Susan B - Excellent observations. I've worked in healthcare many years. I can remember when the focus was on patients first. I also remember the introduction of for-profit hospital systems, "managed" care, and other changes that put the priority on profits. People today, with any diagnosis, are shocked by how much they have to do themselves and how much they need to advocate for good care. Some of that shock is due to taking a lot of things for granted and not having a true understanding of how the system works and their own role in it. It's past time for having open, honest and realistic discussions in the United States about what we all need to do to have a system that provides better care at lower cost. Otherwise people like your mom, and countless others, will continue to have these experiences. I'm glad you're there for her.
Take care,
Pat
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Susan B - Excellent observations. I've worked in healthcare many years. I can remember when the focus was on patients first. I also remember the introduction of for-profit hospital systems, "managed" care, and other changes that put the priority on profits. People today, with any diagnosis, are shocked by how much they have to do themselves and how much they need to advocate for good care. Some of that shock is due to taking a lot of things for granted and not having a true understanding of how the system works and their own role in it. It's past time for having open, honest and realistic discussions in the United States about what we all need to do to have a system that provides better care at lower cost. Otherwise people like your mom, and countless others, will continue to have these experiences. I'm glad you're there for her.
January 26, 2011 - 6:06pmTake care,
Pat
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