dagblog - Comments for "Let's Get (A Real) Physical ..."

I think we can all agree that

Deadman — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:40:39 +0000

I think we can all agree that the insurance companies border on being evil. Throughout the health care field - from doctors to pharma to HMOs (with the possible exception of nurses) - the lack of compassion is stunning, but certainly the insurance companies are the worst of the bunch.

I have heard so many horror

Deadman — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:37:22 +0000

In reply to I've mentioned this

I have heard so many horror stories, and it pains me to hear about yours, there is no doubt I feel our health care system is indeed in need of an overhaul.

I think that's a great point about being an advocate - so often, I keep quiet because I feel like I'm bothering a doctor or don't want to make a stink. But health isn't something to be trifled with, and we are paying top dollar for our care and should demand the best.

I still think the system woefully neglects prevention and diagnosis as an important way to save money and lives.

This issue is such a

Orlando — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:00:00 +0000

In reply to Let's Get (A Real) Physical ...

This issue is such a minefield, isn't it. I get so angry at the health care industry, when dealing with them for myself and when dealing with them for my mom. Deadman is right that we should be using the technology we have to save money in the long run but insurance companies, and especially the government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, are so short-sighted about the cost savings to be had simply by emphasizing prevention.

Also, the nursing home industry is an absolutely disaster. There are good places and good workers out there, but the system is so screwy. The first place my mom lived was so great. I felt so lucky that we found it for her. But when we placed her there, she was really sweet and even tempered. She never talked and she smiled a lot, and everybody loved her. Then, she started to have what they call "behavioral issues" associated with the Alzheimer's. And the nursing home pushed her right out the door, because they didn't want her around hurting herself or possibly other patients. Instead of getting her help, they got rid of her and it was 100% in their right to do so. At the time, I had no idea what was happening because I was operating under the assumption that they were acting in good faith. By the time I realized what was going on, it was too late to stop it and it lead to an almost-nervous breakdown for me and a new home for my mom that is far away. But, now I know what questions to ask and how to find advocates, so when the behavior problems started again, like I talked about in my post a couple weeks ago, I was able to deal with it quickly to make sure she was being cared for appropriately.

For me personally, the worst part is trying to get medication. Twice this year, my insurance company refused to cover the medication my doctor was prescribing until she prescribed an alternative that I could try first. I read up on all the alternatives,and the didn't cover what the medicine was for. I tried to be convincing on a phone call to the insurance company, but that was pointless. I ended up basically telling the insurance company rep that I thought she must be really smart to sit at a desk and be able to know what medicine I needed when my doctor who has seen me for over five years and went to school for at least 8 apparently made the wrong decision. It wasn't very productive, but it felt kinda good.

Edit: I forgot to mention that the end result was that I was so frustrated that I didn't fill the original prescriptions and I didn't try the alternatives. For me, it was just allergies, so it's a matter of irritation. But how many other people have the same experience with more serious helath problems that are made even worse by lack of treatment?

I've mentioned this

DF — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:45:46 +0000

In reply to Let's Get (A Real) Physical ...

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but I lost my dad a couple of years ago. I have to be in the mood to talk much about the details. I'm really not in that sort of mood right now, but I will say this: One of the most important things that I learned through the experience, the one thing that I would want to share with every person in America, is that you need an advocate in this system. If you can do that for yourself, then do it. If you can't, find someone who can. Friend, family, anyone who can help advocate on your behalf. You simply won't get the care you need unless you demand. I consider this to be a systemic problem, and not a problem of the complacency of individuals. I met many, many wonderfully talented and dedicated people that do jobs that I simply cannot do. However, you have to find them and empower them to help you. That's part of advocacy, too. The bottom line is that the system is not designed to seek out the sickest and give them the best care. It just doesn't work that way, even for the terminally ill.

If you know someone who can't do this for themselves, help them or help them find someone who can if you're unable. If you are in this situation and can't do it for yourself, try to find someone who can help.

I think that what you've brought up about diagnostics is meritous, but I really don't want to think about this any more right now. I'm sorry. It's a point worth raising.