The comments regarding Jacob Goldstein’s Health Blog in the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> made me want to run for cover. His article, <em><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/05/06/health-insurers-may-stop-charging-women-more-than-men/" target="_self">Health Insurance May Stop Charging Women More Money </a></em>evoked the haters on the Right to come out in full force. Goldstein discussed Senator John Kerry’s proposed new legislature, The Women’s Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation would effectively end higher insurance premiums for women, deny gender discrimination and require maternity coverage. Imagine that. I’ll refrain from my usual diatribes about the evils of insurance companies. I’d like to give my hypertension a rest.
Gender discrimination is a life-long battle and affects every aspect of our society. I had to ultimately “fire” my dry cleaner, (although he performed excellent work) because of his inequitable pricing practices. My husband’s shirts cost $1.29 to be cleaned, my blouses were $3.50. His suits were $8.50; mine $12.50. Every time I questioned the discrepancy, he’d give me a litany of incoherent excuses that made absolutely no sense.
According to actuarial tables, women outlive men by a factor of seven years, but does that justify charging us higher premiums? Oh, excuse me. We get pregnant -- as if that’s a crime. Does the testosterone-dominated crowd over at WSJ realize that every living species on this planet enters life <em>through </em>the uterus of a woman? In the world of my youth, when a man or a corporate entity exploited a woman financially they were commonly called in the language of street vernacular . . . a pimp.
The insurers’ acknowledgment of a disparity against women gives me a glimmer a hope despite their attempt to arm-wrestle the government from providing Universal Health Insurance. Kudos to Senator Kerry for writing this outstanding bill. Healthcare reform may not arrive in the morning but at least we’re taking small steps in the right direction.
OMG, here we go again. Sam Stein's article, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/10/obama-and-industry-groups_n_201366.html" target="_self"><em>Obama and Industry Groups to Propose $2 Trillion in Healthcare Savings</em> (The Huffington Post)</a> reflects mendacity at its best. We've been sucker-punched before.
Back in 1992, they called it managed care but the only thing managed was corporate profits, to the peril of patient safety. Family practitioners were told that they could keep whatever money they didn’t spend and our healthcare system flat-lined. They stopped ordering tests; stopped referring patients to specialists; and laughed all the way to the bank. But they’re not laughing now. None of us are.
The decision-making authority of physicians is practically gone, never to be seen again. There is no antivirus software available to remedy this dilemma and physicians have no one to blame but ourselves. No other professional can dissect the human body and not commit bodily harm. We’ve invested more than 10,000 hours of professional training in our careers but are afraid to speak with one unified voice.
We’ve been devalued by accepting the term “provider” and an almost 40 percent reduction in reimbursement for services. We are afraid to speak truth to power. The threat of losing hospital privileges, breaking “antitrust” laws and facing insurance disenrollment is just too much for some of us to bear. However, maintaining professional integrity and fighting for our patients takes <em>COURAGE,</em> even in the eye of a storm.
When President Obama made the clarion call for health care reform, I waited for the shoe to drop. And it did, in the form of a bribe. The insurance companies will reduce their costs over the next ten years and save two trillion dollars? Yeah, right.
In the meantime, I’m diving in my bed and pulling the covers over my head. Don’t wake me until this nightmare is over.
My late aunt once said: Give me my flowers while I can still smell them. Dr. Regina Benjamin, your bouquet has arrived.
Benjamin is President Obama’s nominee for Surgeon General, and no one deserves that title more. Although we have never met, we are colleagues by default. We are members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and are alumni of the National Health Service Corp. Benjamin worked at the Bayou La Batre clinic in Alabama; I practiced at the Bayou Comprehensive clinic in Louisiana. Everyone was aware that Benjamin worked in a humble trailer taking care of Southeast Asian immigrants and used personal funds to build and rebuild her clinic after it was devastated by two hurricanes and a fire.
Both Benjamin and I chose career paths less traveled. No weekends off. No lucrative salaries. Professional isolation and managing complex patients with very little support. My public health career continued in Florida, Benjamin remained in Alabama.
During Hurricane Katrina, Benjamin made house calls in a pickup truck to patients who were shut in; maxed out her credit cards and mortgaged her home so that she could rebuild her clinic that was totally destroyed. However, when your light shines brightly -- people can’t help but notice.
Benjamin became an associate dean of a medical school department, the president of her state medical society and the recipient of the 2008 MacArthur Foundation genius award of $500,000. Any blessings and accolades that she has received are certainly well deserved.
The dedication and commitment of Dr. Regina Benjamin should be shared by all. The well-being of her patients always took precedence over money. Why on earth can't our healthcare system do the same?
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgHH-Zq85GM" target="_self"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgHH-Zq85GM</a>
The American people are not descendants of the infamous Chicken Little so please stop telling us that the sky is falling.
The reckless tales spun by those who want “more of the same” regarding healthcare reform make me want to reach for an emesis basin and regurgitate my lunch. There IS no agenda to withhold care from our precious elderly or send them off to die. All dastardly lies.
Everyone who enters a hospital for an admission (regardless of race, gender or age) is asked whether they’ve signed an Advanced Directive, commonly known as a Living Will outlining their desires in the event of an emergency, a terminal illness or catastrophic event. President Obama does not have a patent on this directive. It was started by the Euthanasia Society of America and Euthanasia Educational Council in 1967.
Fear is a terrible disease, whose effects are long-lasting and at times, fatal. It has reared its ugly head again as Congress heads home for a month leaving the business of healthcare reform undone.
Heck yes, we need a sense of urgency. One hundred thousand unnecessary deaths committed annually in a dysfunctional healthcare system is a compelling argument to move forward with speed.
And I would love to return to the practice of medicine.
I should not have to battle insurance clerks who refuse to admit my pregnant patients with emergency conditions because they don’t have the “right insurance plan;” or fight my local hospital that charged me $78.00 for a $4.00 generic drug and overinflated my hospital bill by 1000%. A public health option would put these people in check.
And increased taxes? You’re paying for them anyway every time an uninsured patient shows up in the emergency room for routine medical treatment.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the thing you think you can not do.”
America, are you listening?
.
Disrupted town hall meetings. Congressmen lynched in effigy. Haters in full bloom. The reason for the discourse? Healthcare reform. If special interest groups are that desperate to disrupt legitimate town hall meetings through premeditative protests and Rent-A Mobs then I say please, call Security.
We have been down this road before. The Brooks Brother Thugs descended on Florida eight years ago and turned our election system into a banana republic. Most of the dissenters were rewarded with cushy jobs during the Bush II Administration but they didn’t live happily ever after.
As a physician, I am committed to fighting unethical insurance companies on behalf of my profession and the patients that I so humbly serve. The bogus groups who have emerged such as Citizens for Patients Rights (CPR) read like a hall of shame. Its leader, Rick Scott, is a former hospital executive, who was terminated for fraud and cost his hospital 1.5 BILLION dollars in punitive fines. He does NOT speak on behalf of America’s patients and should be ashamed to be seen in public. The fact that he never spent a day in jail gives me much reason to pause.
I urge the American people to raise one unified voice to drown out the soundtrack of ignorance. The train to progress has already left the station in the form of a public health option. The safety of your health is at stake. The price of your insurance premiums is at stake. The quality of your healthcare is at stake. The economic and professional future of your physicians is at stake. The integrity of medicine is at stake.
The Bogeyman is dead. There is no reason to resurrect him.
<img title="death-of-healthcare-203x300" src="http://drlindagalloway.wordpress.com/files/2009/08/death-of-healthcare-203x300.jpg" alt="death-of-healthcare-203x300" width="203" height="300" />Quality healthcare is dead. And it was murdered by penny-pinching administrators.
An ultrasound report came across my desk the other day that made me scratch my head. On the first page, the fetus was listed as head down and on the second page it was listed as breech (feet first). Well, what was it? The patient was almost ready to have her baby and I needed accurate information in order to make a clinical decision. It wasn’t the first time I had received a conflicting report of that nature and I was becoming highly annoyed.
A few days later I received two PAP reports printed in large font that included an apology for the “discrepancy” of the original reports. A technician had originally read them as “normal”, but after they were re-read by a physician, they were in fact, abnormal. I had the unpleasant duty of reporting to my patients that they were now at risk for developing cancer.
In an effort to “cut costs”, professional standards are cast to the wind. The radiology department in question reverted to a voice-recognition system, eliminating transcriptionist jobs. Because the computer can’t recognize certain words the ultrasound reports are often riddled with mistakes. The problem is further compounded by a revolving door of radiologists who are hired as temps and read the reports remotely (outside of the hospital). As a result of an absence of physician leadership, the radiology technicians have inadvertently “taken over.”
Yes, you can nickel-and-dime health care services, but you will also get what you pay for. Voice-recognition software can never replace qualified human beings and neither can improperly trained technicians replace pathologists. Physicians love to scream about tort reform, however how about putting some of these hospitals in check? I wish my colleagues would get their complacent heads out of the sand and DO SOMETHING to promote patient safety.
I’m tired of fighting this battle alone.
img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-307" title="ted kennedy" src="http://drlindagalloway.wordpress.com/files/2009/08/ted-kennedy.jpg?w=300" alt="ted kennedy" width="300" height="182" />I was glued to the TV this weekend, saying farewell to an American patriot. I know the end of human life is inevitable but oh how I wished Senator Ted Kennedy could have remained just a little bit longer.
Like most Americans, I admired the Kennedy family from afar and their compassion had far-reaching effects. President John Kennedy sent troops to the Deep South and protected the civil rights of my relatives. Senator Robert Kennedy transformed my beloved Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn community into a successful economic empowerment zone that created jobs and stability. We always looked forward to the annual ice skating party that was organized by Mrs. Ethel Kennedy even after that horrendous assassination. Because of Kennedy’s vision, the price of a Bed Stuy brownstone in today’s market begins at one-half-million dollars.
My introduction to the magic of Senator Edward Kennedy began in medical school during the early eighties when my former Assistant Dean, Dr. Van Dunn, resigned from BU to become the senator’s Senior Policy Advisor. Senator Kennedy was full engaged and committed to healthcare reform and Dr. Dunn had the privilege of helping him. Kennedy’s name re-emerged during the early nineties when I was working in a small southwest Louisiana community. Towns were buzzing for miles around about the marriage of Kennedy and a Cajun woman named Victoria Reggie.
I love walking through the congested WIC (Women, Infant and Children) department at work and beam with pride at the sight of beautiful, healthy babies and children. They are truly Kennedy’s legacy. If you’ve ever received a Medicare benefit, a WIC check, SHIP benefits, a Family Medical Leave, the right to vote or a COBRA benefit, you can thank Senator Ted Kennedy. He served “the least among us” nobly.
I hope more legislators and physicians will do the same.
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-312" title="lp_c_insurance" src="http://drlindagalloway.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/lp_c_insurance.jpg?w=239" alt="lp_c_insurance" width="239" height="300" />If JT had private insurance and not Florida Medicaid, her baby would probably be dead.
JT’s pregnancy was miraculous, considering she had conceived with only one fallopian tube and ovary and she had no prior children. Things went well until her 27<sup>th</sup> week when she developed vaginal spotting. She went to a local hospital and was discharged home with a clean bill of health although they never ordered an ultrasound.
Bleeding during pregnancy is not a normal phenomenon. When I saw JT three days later during a routine prenatal visit, I ordered an ultrasound although the bleeding had stopped. A few hours later, the radiologist emergently reported that the placenta completely covered the opening to her womb and <strong>the baby’s umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around its neck three times. </strong> <strong>JT had a complete placenta previa and someone at the local hospital had regretfully missed the diagnosis.</strong>
I discussed JT’s case with a high-risk obstetrician and we both agreed that she should be admitted to the specialty hospital if only for observation. Thankfully, JT had state-sponsored Medicaid insurance because a commercial insurer would have made us jump through hoops. They would have required pre-authorization, endless forms and an inappropriate premature discharge home where she would have subsequently returned to the hospital with a dead baby.
What was supposed to be a 24-hour admission turned into a sixty-four day hospital stay because JT bled on a weekly basis. The cord remained around the baby’s neck and the prognosis was guarded regarding successfully carrying the baby until it was full term.
At 35 weeks, JT had an amniocentesis to make certain that her baby’s lungs were mature. She was subsequently delivered by cesarean section with the umbilical cord STILL wrapped around her baby’s neck. Because of skill, compassion and medical expertise, both mother and baby are just fine.
Marie Curie once said, “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.”
Please do not let fear cloud your judgment. Support the public health option, America. We need these miracles to continue.
It’s flat-out stupid” said renowned author Thomas Friedman on last Sunday’s <em>Meet the Press</em> and I couldn’t agree with him more.
The firestorm regarding President Obama’s speech to school children is tragic. I guess some people would rather see their children dig ditches or flip hamburgers than pursue an education that would unshackle chains of generational ignorance.
Those of us who have traveled globally know how much our president is well loved and respected. It would be nice to see citizens of his own country respect him in that manner as well. I saw “Obama” bumper stickers half way around the world in Ethiopia during the adoption process of our sons and it gave me great hope. The world wanted to breathe again, and the election of Obama allowed that to happen.
One of my proudest moments as an American occurred on election night of 2008. I thought the pettiness was finally over. I guess I’ll continue to dream. Meanwhile for the agitators and conservative pundits who are stuck on stupid, here’s a rude awakening:<ol> <li>The United States is no longer the world leader in secondary education. <a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/11/19/US-slipping-in-education-rankings/UPI-90221227104776/">http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/11/19/US-slipping-in-education-rankings/UPI-90221227104776/</a></li> <li>93 percent of high school students in South Korea graduate on time compared to only 75 percent of American high school students</li> <li>The United States has failed to raise student achievement in science over the past decade while Singapore and other Asian countries continue to score higher in both subjects </li></ol><a href="http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/12/09/study-us-trails-asian-countries-in-math-and-science.html">http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/12/09/study-us-trails-asian-countries-in-math-and-science.html</a><ol> <li>Students in Singapore and Taiwan scored 40 points higher than American eight graders</li> <li>U.S. teens in math and science trailed their international peers on a math and science exam <a href="http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/12/09/study-us-trails-asian-countries-in-math-and-science.html">http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/12/09/study-us-trails-asian-countries-in-math-and-science.html</a></li></ol>It's obvious that our children's future bosses are going to come from Asia.
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Need I say more?
President Obama, don’t even try it. If you think that eliminating the public health option would enhance healthcare reform, please think again. There IS no reform without the public health option despite the deceit and spin. First you eliminate the single-payer plan, then the universal health plan and now Secretary Sebelius states that the public health option “is not essential”? This is where we draw the proverbial line. I stand in full support of Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senator Nancy Pelosi who are adamant about maintaining the public health option. You have no idea what it’s like to practice medicine with one hand tied behind your back.
I had to contact a hospital administrator prior to leaving for vacation a few weeks back because one of the radiology technicians refused to give my patient an ultrasound. My order allegedly did not have a diagnosis (which in fact, it did) and the order was not “dated” so (God forbid), the hospital might not get paid. When the billing codes takes precedence over patient care and technicians are practicing medicine without licenses, you know that our healthcare system is in deep trouble. This was not the first time that I had to contend with the technician’s overreaching behavior so I have opted to send my patients to the hospital’s competitor.
Having recently celebrated yet another year added to my life, I’ve come to the conclusion that despite our best efforts, there will be people who will never like you. Therefore accept it and move on. Hillary and Bill buckled under pressure of the insurance lobbyists thirteen years ago and look at the mess we’re in.
Sometimes you may have to rock the boat to shift the course of progress but fear not, Mr. President. We’ll be in that boat right beside you.
The comments regarding Jacob Goldstein’s Health Blog in the Wall Street Journal made me want to run for cover. His article, Health Insurance May Stop Charging Women More Money evoked the haters on the Right to come out in full force. Goldstein discussed Senator John Kerry’s proposed new legislature, The Women’s Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation would effectively end higher insurance premiums for women, deny gender discrimination and require maternity coverage. Imagine that. I’ll refrain from my usual diatribes about the evils of insurance companies. I’d like to give my hypertension a rest.
According to actuarial tables, women outlive men by a factor of seven years, but does that justify charging us higher premiums? Oh, excuse me. We get pregnant -- as if that’s a crime. Does the testosterone-dominated crowd over at WSJ realize that every living species on this planet enters life through the uterus of a woman? In the world of my youth, when a man or a corporate entity exploited a woman financially they were commonly called in the language of street vernacular . . . a pimp.
Five single-payer protestors arrested. And so it begins. MSNBC’s Ken Strickland reported the arrest of five protesters at a Senate hearing on healthcare reform. Why am I not surprised? It seems the Senate Finance Committee had a roundtable discussion with “experts” but declined to invite physicians or nurses. So, they invited themselves.
25 nurses stood up wearing red shirts with signs taped on their backs that read “Nurses say patients first. Pass single payer.” They stood for five minutes, turned their backs and walked out silently. Message received. However, shortly thereafter, the physicians had another agenda. Someone shouted, “We want guaranteed healthcare. We’re tired of private insurance” leading to their arrests. The chaos reminded me of the refrain from the 1976 movie, Network: “I’m mad as hell; and I’m not going to take it anymore.” Something has to give.
I implore all Americans to beg the following questions: Why does an IUD in Egypt cost $20.00 but the American version $400.00? Retin A cost $10.00 in a Mexican drugstore but $95.00 in a U.S. pharmacy. God bless Wal-Mart for the $4.00 generic drugs. And thank you Publix for your free drugs as well but it’s still not enough although every little bit DOES help.
I’m presently in the midst of a pitched battle with a local hospital who “sold” my bill to a New York City commercial bank with an interest rate of ten percent. I’m determined to pay it in full. They will NOT profit from my pain and suffering.
I encourage all of my colleagues to be relentless and ride this train to the end of the line. If not us, then who? If not now, then when? It’s time for us to take back our profession.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/05222009/watch.htm
lhttp://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/05222009/watch2.html
OMG, here we go again. Sam Stein's article, Obama and Industry Groups to Propose $2 Trillion in Healthcare Savings (The Huffington Post) reflects mendacity at its best. We've been sucker-punched before.
We’ve been devalued by accepting the term “provider” and an almost 40 percent reduction in reimbursement for services. We are afraid to speak truth to power. The threat of losing hospital privileges, breaking “antitrust” laws and facing insurance disenrollment is just too much for some of us to bear. However, maintaining professional integrity and fighting for our patients takes COURAGE, even in the eye of a storm.
