LET US TAKE CHARGE OF REFORMING HEALTHCARE -
PART VI
Review HERE reform proposals # 1 and #2 from last week.
To continue. . . . .
3.) Let’s say while on vacation in Orlando, our buddy Joe Lunchbucket finds himself in an ER with chest pains.
The technology to
securely transmit Joe’s medical records between Health Systems already exists. But Health Information Exchange (HIE) and something called “Interoperability” are two different animals.
And so
Joe must endure every test known to man (i.e., ‘The Man’ in Accounting) while they build a new medical profile, and the clock ticks (or, the meter runs!).*
In the late 19th century, the government mandated railroads operate using the same gauge tracks.
No doubt it’s time for the appropriate federal agency (FTC, CMS, whatever!) to mandate the interoperability of our medical records. (No Act of Congress required.)
Remember, you, not your Health System, own those records.
*Warning; cynicism may be hazardous to your health, especially if your ER Doc happens to be a Tips Subscriber!
Looks like I’ve got just a few seconds left to preview another reform.
4.) Direct to consumer
pharmaceutical advertising should contain disclaimers or be prohibited.
And I’d take it one step further.
CYA next week.
