The Healthcare Crisis - Being part of the solution

The doctor replaced the antibiotic given in the emergency department with two new antibiotics, forgetting to note the suspension of the first antibiotic in its theme. The nurse was ready to handle all three, but by asking questions, his wife prevented the error. In the midst of recovery from renal failure, dialysis, would have required, the rest of his life if he had received all three antibiotics. Results - the poor quality of life and healthcare costs more important to him and his insurance company.

Dr. Brown has ordered the same blood tests done by Dr. White first three weeks. The patient showed Dr. Brown-test results therefore do not repeat the tests, treatment plan developed, and no follow-up appointment.

In each scenario, costs were cut by the system. If one-tenth, or 9 million, the 90 million patients with chronic illnesses managed their care in order to reduce their charges just $ 100 for each year, $ 900 million dollars would be cut by the cost of the system. This is the power of consumers.

All employers, government, medical professionals and insurance companies are working to reduce health care costs. All, ie, except for the patients.

In his October 13, 2006 opinion piece ABC Make Care Patient-Driven Health, and Senator Bill Frist spoke about his vision for a health care patient-centered and consumer-driven. During the 2008 election, we hear a lot about personal responsibility. It 's time for the patient and lawyers to do their part to help cut health care costs. The missing piece and the heart of the matter is that this vision can not be achieved unless we, as patients, take charge and change our mindset about health, our care, and our roles and responsibilities. We must improve the way we handle every aspect of our attention and become better managers and consumers of our health resources. We must realize we have the ability to improve the quality of our care, prevent medical errors, and reduce costs.

Change of mentality: the Americans were uninsured poor administrators of health care resources because of low out-of-pocket expenses. We let the flow of money, without worrying about good money management. After all, the insurance company paid. We lack the knowledge. We have not been taught how to be patient, then you feel helpless to help ourselves and improve our part of the health system. We must educate ourselves, our bodies and the various aspects of our conditions and stop to hand control to medical professionals. Instead of victims of a dysfunctional system, we must think of ourselves as part of the solution, becoming aware and active participants rather than passive bystanders waiting for others to take care of us and solve all problems. So, how do we do?

Best Management: Rather than going to our approach to health care appointments and take things as they come, we need to have good methods to gain vital information and manage every aspect of our service efficient and effective. Electronic and paper documentation systems, which are the first step in the management of health personnel are available. Most of these systems, however, only gain basic information, but we're not taught how to use it or authorize us to take control of our care.

New roles and responsibilities: knowledge and know-how, empowering us to be leaders and coordinators of our health care team and partner with each team member. In these roles, we can better communicate vital information accurate and complete stories. Our medical records are organized for instant access. We are easily able to find important clues that reside in the family history, previous diseases, medications, symptoms and documented appointments with different doctors. We acquired information in a way that helps us to help doctors think and pull the pieces of our health history together.

Quality Care and Error Prevention: Studies show that patients actively involved and informed to have better results. They are part of decision making, are therefore more likely to follow treatment plans, proper medication use, care and better overall management. They are also able to prevent many medical errors.

Better-Stewards save money and reduce costs: three ways we can cut costs.

1) Question what we say yes to. I know why a test or procedure is ordered, the other options available, costs involved, and how the results will benefit us and help in decision making, we agree to proceed.

2) Stop the duplication of tests to obtain copies of test results and monitoring our care and asking questions. We must not wait for the computerized registration becomes available.

3) Avoid a medical error and save thousands of dollars in direct and indirect costs.

We, as patients and / or carers, can make a difference, help change the system and reduce costs .......