People not getting health care due to recession/depression

[uppityperson]

I had a talk with local doctor in clinic yesterday which was very interesting. I needed to go have a talk before I could get a med refill, though it probably could have been done over the phone, without a charge. Which is the issue here.

The multi-doctor clinic waiting room was empty. Doc said that they are under pressure from the Powers That Be to increase their patient load as it has dropped off dramatically the last yr. Problem is that they can't just shove people through faster (like PTB would like) as the issue is people aren't coming in to the clinic.

People are not getting check ups, not coming in for follow ups, are starting to get sicker before seeing a doctor since it costs money that they don't have. Deductibles have raised and people are unable to meet them. Co-pays may only be $20 but people are cutting back all over and not willing to spend that. There is a WHOLE lot less preventive care things going on also.

I foresee a health/illness crisis coming up where people will be seen with more issues, and more serious issues, more emergency room visits, more resources tied up trying to stem the flow of blood, as it were.

Oh yes, Doc said that December is usually a busy month with depression issues around the holidays, but is concerned over what will happen next yr, esp in the first part when insurance rates raise, insurance deductibles raise, taxes are due, jobs cut back, income decreasing.

Doc is seriously considering getting more chickens and a larger garden.

On the 1 hand it's nice to know I'm not just paranoid. On the other hand it sucks.

[Oregone]

1. Don't worry. Daschle will go to bat for you.

[uppityperson]

2. People will get sicker before getting health care. I really hope they figure out some way

to make it affordable for we people and for the providers. I know, specialists make money, but the general practice/family practice docs (esp in rural or lower economic areas) are hurting.

Less people see the doctor, and they are sicker when they go in, and there are less doctors to see...

Takes me back to my old doc when I was a kid, making home visits. And, having gotten out of straight nursing due to it just not being worth the stress, and being a person who may be insuranceless and hurting, it is scary.