Is Change Coming? (Part Two) and “Sicko” – A Few Quick Hits

Since Tom Daschle took a pass on the Health and Human Services Secretry/ Healthcare Reform Czar job where does the nation stand on the many reforms discussed during the election? Anyone care to chime in? Who else is waiting in the wings for this monumental task? What other philosophies are worth discussing and is the concept of universal medical records something that can be realized during this administration?

I caught a bit of Michael Moore’s film “Sicko” on cable the other day and hope to watch all of it this weekend. The film compares the healthcare delivery system here in the US to more socialized programs in place in other countries such as Canada and Great Britain. Moore definitely has his own agenda with the film, most people in this debate do, but it is interesting to get a look inside healthcare systems.

As a sales rep who speaks to folks in many different specialties of healthcare, I have found many different reactions to the current economy. I have heard that many patients have been electing to put off elective procedures as well as regular dental care in the interest of saving money. I have also heard that traffic at some ERs is up do to the fact that patients who have lost their health insurance are seeking treatment where they know they will not be turned away. I hear that many practices are operating with an increased eye on efficiency and cost-savings. Any thoughts on your experiences?

Don’t forget the DMGMA BRUNCH meeting on Wednesday, Feb 18th at 10:00 (Christiana Hilton of Course!). It’s the annual technology program and the presenters are from Expert Technology Associates. Hope to see you there!

Tags: Daschle, Expert TA, Expert Technology Associates, health insurance, Healthcare economic issues, Healthcare reform, MGMA Brunch, Michael Moore, recession and healthcare, Sicko