fbpx

We Need to Improve the US Healthcare System

We Need to Improve the US Healthcare System

Our health care systems are built, by and large, on reimbursement for procedural activities.

When the pandemic shut down out-patient ambulatory surgeries, most hospitals encountered financial losses and personnel changes.

Our health care systems should be more flexible and able to adapt, with appropriate support, to the health care crises of the moment.

It seems that each health care system was on their own in the early stages of the pandemic. That is a guaranteed recipe for failure going forward.

 

  1. The pandemic laid bare our public health system. It exposed our inability to mount a unified national response, to have the necessary supply chain resources available at a moment’s notice, and to speak with a voice of authority to a frightened public. A recommitment to a pandemic response plan is absolutely necessary. This type of epidemic/pandemic will happen again.
  2. The pandemic exposed the gross inequities in our society — people of color and people with lesser socio-economic means were disproportionately affected with disease and death. Our perpetuation of a two-tier health care system (private vs. public) with difficulties with access, affordability, and engagement will only serve to continue these inequities unless we seriously address them now and going forward.
  3. The pandemic showed that children are indeed vulnerable, even when others might not think so. Maybe their infection rate was lower (but as of this writing, over 4 million children have been affected) but serious health risks can occur…AND the necessary isolation of our children that occurred from public health mitigation measures has put them at risk for decreased school performance, mental health issues (anxiety, depression, suicide), and exposure to increased risk of child abuse. While we have directed our attention to adults, children have been receiving less than optimal support from our society. There will be substantial lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as pertains to children.
  4. The pandemic demonstrated how the politicization of our public health occurs to the detriment of us all. Public health servants should serve regardless of political affiliation and continue their service from administration to administration. Attempts to control a narrative that is contrary to sound medical and public health advice only serves to undermine the experts in the field and to undermine their advice going forward. Sound scientific advice is not static and changes as data changes. This lesson has been lost in the current politicized atmosphere.
  5. Our health care systems are built, by and large, on reimbursement for procedural activities. When the pandemic shut down out-patient ambulatory surgeries, most hospitals encountered financial losses and personnel changes. Our health care systems should be more flexible and able to adapt, with appropriate support, to the health care crises of the moment. It seems that each health care system was on their own in the early stages of the pandemic. That is a guaranteed recipe for failure going forward.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooking Tips and Tricks with Dr. Danielle

Blueberry Power Bowl [VIDEO]

Dr. Danielle shows us how to make a dish full of good-for-you protein, fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants , in this episode of “Cooking Tips & Tricks with Dr. Danielle”

Retreat for Personal Growth

Retreat for Personal Growth

Dawn L Baker MD, MS writes that sometimes, the answers are right in front of you, but a retreat is what you need to realize them.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Cheng Ruan, MD

Cheng Ruan, MD

Burnout is the delta between our expectations and perceived reality.

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

Lifestyle Medicine conference

A Virtual Event, June 9-11, 2023

15 speakers, 3 days,
loads of valuable content.

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

What We Bring to the Practice of Medicine

We feature books!

And they’re written by experts!

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.