America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

Zambini — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:08:21 GMT

Aside from all the usual, and very good, points made here about issues that relate to our abysmal health care, I would like to add that health insurance hasn't helped either. It has taken decision making away from doctors who might want to do the best thing. It has put the focus on whether a procedure will be paid for by insurance or not before even offering the service. Even in the dentist's office, I've run into the "I can't do that because your insurance won't pay." Well, do you recommend it? To . . .with the insurance - do it. You are the professional, not some clerk sitting behind a desk 1,000 miles away! I've watched people suffer because the necessary procedures won't be paid for by their insurance - and in some cases they die for lack of insurance funding. That is a travesty!

Here is a very interesting read about the rise of health insurance and health care costs: http://www.marketmed.org/history.asp

There was much more accountability when the patient knew they were spending their hard earned dollars for the doctor's expertise. We need to wake up and realize that even though the check is coming from a third party, or worse the government, it is still coming directly out of our pockets and demand accountability and proper care.

To do our part, our family actually refuses health insurance. It makes me angry to the nth degree that we are counted among the statistics that politicians quote when trying to force health care plans on the taxpaying public. This family doesn't want to be part of the broken system. We want to fix it. If more people would start refusing the joke that is offered for health insurance, that part of the problem would have to get fixed too.

I've even tried to start a message board for peole who are bucking the health insurance craze - but our family is still swimming alone on this one it seems.

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

The Herb Doc — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:40:06 GMT

I know I chimed in here once already with an article but I am going to actually defend doctors with another article (Did I say that?) and say that when you take out the seduction of Pharmaceutical drugs, we have some very good doctors in this country.

The problem is they have all been sucked in by the Drug Thugs with there Mafia style protection called The FDA! Please read “What I Think About Doctors” It may surprise you!!!

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

jennifer howard — Fri, 18 May 2007 04:39:24 GMT

Besides internal medicine, pediatrics, etc. obstetrics is having major issues as well. With such a small proportion of prenatal care and births being handled by holistic midwives, the US has terrible maternal and infant stats! On top of this, many states make it illegal for CPMs to work at all and other states allow hospitals and doctors to actively prosecute/persecute midwives in their areas. Our country is surprisingly corrupt, ignorant and willing to intervene in every natural process possible just to make a few bucks. If you want to talk about preventative care, having a midwife vs. an OB involved in your prenatal care and birth couldn't be a more integral step to having a great birth experience and outcome.

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

The Herb Doc — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:19:19 GMT

When I think of the beautiful beginning that America had in it’s very early medical system, this news is heartbreaking! Some of you may have seen the article I wrote on “Moderator” but if not it can be viewed here: Our American Medical System:From Its Beautiful Beginning to its Barbaric End!

As a TCM/ Clinical Herbalist I am reminded of the ungrateful examples from Companies like Eli Lily who’s beginnings were owed to the Mission Indians who gave them Sacred Cascara Bark that led to the famous Cascara Laxative Elixir which put them on the map!

How dare they dis herbal medicine now! GRRRR!

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

amindseye2020 — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:10:34 GMT

Thank you for posting this . I've made this point to a number of people who simply seem to dismiss it due to the fact that I couldn't site any credible referances off the top of my head. Despite the fact I've heard we have the best in emergency medicine and surgury I've known deep down that we have to be near the bottom of the barrel in other areas. There is definitely something wrong with the paradigm in this country. Considering the fact that there is a direct conflict of interest with the drug companies getting richer the sicker we are.

You know I actually was pondering the fact the other day that there is no drug out there I know of aside from penicillin (which is naturally derived) that really cures people. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but every drug out there if you stop taking it symtoms usually come back and worse. I love the analogy of the check engine light. Its like cutting the wire to the dash board. Yes the symptom is gone but the problem is going to come back and usually much worse

re: America Ranks Last in Health Care Again!

Russ Bianchi — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:00:24 GMT

There is but one solution to this MESS, AND IT WILL NOT COME FROM VESTED INTERESTS currently part of the problem like Big Pharma, Big Hospitals, You Uncle Sam, Big Insurance, Tort Lawyers, MD's/Medical School, etc.

You must take control of your own health through a preventative model discussed here at Vital Votes, at much lower cost, and much better net results.