Wow, what a surprise. I think this is a big part of Obamas final plan, dependency. This makes people more dependent on the government, which in turn makes it OK to have a BIGGER government. No win battle!
Aaronof MO8:10PM March 21, 2012
In the area where I work ( Memphis TN) a huge issue is not just delay in appointments but the attitude of a large ( but not all ) of those on medicaid. Many pts will tell me they dont make appointments because they dont want to wait for an appointment, often even those later in the same day or next day. I have been told its faster to go to the ER " since ya'll get us in so quick now". I have been told " I just like to go when I want not make appointments". There is the whole " I want it now" attitude. I see countless numbers of pts that want written prescriptions for 2 dollar ibuprofen" cause Tn Care pays it" while they have expensive cell phones, nails done and laptops to get online while they wait. My "supper club crowd", you know the ones that come in by the busload between 5 and 9pm- usually come with fast food as well.
I understand it is difficult to take off work and can be very costly. I understand sometimes transportation is an issue. But somewhere along the line personal responsibilty has to be up to the pt. I think if there were primary care offices that would serve pts from 3-11 pm it would take some burden off the ER. I also think we should be able to triage out these pts to their pcp offices.
LeeAnn Stearnesof TN5:04PM March 20, 2012
At times our healthcare problems seem insurmountable. A vicious cycle of lowered payouts to providers, fewer benefits to consumers and yes, lack of access to the healthcare system for those who need medical care the most. I've been an Emergency Department healthcare provider for 30 years and have an intimate awareness of the changes in healthcare delivery. It is getting worse and there seems to be no resolution in sight. There has to be accountability on all levels; consumer, provider, insurance carriers, and healthcare facilities. Consumers must be proactive about their health through education, healthy lifestyle changes and compliance with medical plans. Providers have to arrange services that fit the needs of their consumers with extended hours for people who work, increased awareness of what all those diagnostics are costing the consumer and designing a plan that is truly patient-centered. Insurance carriers need to be flexible with plans offered to the consumers and payouts to the providers. Medical facilities seem to be high on the list for accountability as the number of agencies that have specific requirements regarding delivery of healthcare are ever increasing. Everyone wants their piece of the pie but no one wants to pay, so the consumer ends up with the short straw.
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Aaron of MO 8:10PM March 21, 2012
LeeAnn Stearnes of TN 5:04PM March 20, 2012
Mo of ID 3:11PM March 20, 2012