I would like to recognize an ambulatory RN, Julie Morris, who works with our team in Human Genetics.  She is the embodiment of all that a DAISY Nurse represents. She has demonstrated outstanding nursing care, empathy, and collaboration with entities across the spectrum of healthcare in the United States while coordinating the care of one of our pediatric patients. This child has a rare genetic mitochondrial disease and has benefitted from his previous participation in a unique study at Children’s Healthcare of Philadelphia (CHOP). His continuing participation is dependent upon his insurance agreement to pay for his out-of-state services. 

With the patient's recent change in insurance, it became increasingly challenging to obtain the authorization needed for him to be seen at CHOP for his yearly visit. Julie has worked, literally for months, trying to coordinate the visit and payment approval between his insurance and the CHOP representative. She wouldn't take no for an answer as she navigated phone trees and the intricacies and obstacles of insurance reimbursement. This is a testament to her advocacy and empathy for all the patients under her care, but particularly for this patient and his family.  Finally, last week, she received an estimate of charges from CHOP, and, working with the insurance representative, submitted a PA requesting the state's approval for payment of services. Everyone's fingers are crossed that this is approved, and the patient can continue his unique therapy at CHOP.  

Since this nomination, we found out that this was indeed approved!! But in the meantime, we want to acknowledge Julie's extraordinary nursing care for this patient and his family.