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.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, April 30, 2007
No one said reform would be easy.....
As Health Plan Falters, Maine Explores Changes - New York Times
Maine is reforming its health care plan. Although their plan offers health care for many of those in need, the demand was greater then anticipated. There are thousands of people who do not receive the proper medical treatment for serious aliments. And Maine has just learned that their reform program needs to be adjusted to accommodate these patients.
Maine is reforming its health care plan. Although their plan offers health care for many of those in need, the demand was greater then anticipated. There are thousands of people who do not receive the proper medical treatment for serious aliments. And Maine has just learned that their reform program needs to be adjusted to accommodate these patients.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Is Health Reform a state problem?
Whittier Daily News - Health reform gaining steam
While Governor Schwazengger gathers support for his health reform plan, he ignores the concerns of some groups who feel the plan maybe too expensive. But Schwazengger, is committed to making California one of the first states to insure everyone. He is motivated by the millions of uninsured voters, who need health care and is unwilling to check the details.
State governors are tackling a federal problem at the state level. This is new territory for many governors elected today. Many states are considering reform bills for their health care systems. Why hasn't the federal government taken notice of this problem? If any one's job should be based on the state of health care in this country, it should be the president's.
While Governor Schwazengger gathers support for his health reform plan, he ignores the concerns of some groups who feel the plan maybe too expensive. But Schwazengger, is committed to making California one of the first states to insure everyone. He is motivated by the millions of uninsured voters, who need health care and is unwilling to check the details.
State governors are tackling a federal problem at the state level. This is new territory for many governors elected today. Many states are considering reform bills for their health care systems. Why hasn't the federal government taken notice of this problem? If any one's job should be based on the state of health care in this country, it should be the president's.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
In the past couple of days I have seen many articles on how cuts in Health Care services can hurt a community. This is especially the case in poor communities. Brooklyn is dealing with this problem now. Budget cuts have closed many local hospitals in Brooklyn. Lack of community health care creates a health care black hole where serious health care issues are neglected.
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