An 11-year-old leukemia patient whose whereabouts have been unclear since her mother unexpectedly took her from a Phoenix hospital last month appeared to be safe and cared for, according to an interview broadcast Wednesday.
Hospital spokeswoman Debra Stevens said clinical decisions are never based on ability to pay and Phoenix Children's provides services either free or at reduced rates to patients who can't pay.
"Emily's health and well-being continues to be our primary concern," Stevens said in an email to The Associated Press. "Children with her condition require ongoing treatment and monitoring, so we invite her current physician to contact Emily's Phoenix Children's pediatric oncologist to ensure continuity of care. This is customary when a patient seeks a second opinion or moves from inpatient to outpatient care."
