Emergency Care

* Re “Woman Savors Victory in Long War With HMO,” May 22:

As a patient for some 15 years at Kaiser I cannot understand this imposed fine. To be in such intense pain and attempt to get an appointment with your doctor that day makes no sense! It is standing operating procedure when one is in intense, inexplicable pain to go to the emergency room and not waste time trying to set up an appointment. Sadly, many people have an aversion to this process and risk their lives by procrastinating.

I cannot understand the state’s decision in this matter. Every time I have gone to Kaiser’s ER I have been treated with the utmost care, consideration and concern.

FLORENCE E. JAMES

Pasadena