Collapsing Health Care

The contentious debate about our healthcare system is an epitome of the ongoing political circus in America. With the 2012 elections looming just around the corner, we can expect the vitriol to rise rapidly. Our country spends twice as much on health care per capita compared to other developed countries. The current system is so dysfunctional and projected spending will increase every year, putting an unbelievable strain to our fragile economy. Majority of health care dollars spending are channeled on to patients with chronic illnesses, many of which can be prevented. Unfortunately, medical doctors practicing preventive care are being squeezed out of the equation. The shortage of primary care doctors in America is inevitable because of limited income, lesser prestige, and fewer opportunities.

Most of us have always looked up to primary care physicians for almost all of our healthcare needs. They intimately know our medical history and have a general concern for our wellbeing. This field of practice is mostly dominated by people who finished internal medicine, family medicine, and general practice. After eight years of schooling, coupled with six figure student loans, some of these tireless workers are facing a thankless job.

The current set up does not give them the rewards they properly deserve. In fact, the prospect of a limited income is completely unavoidable. These medical doctors are also small business owners. First, they invest an enormous amount of money for office space, office equipments, and medical equipments. Second, the additional burden of overhead expenses and personnel salaries will put a dent on their bottom-line. Third, the inescapable specter of malpractice insurance premiums is a necessary evil the...

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...ires hospitals and ambulance services to provide anyone needing emergency medical care regardless of legal status or ability to pay. EMTALA virtually applies to all hospitals in the U.S. that accepts payment from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. This law essentially gives anyone a free pass for free medical care. Consequently, more people go to emergency rooms for preventive care and skip the hassle of paying a primary care doctor.

Every American will be at the losing end if the shortage of primary care doctors continues. Our current system is broken and all the alternatives our politicians are recommending favors only special interest groups whose only concern is their bottom-line. Our policy makers will not understand the predicament of the average citizen. Their special health insurance coverage insulates them from problem we all encounter.