Hope

We have chosen the next president for our country. Let us all keep a watchful eye on our government to make sure that our medical system, including the patients and the doctors and caregivers, are well taken care of. There are many issues in health care. With the growth in medical technology, the costs have increased. The cost has also been adversely affected by the cost of defensive medicine, due to the current medical malpractice bonanza that lawyers have enjoyed. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the outcome of a medical malpractice case, either by settlement or by trial, was not affected by the presence of true malpractice, as determined by specialists in that field of medicine. Most cases are not a doctor operating on the wrong leg, but small variations in the practice of medicine, with a poor outcome.

Our medical system is also not perfect by a long stretch. Most people are in agreement that health insurance should be more affordable for individuals. No one should have to go bankrupt to pay for their medical bills. There is also too much paperwork, which burdens all caregivers. In addition, with the technology that is available today, we should be able to have a way for different health care workers to be able to communicate about patients in an easier way. Currently, there is far too much duplication of services, which wastes millions of our health care expenditures.

I heard Mr. Obama speak on a number occasions about technology in health care, and how it would play a role in reducing the cost of health care. I agree completely with the president elect on this point. VideoMD is one way for doctors to better educate their patients. Although it is a simple technology, it is one way for doctors to use technology to their advantage in improving the doctor-patient relationship. I urge all doctors to take the leap into the 21st century, and embrace new technology that can help us and our patients.