Health Care Reform? The Debate Looms. . .

A brief introduction. . .

For the first few months of this year, I have been a frequent flyer as a consumer of medical care. I was an inpatient with three stays at two different local hospitals as well as an outpatient with a number of different providers, even including urgent care. Additionally, my work as a medical biller has helped me keep my own health care costs more contained. As the debate on healthcare reform nears, it is one in which I have some very definite ideas.

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Starting off, I want to say that I believe our healthcare mess did not develop overnight, and no "magic bullet" is going to fix it immediately. It's also an issue that cannot be discussed in a single post, so watch this space for new postings in the next few days. There isn't just one factor contributing to it, there are many, and they involve many different groups. In the next few posts, I will name names of those I think have had a hand in bringing the problem about. Some may even surprise you.

I don't have all the answers, and I won't claim to. I do have some ideas that should alleviate some of the crisis aspects, but they're not going to turn this situation around quickly. Nor will any of the "reforms" being discussed at this point in Washington or Annapolis.

All that having been said, welcome! Please, if you see something with which you disagree, post a comment! Likewise, if you see something with which you happen to agree, please feel free to add your comments, too. Lively discussions can be both very informative and helpful in framing an issue. Who knows? Offer a convincing enough argument, and you may get someone else to think differently. Maybe even me.

Some of the questions we'll explore will include:

* Why are health care costs so high?
* Why are health insurance rates so high?
* What about a single-payer insurance system?
* Why are people willing to gamble on no insurance coverage?
* Should people be forced to have health insurance coverage?
* Should we have a national health care system like Britain or Canada?
* Should we develop our own version of a national health care system?
* Why shouldn't the government just go ahead and regulate health care costs?

All right, then. I've already been working on my first "culprit" post, and I should have it done by tomorrow midnight or so. If real inspiration hits, there may be more "culprits" exposed by that time. Watch this space, and let's have a good discussion!