However, when he noted his breed identified as "Lab Mix," Sebastian gave a persistent whine of objection. A spokesperson later explained to the medical staff that the Labradoodle was a recognized Australian breed and that preservation of the pup's ethnic heritage was an important issue, especially in diversity-aware San Francisco. Personnel immediately corrected the error. During his first visit to the Network Clinic, Sebastian received a complete medical exam and the second in a series of puppy inoculations. PCV, (Primary Care Vet), Dr. Johnson pronounced the recent immigrant to be in excellent health and, at 12.5 pounds, to be growing correctly for his age. Sebastian himself, perhaps recalling his last visit to a doctor, (when he left with less than he had when he arrived), appeared subdued and slightly frightened. He offered only minor objection, though, and then only when his temperature was taken. Following the doctor visit, and for the remainder of the day and evening, Sebastian evidenced extreme sleepiness - even collapsing as he tried to bound up the front stairs at home. Dads Scot and Glen, however, were grateful for the evening of peace and quiet and are already looking forward to the pup's next Doctor visit, scheduled for October 16. |