Well-Served as Patients, Dissatisfied as Customers

[HuckleB]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/03/health/03essa.html

"Posted on the walls of the hospital where I work are banners and billboards that invite patients to fill out satisfaction surveys. "Tell us what we're doing right and what we're doing wrong," they say.

Health care, if you haven't noticed, has become a highly competitive business. And, like all businesses, we aim to keep our customers happy. We've even adopted business lingo: patients are now routinely referred to as customers or consumers.

No one would argue that hospitals and doctors should not be responsive to patients' concerns. But a business model that says the consumer is always right can clash with what is best for a patient, especially in the area of mental health.

Not too long ago, I received a call from a patient care representative at the hospital. A young woman who was in psychotherapy with one of my residents had called to complain about her treatment and demand a new therapist.

..."

[Denver Dave]

1. Health Care - Highly Competitive Business?

Health care, if you haven't noticed, has become a highly competitive business.
The insurance companies that can insure the most people when they statistically do not need insurance and avoid people when they are more likely to need it will be the most successful. Is this the system that we want?

Example: Work for a company for 30 years that has insurance coverage - lose your job - lose your health care coverage, even if you are willing to pay for it. You did not really have health care coverage - your job did.

Insurance by its nature is a community effort and does not fit the capitalistic / underwriting model. A better model like we provide roads and schools.

My opinion - what's yours? Please visit and participate in the national and by state discussion about access to health care: www.HCTalk.com

[HuckleB]

2. Not much disagreement, really.

But you didn't connect your statements to the piece I posted in any way.