Here’s the facts:
- Not all hospitals, clinics and physicians are equally talented and knowledgeable in the delivery of healthcare services; here are some which are simply better than others, and experience matters.
- It’s actually pretty difficult to kill someone. The human body is amazing in its ability to adjust to changes, whether it is the loss of a limb due to trauma, or the loss of the function of a kidney or part of one’s heart due to a heart attack. We adapt very well, but sometimes it’s not pretty.
For example, the difference in one’s quality of life when their heart is functioning at 50% capacity verses 20% capacity is astounding, as is the effect of the loss of function of both kidney’s rather than just one. In both cases, the effect upon the individuals quality of life is non-linear.
The challenge with healthcare is that neither the payer nor provider of services have to live with the results, that is solely left to the patient and their loved ones.
So then, what do we have with the current healthcare reform? Well it pretty much looks like this:
- It may provide coverage to more people (but we don’t know this for sure nor does it mean that you can go anywhere you want for care).
- It won’t save money (virtually no one believes otherwise).
- It doesn’t address the means by which we will have enough physicians and nurses to go around.
- It will not improve effieincy in the delivery of care delivery.
- It won’t address the cost of defensive medicine (which is huge).
- It won’t make you better off.
- It will lead to more taxes.
Is there anything I missed?
Thomas A. Coss, RN
Improving Labor Efficiency in Healthcare
