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110%er [5694]
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The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 14, 2022, 7:20 PM
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The democrats are successfully downgrading everything. All types of services have gone to cr@p. People won't even call you back.
With two kids with rare diseases we have been heavily engaged in the medical community for decades. Based on that experience and the experience from the past few years, it is very clear our ability to get timely and quality healthcare is a fraction of what it used to be. Plus we live in proximity to both Duke and UNC, major medical schools and hospitals, and have traveled around the country to various facilities that have specific expertise. The government is far too involved with healthcare and has ruined it, like everything else. If we went to single payer, it would even get worse.
Of course the libs won't admit it and won't see/understand cause and effect, but if you lived, say, from the 80s through 2000s, you lived during the peak (highest std of living) of the USA. It's all downhill from here thanks to the lefties/commies running the show...
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All-In [27150]
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With the personal challenges you're facing, I get why TNET
Dec 14, 2022, 7:25 PM
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must be some sort of emotional release for you. And, sincerely, I hope you get the care your kids need; the feeling of not being able to command control of what your kids need is immense stress.
And, I also mean this sincerely, I really think you could so yourself a whole bunch of good for your mental health by turning off the news, closing your browser and apps, and spending more time away from political triggers that produce additional anxiety you don't need.
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All-In [42197]
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This.***
Dec 15, 2022, 7:45 AM
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110%er [7210]
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I feel your pain.
Dec 14, 2022, 7:39 PM
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I've been trying to schedule surgery at Johns Hopkins for weeks. Every day I call the scheduler and leave a message. She's called my back once in that time, but I missed the call so SOL. I also need a Rx refill, but Tricare requires the physician to see me and he is booked three months in advance. Seemingly related, both my dogs were sick this week with the flu or something and their vet (Banfield) is booked for the month. I'm not spending the money to go to the emergency vet so again SOL.
My guess is this has way more to do with hospital mergers and a lack of physicians than anything else.
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All-In [27150]
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Speaking from what I've seen at my wife's hospital...
Dec 14, 2022, 7:43 PM
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The mergers have definitely had an impact on patient care, at least removing the focus from patient care to the bottom line, and putting impediments in the way. One of the providers (a nurse p) my wife worked got fed up with it and now works for Merck. They've struggled to replace her in the clinic.
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All-In [27150]
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There are also Certificate-of-Need issues...
Dec 14, 2022, 7:44 PM
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but that's a whole other can of worms.
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Heisman Winner [137981]
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But isn’t it easier and more satisfying to blame Democrats?
Dec 15, 2022, 5:50 AM
[ in reply to I feel your pain. ] |
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Actual reasons are dumb, I think we can all agree. I mean, just look at gas prices and global inflation.
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All-TigerNet [11961]
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Is shutting down oil production an actual reason or no?
Dec 15, 2022, 9:57 AM
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Maybe there's some magic at work I don't know about.
And how about shoveling other people's money at every interest group and corrupt boondoggle?
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110%er [7210]
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Re: Is shutting down oil production an actual reason or no?
Dec 15, 2022, 10:12 AM
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All-In [40936]
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My dog tore her CCL and needs surgery.
Dec 15, 2022, 10:09 AM
[ in reply to I feel your pain. ] |
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We have to wait 6 weeks for the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
I used to call my other dog the 6 million dollar dog (after the show). Now I have another 6 million dollar dog.
The emergency vet charged $500. $200 was x-rays. But they didn't get enough x-rays...
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110%er [7210]
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Stupid Mars VCA***
Dec 15, 2022, 1:41 PM
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 14, 2022, 9:45 PM
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NC Tiger , I’m sorry to hear about your kids illnesses. It can be extremely frustrating trying to get adequate care. I have been saying that something has changed in health care. I can’t put my finger on all the reasons but there is without question a drop off. My brother has stage 4 cancer and it has been infuriating trying to get the care he needs and even finding doctors who seem to give a rip. I certainly don’t want to pull all medical professionals in the same group because there are still many who do try very hard. But , again, something has changed. I worked about 10 years in ER and Critical Care and even taught customer service training in a hospital. So, I like to believe I can make a pretty fair judgement about what good care looks like.
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Orange Blooded [4020]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 6:27 AM
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You should understand pre-existing conditions. What's your idea on how that can be handled if Obamacare is repealed and replaced?
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 9:47 AM
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Not sure and I admit there are some good things in Obamacare. But there’s a lot of bad also. For example, it chaps my behind to know my tax dollars are paying health premiums for wealthy people. Yes, it helps some poor but a lot of rich are milking it.
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Orange Blooded [3615]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 6:47 AM
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Don't worry. The USA has the best medical and no system on Earth compares to ours.
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Associate AD [828]
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Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 7:49 AM
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...because I thought there was a new STD I had to worry about.
Sorry about the issues with your kids. I think the first comment was probably some good advice.
I certainly believe that what this country has is an insurance problem, more than a healthcare problem. But that is neither here nor there.
Another tangent - as one who left the corporate world for the gig economy about seven years ago, I thank my stars every day for ACA. It offers me exactly what was promised, an affordable way to purchase quality health insurance. While I occasionally have to jump through a hoop or two, I find it to be a minor inconvenience relative to the benefit. And I am happy that I didn't have to stay in a job I no longer enjoyed simply out of fear of not being able to cover my health insurance bill.
While I have long had mixed feelings about single-payer, the health insurance industry spends $200 million on advertising and $700 million on LOBBYING annually - money I'd rather have going to healthcare. On the other hand, a public option (that Joe Lieberman - the Sinema of his day - killed) would keep the private insurance companies honest. That option alone, being on the table, would lower the cost of healthcare. Alas.
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 7:55 AM
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Insurance can be a problem especially for the self employed. I’m self employed so I know! But the quality of health care has decreased in recent years. Why? I honestly don’t know but it’s just a reality.
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Orange Blooded [4020]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:01 AM
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How does health insurance work for those self-employed and those who don't have health care provided by their employer without Obamacare. We know how it was for them before. They either went without or had one of those mini-med plans that didn't really cover you if you got really sick or were in a bad accident. People just had their credit ruined when they couldn't pay their suffocating medical bills. I keep waiting for the "replace" part and "something terrific " from the MAGAs, but continue to only get silence. What do the MAGAs propose for handling PE's?
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:20 AM
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My statement was not about insurance. I said the quality of the actual care being given has declined. I also said I don’t really know why.
But for the self employed they do what I do which is purchase private insurance. Those who can’t or won’t can get Obamacare. I didn’t argue that point.
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All-In [40936]
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I have blue cross blue shield
Dec 15, 2022, 10:14 AM
[ in reply to Re: Clicked on this... ] |
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without obamacare, just like I have for the past 25 years. I have under 10 employees and their families on it. A couple are on medicare, I pay for their part B too.
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Orange Blooded [4020]
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Re: I have blue cross blue shield
Dec 16, 2022, 10:26 AM
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The average premium for unsubsidized health insurance for a family of 4 is $1403.
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All-In [42197]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:01 AM
[ in reply to Re: Clicked on this... ] |
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A lack of nurses as well as doctors stretched too thin are two of the factors.
COVID didn't help us on an already bad nurse shortage.
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:33 AM
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That’s true and running off good people over vaccine status was just stupid.
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All-In [42197]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:40 AM
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A lot of Americans lost their #### minds during COVID and that was on both ends. Too many people were militant COVID precautions and others were too lax, and they took it out on everyone in between. The amount of abuse doctors and nurses received was absurd.
Then again, across the board, people in service industries reported an increase in rudeness all around.
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: Clicked on this...
Dec 15, 2022, 8:42 AM
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Fair statement.
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CU Medallion [58430]
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I'm sorry you have had to deal with the system that way
Dec 15, 2022, 7:58 AM
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and learn it first hand, but I see the decline as well. Aside from routine appointments scheduled far in advance, I never see my personal, family doctor. If I have any non-emergency symptoms that require attention same day or next (fever, pain, weird stuff), it's virtually impossible to see him, and I always wind up going to nearest doc-in-a-box where they can see me same day. In fact, my doc's office directs me to those places. I have a few health issues that can complicate routine care, and while all of the doc-in-a-box guys do their best to consider that, I'd really prefer to see the same doctor or practice who is familiar with my unique situation and history. There was a time where I could always call my doctor's office, say "I have a fever and a bad cough (or bad back pain, etc.), and I need to see Doc today", and it was automatic, always. That has gradually disappeared over the last 20-30 years, but has really gotten worse over the last 5-6. Now my options are always "His first available appointment is next Monday", or doc-in-a-box, or the ER.
I realize what I'm talking about is small compared to what you and many others here have to deal with, and when it's all said and done, I am fortunate to have the team of doctors I have, and I know it could be a lot worse. It's just that I remember our family doctor making house calls when when I was a kid, and one of us was too sick to go to the office, and an office visit was almost always a given if needed, and I see the decline overall. More, better life saving technology and treatments, but it's a lot less personal and easier to slip through the cracks.
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Orange Blooded [4020]
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Re: I'm sorry you have had to deal with the system that way
Dec 15, 2022, 8:03 AM
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The population is whole lot bigger, especially the retired population. Supply and demand.
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CU Medallion [58430]
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Yep, no doubt that's a big part of it. It's a complex
Dec 15, 2022, 8:11 AM
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problem.
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All-TigerNet [12592]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 8:32 AM
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Medicine is now predominantly a corporate business with MBA folks and CPA folks running the show and determining what is best for the bottom line and not necessarily the patient. Sometimes what is best for the patient is definitely not what is best for the bottom line.
I punched out of medicine 5 years ago due to my frustrations with the ever growing tentacles of hospital and practice administrators who for the most part have no concept or even interest in what actually is involved with doing what is right for the patient. Some of their attitudes are so patronizing and condescending to warrant an ### kicking. One hospital administrator told a general surgeon colleague of mine who when addressing a valid complaint to the administrator was told, "You need to recognize your place. You're just another highly compensated employee."
That surgeon quit a few months later. One of our best Critical Care docs wrestled with the administrators over proper health care to the point where he too said screw it as he was not going to cut corners.
Most doctors now have very little control over their staff and actually don't even hire the staff nor can fire them for poor performance.Dealing with the person answering the phone in a medical office is now akin to calling the DMV often times. Everyone is an employee of the corporation which comes up with a fancy meaningless name such as PRISMA or Bon Secours(Good Care). Even the name "Good care" is settling for something less than excellent.
I don't necessarily see medical care getting better unless physicians, nurses and other providers have more control over the delivery of a product that they know far more about than a bean counter. I wouldn't hold my breath as it financially makes more sense to deliver the minimum level of care at the highest price that the public will tolerate. What recourse does the public have too?
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Orange Blooded [4679]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 8:38 AM
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Ok everybody needs to read the post above by rons1. He nailed it! Quality of care is down and those qualified to see it (like me) know he is spot on. It’s really sad and frustrating.
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All-In [42197]
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All-In [31518]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 9:59 AM
[ in reply to Re: The new normal std of living is happening ] |
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I just mind my business, keep my head down, watch my 6, treat my patients right, practice good safe surgery, help those around me, and collect my paycheck. The suits don’t care about me or anyone else, insurance is the enemy especially in my line of work.The expectation is perfection, nothing can go wrong. Administration holds the purse strings. Patients are entitled and litigious. It took me 11 years, half of that time essentially as slave labor, after graduating college and $350,000 in debt to finally make a decent living to provide for my family. I don’t sleep well and will stare at my ceiling at night worrying about patients or being one mistake away from being ruined.
There are a lot of negatives about this line of work, that’s for sure. But the rewards are more than worth it, at least for me, but I also feel very blessed to have landed in the exact right subspecialty for me. Many in medicine aren’t. Monday morning I saw a young woman 12mo removed from a robotic gastric bypass. She lost 115% of her excess body weight and looks like a supermodel now. My surgery cured her diabetes and high blood pressure. She’s flourishing in a new job and is confident and has self esteem. The trajectory of her life has been radically altered. Being able to give that to people is worth every second of the time, work, and stress it took. Not to mention operating is the most fun you can have with your pants on, it is ####### exhilarating.
Healthcare has its issues, and is constantly evolving. VALUE is the keyword now in the administrative and political machinations. A large and aging population that is 70%+ overweight and 42%+ obese that lives longer and expects to never die is a challenge. None of this changes the fact that healthcare, particularly subspecialty care and surgery, in the US is BY FAR the best in the world.
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All-TigerNet [12592]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 11:02 AM
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Stay with it. We need physicians and nurses still excited to work in health care. Alleviating suffering and health problems is a very noble calling and I wish you a long and satisfying career. Surgery is fun!
Medicine as I knew for much of my career was essentially a cottage industry where the independent physician ran his own practice and had a strong voice in decisions made in the hospital.
It's hard to miss what one may never have experienced and very annoying for one to have had such autonomy to lose that.
Very bright and motivated students are still pursuing medicine despite the time required, massive debt and the lack of autonomy. I am thankful as a consumer of health care that this is true and again thank you for doing what you do. It matters!
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110%er [5694]
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Re: The new normal std of living is happening
Dec 15, 2022, 3:40 PM
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Good comments - I am not alone in noticing the changes.
Maybe the 'great resignation' is in play as well. Fewer people to provide services, maybe.
I mentioned to my wife maybe we should consider a concierge doc. I have never really looked into it, but have heard of it. She has one data point, a friend who had a bad experience.
One of my boys had a research paper written on him - he was the no. 8 person in the world diagnosed with a genetic mutation that affects a 'side' process in the sugar processing chain. Luckily it seems mostly benign, but thanks to his mom and (formerly) awesome medical care and facilities, he is the most documented patient. He went through years of testing, nearly a decade, prior to diagnosis. There are likely 1000s of people out there with it, however.
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