Decades ago, a colleague of mine got a phone call from a the child of a patient whose father was then out of state and needing immediate emergency surgery. The problem was that the medical staff at a Major Medical Center (MMC) weren't providing assistance due to hippa concerns. This is prior to internet, fax machines, et. The good news was the patient happened to have their name emblazoned on the side of one of Major Medical Center's primary buildings. My colleague called the CEO of the MMC and within 10 minutes, a conference call was arranged so that everything possible to assist the patient was provided. Big money helps increase quality of care.