I Am the Healthcare Crisis
I am sure that nothing drives home the need for healthcare reform more than being an actual healthcare provider. Of course, I was already aware of the issues being a RN. But a whole new dimension is added as an NP that orders labs, tests and medications. It's constantly on my mind: Does this patient really NEED this lab or x-ray? Did I prescribe the most cost-effective medication?
As NPs we need to keep this in mind not only to keep healthcare costs down overall, but also because many a self-pay patient forces us to use our budgeting skills like never before. For example, the patient only has x amount of dollars to spend. What is the highest priority problem to address? The hypertension or diabetes? As most of us would say BOTH, you see the conundrum we are placed in. Our current health system needs to change. Personally, I am not concerned so much how it changes (government or private run healthcare) only that it does change, soon.
Interestingly, I am sorting out my own little insurance problem. My clinic has about 10 employees. Health insurance is offered as a benefit, but my employer cannot contribute enough to the cost to make it affordable for me and my family. So I presently am shopping around. I am constantly struck by the irony: a healthcare provider without insurance. I often think: I have these skills to provide others with care, but right now who can I go to take care of me if I needed care without paying an arm or a leg?
Fortunately, we can afford some of the private plans out there. We just have to make it through the "pre-existing condition" minefield. In the meantime, I will continue to see people every day making difficult decisions about what they afford regarding their health. And I will try to help them make these decisions as best I can.