Thinking Out Loud About Healthcare

I came to some conclusions as to how we might tackle the number one problem facing our healthcare system: the need for universal access and the financing of that access.

No one argued for nationalized health care. As one participant noted, “If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it’s free.”

In listening to the participants at our Healthcare Industry Outlook last week, I came to some conclusions as to how we might tackle the number one problem facing our system: the need for universal access and the financing of that access.

I borrowed some of these ideas from our participants. When you read the Industry Outlook, you will see where credit is due. They could be enacted by either state, if not both.

• First off, no one argued for nationalized health care. As one participant noted, “If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it’s free.” These people know the American consumer too well to think they would stand for the sluggishness of a Canadian style system.
• Still, we should make sure that catastrophic care insurance is available for any resident who wants it. If the insurance industry won’t provide it, the state must.
• Ideally, that insurance would be sold like car insurance, on an individual basis calculated on a variety of risk factors. Yes, hang gliders and heroin users can expect to pay more.
• To get a driver’s license, individuals will have to have at least catastrophic care coverage. They cannot legally drive without it.
• Those with the wherewithal to pass a driver’s test have the wherewithal to afford catastrophic coverage. It will now have to be their first priority not their last. This may mean cutting back to basic cable or switching from Baccardi to Busch but I have confidence in my fellow citizens once properly incentivized.
• We encourage private industry to fill the urgent care gap and take the pressure off community hospitals whose ERs now often function (inefficiently) as primary care providers.
• These private providers “industrialize” their service. This means up front pricing—$69 for consultation, $129 for a tetanus shot, $159 for stitches etc.—standardized practices, and 24 hour walk-in care. This also means cash and credit cards only. Imagine an organization as brisk and efficient as a Quik-Trip but one that offers emergency care.
• The big drug chains are the most likely providers. They have already established a clean, well lit oases in the heart of the city and have an obviously compatible mission.
• Nurse clinicians would typically staff these centers with a roaming medical director to oversee matters.
• The state clears the way for these providers by removing the red tape and granting them near immunity on malpractice issues.
• To some extent, these private providers serve as a triage function for the ERs. When a case is beyond their capability, they can arrange the delivery of the patient to the appropriate hospital—and be reimbursed for it.
• The insured will use these private urgent care centers on off hours, even if they have to pay out of pocket. Ideally, the insurance companies will reward them for not abusing their insurance.

I’m sure there are things I’ve not thought of, but until someone tells me other-wise, I kind of like this program and think it might work better than status quo.

We’re of the belief that the commonwealth has not only a significant voice in this matter, but perhaps the main voice. Please share your thoughts and we’ll refine this concept for our policy setters and healthcare professionals to consider.

Regards,

Editor-In-Chief & Publisher

Editorial@IngramsOnLine.com