President Obama's Health Care Reform Plan

Did the President sell us a health care overhaul today? Or is it more of the same talk phrased differently in a town hall setting set before the media? SSDD - same stuff, different day.

He discussed the National Health Insurance Exchange that helped fuel his campaign. It is nice to hear a promise that if you like your doctor and health care plan, you will be able to keep them. What other choice do you have with pre-existing conditions? A promise for lower cost would be nice, especially since "health insurance premiums have grown three times faster than wages". Actually, it is more like five times.

This "patchwork system" needs tweaking. Big time. The public option gives people a choice especially if they don't have health insurance. Does it really?

"Every plan should have incentives for preventive care." Incentives are attractive, but is it enough? Do incentives work? What types of incentives are you talking about? Will everybody have access to them, or just those with employer-based health insurance?

It will take "a couple of years" to get it all done. That will be a true miracle from the holy waters of Lourdes. Oh, then the President changes that...it may take four or five years or so. Or longer.

"The more tests I perform the more I get paid" is the "business mentality" of physicians. The more tests doctors perform, the better chance you will get an accurate, timely diagnosis. Those tests that aren't done, are a primary reason for malpractice. Doctors sure could use help with malpractice insurance, especially if medical testing is limited by big business "gatekeepers".

Prevention and wellness is key. The example of obesity and weight loss is a good one, but how realistic is this for the low income 70 year old morbidly obese hypertensive diabetic who is in a wheelchair?

The last question on wellness and prevention covered an incentive example. If you stop smoking, you will see your premium drop. Does this apply to the uninsured? Will you get health insurance if you practice wellness and prevention?

Finally, trillions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid is still not enough. If "we can bend the cost curve down....we're going to be okay". Let's hope so.

Please, "steal my ideas", Mr. President.

See the previous blogs here for a real plan. It is time to act. It is time to stop talking.

by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/