THIS is State Run Health Insurance!

**Boker** · 03-29-2010, 10:32 PM

My .02 from working the front lines as an E.R./ICU nurse. Our health system is being raped, by the same people that this legislation is concentrated to help. When you bring your baby in because of a fever, and thousands of dollars are spent running test, eating up resources, ruling out most major possible causes and the end result is a non paid bill and a dose of OTC (over the counter) Tylenol and Motrin, the system fails.

The kid scenario is just an example. If it was mapped out 90% of what we see in the ER is junk, that should be handled elsewhere.

If you don't value your health enough to provided your self with adequate insurance or similar arrangements, why should I pay? I, like most people, returned to collage later in life (24) and worked 2 jobs, plus took out loans to complete my degree. I don't have a Sob story that is worse then anyone elses, but I dedicated 2 years of my life to put myself in my current position. Even now I have 2 jobs. It can be done.

I'll stop and put away my soap box. But those among us, that won't work to better their situation in life should accept responsibility for their choices.

I'd propose a nation wide 2 tier system, similar to the Veterans system of health care, they pick up the tab if its outside of their system, but will accept their patients at on of their facilities as soon as possible to limit their cost. Most VAs hospitals are staffed by Medical/Nursing students are new graduates. While I'd would significantly increase the quality of care in that system, it is a good program that makes sense, and it is surely better then nothing in most cases.

**Rick** · 03-29-2010, 10:43 PM

Add to that, Boker, the fact that those endless tests are conducted as 1 part diagnostic and 1 part cover your backside. It's the latter that needs to be fixed, too. As long as extensive and expensive tests have to be performed to demonstrate a care giver has done everything in their power to properly diagnose an ailment they will continue to be performed even under the new system. Let's face it, you don't need to do a myriad of tests to confirm a common diagnosis. But they will still be done on the off chance that something happens and a law suit is filed. More often than not, "leave no stone unturned" means expensive and unnecessary.

**Boker** · 03-29-2010, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Add to that, Boker, the fact that those endless tests are conducted as 1 part diagnostic and 1 part cover your backside. It's the latter that needs to be fixed, too. As long as extensive and expensive tests have to be performed to demonstrate a care giver has done everything in their power to properly diagnose an ailment they will continue to be performed even under the new system. Let's face it, you don't need to do a myriad of tests to confirm a common diagnosis. But they will still be done on the off chance that something happens and a law suit is filed. More often than not, "leave no stone unturned" means expensive and unnecessary.

Exactly true, and hence the reason limits are being placed on Malpractice suits. But that systems get abused as much by hospitals and incompetent Drs. that is as much harmful as beneficial.

**Rick** · 03-29-2010, 11:05 PM

There is more and more pressure to rate care givers and institutions but that rating comes, partially, from litigation. So it's incumbent on a provider to cover themselves. Not only do they risk their livelihood but an increase in insurance rates and a lower rating, not to mention the headaches associated with fighting an often frivolous suit.

I just paid my wife's malpractice insurance so I understand that aspect of it. Until someone decides that tort reform is a core piece of the onion the new health care sham...program will continue to support the same policies.

**crashdive123** · 03-29-2010, 11:07 PM

As a kid growing up, I don't recall the doctor that made house calls carrying anything more than a little black bag. One of the factors changing all of that is the "cover your backside" necessity in a litigious society.

**Badawg** · 03-29-2010, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Sarge47

I think you're missing the point. 65% of Americans did NOT want this to pass, but, thanks to back-room deals, locked doors, & downright browbeating, it did! 216 Dems ignored the wishes of the voters who placed their trust in them! Now the White House is dumping on the 37 Dems who had the guts to follow the wishes of their people & vote against it! (Oh, how dare they have their own opinion!

) This is NOT about health care, this is about the loss of democrocy & freedom being replaced with Socialism & dictatorship! You cannot possibly know if your daughter is even going to get the care she needs under this plan. NOTE: Even the Prez., The Congressmen & Senators, & their staff won't be on it! What does that tell you?

Oh I see your point, I just don't agree with it. And really? 65% Can you back that number up? Because I think that is a hugely inflated number... More like 65% don't have a clue what we are talking about...

And we all know that 73.6% of the time a person can make up a statistic and 91% of the people will believe it ;p

**Rick** · 03-29-2010, 11:13 PM

I was thinking of my family doctor when I typed that out. When I was a kid he would come by the house with a black bag and a good word. I know he was a doctor for well over 35 years and I'll bet no one in that town even considered a lawsuit. It just wasn't done. Today, a provider stares down a legal brief with every patient that walks in the door.

**rebel** · 03-29-2010, 11:21 PM

The Misses told me how bad it's become with this example. A child is born to an illegal immigrant couple and the child needs extensive medical help for several months ( we're talking millions $$$). A case worker sets up an interpretor. Arranges for a furnished apartment with phone. Transportation to and from the apartment to the hospital and meals. $$$$$$$ No wonder the states are bankrupt, your premiums are so high and more taxes.