Tuesday, May 15, 2007

So What's The Plan?

Health Care U.S. Senator Barack Obama

I Love Barack Obama, let me say that first before I begin. I think having an outsider in White House would be a breath of fresh air. Someone who isn't completely hardened to his agenda and willing to move with the breeze would truly help the country grow.

The only thing I have a problem with is his plan for Health Care. Where is it? I remember Obama saying he would have a plan ready to present in a few weeks. I know he appeals to generation X and Y, but some of us are intelligent. We actually care about the details. I think Obama may have forgotten, and I understand he's busy. But, I think that was April he promised to have a plan to present soon, but I am still trying to find this article. Clinton has a plan, Edwards has a plan, what is Obama's plan?

Sorry...

Sorry I've been away for a while, but do not worry. I am still keeping up this fight to point out the problems and the need for reform in health care. I'm back and ready to fight.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Doctors push law on clinics in stores | Chicago Tribune

Doctors push law on clinics in stores Chicago Tribune

Another reason why we need health reform. Many retail chains such as Walgreen's, CVS Pharmacy and Wal-Mart have clinics inside their stories. These clinics are staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants. The Illinois State Medical Society believes that patients are at risk because these centers are not staffed with doctors. Although Illinois State Medical Society may feel it is protecting patients, many of the patients who go to these clinics cannot afford health insurance.

Hospital group recommends discounts for uninsured | Chicago Tribune

Hospital group recommends discounts for uninsured Chicago Tribune

Wisconsin, has a new approach to the health care crisis. The Wisconsin Hospital Association is asking hospitals to offer discounted rates to uninsured patients. This initiative began when an uninsured patient filed a complaint with one hospital after being charged higher rates than insured patients. The patient took this incident to Wisconsin Attorney General who filed charges against the facility. The Wisconsin Hospital Association is also asking that bills of $100,00, be forgiven for patient making less than $50,000 a year.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

The City that Works...Is Broken

Sad goodbyes follow layoffs at hospital | Chicago Tribune

How would you feel if you scheduled an appointment for much needed surgery, waited over a year only to be told its canceled and you need to go to another facility? You would probably feel as these Provident Hospital patients feel, devastated. Not only are these patients feeling it, but the physicians and nurses laid off due to the Cook County budget cuts are also feeling of the cuts as well. Many Provident hospital's patients have been referred to Stroger Hospital. The waiting list for an appointment at Stroger hospital is six months, and surgery over a year.

"The county health system's interim head, Dr. Robert Simon, defended the elimination of Provident's orthopedic division. Only 333 orthopedic surgeries were performed there last year -- a volume that can be handled at Stroger, he said." - Chicago Tribune.

Provident's Orthopedic division saw over 6,000 patients.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Free Bad for You?

Free Drug Samples? Bad Idea, Some Say - New York Times

Providers think they are helping patients save money when they give out free medication samples to patients. According the to New York Times, these samples are usually for expensive medications that patients may eventually need to pay for. Providers rely on the word of sales representatives for information about these medications. According to the article, representatives are usually inaccurate when giving information about medications and usually speak in favor of the medication they represent. Patients also need to be aware that sample medications may not treat their ailment as well as the older medications.

Just some food for thought the next time you get a medication sample from your doctor.