Fraud is a problem. Yes, eliminate the fraud and the cost of healthcare may become a breeze to afford.
I once had a doctor who was the point man for all my specialists and I got the best care I ever had and it was cheaper.
I am the safety coordinator for my employer and it is true that saying you are sorry makes a difference. Most lawsuits are not from malpractice but the result of arrogance and rudeness. Nothing is more militant that a genuinely injured person who is also insulted. An apology actually, this was demonstrated in workshops I attended, thwarts a lot of lawsuits.
I have been trying to find, with no success so far, an article I read awhile back concerning an operation out in Seattle (I think, it may have been elsewhere). What was going on was something like this: A group of doctors got together, secured a building, and set up a practice that was run sort of like a gym. You paid a monthly membership fee, like $100, and they treated you. For simple things they saw you for free, but things like surgery would cost you a little more out of pocket. No insurance companies. No "middle-man". I remember thinking at the time, why aren't there more of these things around the country?
There could be if it were not for the insurance companies. The doctors want to treat patients in an efficient and affordable manner. Right now part of the problem is the defensive medicine that doctors have to practice. That alone is roughly 10% of medical costs.
Malpractice claims take up less than 5% and would be greatly reduced with a single payer system. Malpractice awards would be greatly reduced since a large part of the award is future health care costs. If they're already covered, that cost will not be part of the settlement.
Dave - Just a Man in the Mountains.
I am a Humanist. I believe in a rational philosophy of life, informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by a desire to do good for its own sake and not by an expectation of a reward or fear of punishment in an afterlife.
If it was not for my insurance company, (the City is self insured, I use that option) I would not be able to afford my health care.....
You have that backwards. If it were not for the insurance companies EVERYONE would have access to affordable health care.
Dave - Just a Man in the Mountains.
I am a Humanist. I believe in a rational philosophy of life, informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by a desire to do good for its own sake and not by an expectation of a reward or fear of punishment in an afterlife.
Hmmm... the "apology" --- may be more effective than tort reform.
On wellness programs... My company started offering it for the first time this year.... I signed up for it in a heartbeat... not only does it offer the standard website access that advises prevention with proper nutrition and exercise as a way to stave off illness and keep our immunity system strong, but they will actually PAY you for preventative procedures.
Men get paid for having prostrate exams.
When I present proof of having mammogram done, the company will send me a check for $100. Same thing with a pap smear.... I'll get another check -- both of which provide a better incentive to have painful and invasive preventative procedures done on an annual basis.
I do wish holistic practices would become more the norm than they currently are --- many health problems can be prevented with proper supplements, but there's so much MISinformation out there in the vitamin and supplement industy and so LITTLE independent research in this area, it's really hard to tell the hype from the reality.
Tribalism, ethnocentricism, racism, nationalism, and FEAR is the Mind Killer... >:(
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One way to cut health care costs by over one third is to eliminate the insurance companies. That won't be done until there is a considerable amount of ethics reform in Congress.
I have been trying to find, with no success so far, an article I read awhile back concerning an operation out in Seattle (I think, it may have been elsewhere). What was going on was something like this:
A group of doctors got together, secured a building, and set up a practice that was run sort of like a gym. You paid a monthly membership fee, like $100, and they treated you. For simple things they saw you for free, but things like surgery would cost you a little more out of pocket. No insurance companies. No "middle-man".
I remember thinking at the time, why aren't there more of these things around the country?
Interesting article with some good information. I was very interested in the things they are doing in Rochester as far as making health a community effort. I also thought this note about the apologies makes a lot of sense...
"The University of Michigan Health System adopted the policy in 2001 and reports that malpractice claims fell from 121 a year to 61 in 2006. The honesty "takes away some of the anger of patients and the 'gotcha' of plaintiff lawyers," says Douglas B. Wojcieszak, who founded Sorry Works! after losing his brother to a medical error. "You don't need any legislation, judge, or politician to do this—it's simply customer service." The University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago started a formal apology program in 2006 and says the number of claims has since declined 40%, despite a 20% increase in clinical activity."
“Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You’re able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment.” Ralph Marston
One way to cut health care costs by over one third is to eliminate the insurance companies. That won't be done until there is a considerable amount of ethics reform in Congress.
If it was not for my insurance company, (the City is self insured, I use that option) I would not be able to afford my health care. The Govenment needs to insure those who cannot afford their own heathcare.
It's a free market. just like everything else in this country.
For those who have faith, no explanation is neccessary. For those who have no faith, no explanation is possible.
St. Thomas Aquinas
If one turns his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9
One way to cut health care costs by over one third is to eliminate the insurance companies. That won't be done until there is a considerable amount of ethics reform in Congress.
Dave - Just a Man in the Mountains.
I am a Humanist. I believe in a rational philosophy of life, informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by a desire to do good for its own sake and not by an expectation of a reward or fear of punishment in an afterlife.
Some are good in principle (i.e., eliminate fraud, who can argue with that?)
A few bear comment, however.
3. Coordinate care through family doctors. This was tried by the insurance companies, through HMOs, and was basically a failure. That being said, it was a failure mostly because it was implemented by the insurance companies. If done by the health providers themselves, maybe it might work. I understand there are a growing number of such networks, with family doctors and specialists working together.
5. Stop infections in hospitals. Sure, take steps regarding cleanliness, who's going to argue with that? But how about reining in needless antibiotic use, which leads to drug resistance, which seriously complicates hospital infections.
6. Get patients to take their medicines. Sure, if they can afford them, which is a big problem in some cases. And how about, again, avoiding over-prescribing? The more medicines one has (especially the elderly), the less likely they are taken appropriately.
7. Discuss options near the end of life. A big one on my list; it is a sensitive topic, but dealing with it is critical. I'm sure a lot of discussion will come up on this one.
10. Apologize to patients. Sure; but has anyone told the trial lawyers?
The article in question is this week's cover story.
The argument is that there are 10 steps health care providers, hospitals, and other organizations can take - independent of Washington - to make medical care cheaper and more efficient; the question is raised as to whether or not mass adoption of these ideas can free up the money required for the proposed health care reforms.
I figure that given the debate is still going, I'd post it here and see what everyone thinks.
