What do we need? Health-care reform! When do we need it? Soon!

[mckitterick]

This article dispels the five big myths about US health-care system. Here's a sobering thought:

"The average family of four is coughing up $29,000 a year for health care through taxes, lower wages, and out-of-pocket medical expenses."

I personally know several people who probably spend that much, all told, per person.

I wonder what it means that Hillary Clinton is soon to be announced as his nominee for Secretary of State rather than, say, Health & Human Services. (By the way, didn't I call this even before she dropped out of the race?) Does Obama not want her making as big of health reforms as she would likely push? Or does it mean he respects her opinions in all areas enough to give her what is perhaps the top spot in his cabinet?

With Obama soon to start working from the Oval Office, let's make sure he delivers on his promise to reform health care. We can't afford to maintain the status-quo of the "world's best" (Myth #1, by the way) health-care system.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

It's not always medical malpractice that limits general care. It's also billing procedures. We bill by the procedure. That means that podiatrists get a ridiculous amount of money per patient visit since they have lots of billable procedures, while PCPs get almost nothing.

Unless there's a financial incentive for people to remain in general practice, they'll keep moving toward more lucrative specialties. It takes a buttload of time to get a medical degree, and you end up in debt to your eyeballs.