Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems have been recognized by the U.S. Government as a core component to national healthcare reform. Beginning in 2011, physicians and hospitals will begin receiving government incentives if they are “meaningful EHR users.” Though the definition of “meaningful users” is still under debate, the reason behind the definition is clear. It will help define ways to ensure the accuracy of data within EHR systems.
Here we go again town hall meetings discuss the impact involved in the proposed health care Bill. This bill is named the House Bill 3200. This bill is to replace our existing Medicare and Medicaid programs. The problem is Medicare and Medicaid programs are going broke. This post is neutral to the issues and publishes current information.
Health institutions, Hospitals and Doctor’s alike are more and more refusing to take Medicare and Medicaid patients. Wow! What is the problem? Health officials explain that the lack of payment, low payment approval and delayed payments are the issue. Doctors say they need to pay their staff and take care of office obligations and can not be put off. Medicare and Medicaid are considered by many defunct dinosaurs in the health arena.
Today I got a call from my Mom. She and my Dad both live in the city I was born in – Warsaw, Poland. They are both elderly and live off of a government pension akin to the US social security system. The reason she called was to let me know of an excruciating pain she has recently been suffering from, resulting from a progressively degenerative neurological condition in her wrist. As all Poles are, she is entitled to free medical care in government health care facilities under the country’s universal health care insurance program. Trying to get help for her condition, she has visited with several general practitioners covered under her free plan, all of whom admit she needs to see a specialist. The last one finally crafted a referral for her and she is now scheduled to see a neurologist … in three months. Ouch !
Her options now include continuing to suffer the intolerable pain for the next 3 months or pay out of pocket to see a private specialist.