I have not posted for a long time, because (seriously) I did not remember where I had set up this blog, my first and only.
I'm wondering today what's going to happen with healthcare reform and the Medicare for All option. Some of the discussion we've been hearing/reading about includes concerns that healthcare will be "rationed" - does anyone who's had extensive experiences in the current healthcare system think that services are not rationed _now_ ? The difference is that these decisions are made arbitrarily, without much accountability, in the shadows so to speak. When the general public doesn't even know what services are needed and available, they don't know when they've been "rationed" based on the patient's age, gender, ethnicity, insurance status, or the M.D. or hospital's convenience, or when a referral has not been made to a provider or hospital with more specialized knowledge. The healthcare received by people in rural areas (my bailiwick) is very limited, and most often the patients don't even know what they're missing.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Hi, folks - I'm just getting started, so this is a new blog, as you can see. My main theme is going to be the empowerment of patients in the U.S. healthcare system.
Over and over in my work, I talk with people who are puzzled, confused, and even angry and hurt about their healthcare services.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with medical patients. I have particular experience with stroke, head injury/brain injury, aging, Alzheimer's, other brain disorders, spinal cord injury, diabetes, heart disease, and seizure disorders.
I also have a big interest in how parents can get better services for their children with disabilities, and how people with disabilities can find satisfying employment.
For now, here are some topics I plan to write about. Iv'e put them in the form of statements or questions that a person might make. If you have questions or other thoughts in the meantime, feel free to post whenever. I hope you do!
Sample of typical concerns:
"I had a frustrating appointment with my doctor. He/She's not listening."
"My older relative has gone 'downhill' recently, and the doctor says its Alzheimer's. He/she gave the person medication to help with memory. How do we know it's Alzheimer's and not something else? The doctor didn't do any/very much testing to find out."
"I have xxx symptoms, and nobody knows what's the matter with me. They've given up, and now they sent me to a psychologist. This is not all in my head!"
"My husband had a brain tumor removed. The surgeon said he'd be "back to 100%" in no time. It's several months later, and he's still just not the same person as before."
"I'm taking care of my spouse, who has a chronic illness, and I can't leave him alone. I never get out. My own health is failing, but I don't want to do less for him. What are my options? How do I keep helping him without getting sick myself?"
"I have a disability but I want to get a job. Any ideas for me?"
"My child has been diagnosed with ADHD, but a psychologist she just started seeing has given a diagnosis of Asperger's disorder. The more I read about that, the more I think it's true. The school does not agree and doesn't want to start an Individualized Education Plan for her. What can I do?"
Over and over in my work, I talk with people who are puzzled, confused, and even angry and hurt about their healthcare services.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with medical patients. I have particular experience with stroke, head injury/brain injury, aging, Alzheimer's, other brain disorders, spinal cord injury, diabetes, heart disease, and seizure disorders.
I also have a big interest in how parents can get better services for their children with disabilities, and how people with disabilities can find satisfying employment.
For now, here are some topics I plan to write about. Iv'e put them in the form of statements or questions that a person might make. If you have questions or other thoughts in the meantime, feel free to post whenever. I hope you do!
Sample of typical concerns:
"I had a frustrating appointment with my doctor. He/She's not listening."
"My older relative has gone 'downhill' recently, and the doctor says its Alzheimer's. He/she gave the person medication to help with memory. How do we know it's Alzheimer's and not something else? The doctor didn't do any/very much testing to find out."
"I have xxx symptoms, and nobody knows what's the matter with me. They've given up, and now they sent me to a psychologist. This is not all in my head!"
"My husband had a brain tumor removed. The surgeon said he'd be "back to 100%" in no time. It's several months later, and he's still just not the same person as before."
"I'm taking care of my spouse, who has a chronic illness, and I can't leave him alone. I never get out. My own health is failing, but I don't want to do less for him. What are my options? How do I keep helping him without getting sick myself?"
"I have a disability but I want to get a job. Any ideas for me?"
"My child has been diagnosed with ADHD, but a psychologist she just started seeing has given a diagnosis of Asperger's disorder. The more I read about that, the more I think it's true. The school does not agree and doesn't want to start an Individualized Education Plan for her. What can I do?"
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