Silence is golden

I haven't felt like writing during the past few weeks.  Too much talk already in the cyberspace!  But I am wondering whether the magnificent team at Arizona University Medical Center will become the poster children for repeal of healthcare (best care in the world why change it) or reform (you never know when you are going to need world class care and your lack of health insurance will bankrupt you).

I for one still believe that the best insurance would be one national plan where all are enrolled in affordable options.  And affordable includes the 20% deductible when the worst happens.

As the recession hit close friends forcing them into lower pay jobs as they hit middle age, you wait for the shoe to drop.  And for many it did - a triple bypass, a freak bicycle accident, a chronic pulmonary condition diagnosed, major medications.  All bills that at 20% or more deductible seem insurmountable over time.  Its not the first bill...its the third and fourth and twelfth. I do not see how current health reform will  fix the increases in insurance and deductibles that bankrupt so many.  We have to bring costs down and make that trauma care that is so important to all of us, available to all.

New Years Resolutions

1. Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands, and teach hand washing
2. Root cause analysis of re-admissions
3. Examine patient criteria for risk for procedures and evaluate institutional guidelines
4. Explore UV-C technology for infection control
5. Encourage primary care visits that are longer and more in depth
6. Incentivize communication between subspecialties
7. Form multidisciplinary teams for expensive patients - CA surgery, ortho surgery, GI surgery
8. Fast track ERs and connect to primary care
9. Fund and create Medical Homes
10. Establish funds for expensive outpatient drugs
and last but not least. Go on a diet!