From my perspective- Editorial How many of you, our listeners, remember playing ball as a kid? At some point in the game, there would be a contested call or an argument between the players. Rather than it turning into a fistfight, someone would call “DO OVER” and whatever was in contention was erased as it never happened. The power of a do-over was indeed powerful. So from my perspective, we need some do-overs. 1. We need a do-over on ACA so that there is a single payer option- like Medicare. The exchanges have gotten way too complicated for the average person and little help in getting unbiased comparisons. 2. We need a do-over on the way healthcare is accessed so that for the poor the Emergency Room is not a primary care facility. 3. We need a do-over such that everyone has some level of health care access …even a Canadian style base line as imperfect as some might argue. That then would be the starting point. 4. We need a do-over so that medical providers are compensated fairly. Meaning, out with fee for service and in with higher compensation for wellness and better patient outcomes. 5. We need a do-over to get a realistic plan, time frame and system for a nationwide platform of electronic medical records. Add to that tax credits to help pay for it and stiff fines if deadlines are not met. 6. We need a do-over on the way generic medications are priced. The practice of whatever the market will bear as to pricing is ridiculous and unfair. There needs to be regulation and enforcement on maximum mark-ups. Yes, patients should have the right to buy meds legally from Canada or elsewhere and so assume the risks associated with buying overseas. 7. We need a do-over on Medicare Part D whereas the Government can negotiate for the best prices on medications here or from abroad. 8. We need a do-over regarding end of life decisions. No one wants “death panels” but we need to rethink the aggregate dollars spent on extreme measures when there will be little or no improvement on the quality of life beyond a few weeks or months. 9. We need a do-over on the way new medications are priced and price protected as much of the research is funded with public money. The cozy relation between Universities and drug companies needs to be more transparent. 10. We need a do-over on the patients responsibility or lack thereof regarding smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, medical compliance , and responsibilities. Specifically, those contributing to the problem should pay more while also receiving the necessary education to make better decisions. 11. Lastly, we need a do-over on the training, support, education, and commitment to unpaid family caregivers. Even more so for the families of veterans. It is just wrong to claim budgetary issues when it comes to children, the frail, or the elderly. We should be above those excuses. Paul Vattiato President- Caregiver Reality
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:15:04 +0000
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