Health Communication

  CURRENT TOPICS IN HEALTHCARE

I'll be writing about current issues in healthcare, offering new information that's meant to  enlighten you or answer your questions.

Healthcare is in a state of incredible change, and it seems more like mayhem. I'll try to help clear some of the confusion.

With the beginning of the Affordable Care Act (sometimes called Obamacare) on October 1, 2013, the entire country is taking a leap of faith in hope that we'll have adequate health insurance for all.  This won't be without some confusion and bumps in the road.  I'll try to keep you posted on what's real and what's changing.  Feel free to write-in your questions on the blog comments section or by email.

The traditional healthcare model is also changing drastically.  What used to be a physician-nurse-ancillary staff system is seeing the addition of alternative providers like osteopaths, naturopaths, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  Some members of what were the ancillary staff, such as social workers, dietitians and physical therapists, have left the institutional setting and moved to independent practice in the community.  Most importantly, the medical model is now seeming to follow the nursing model in that the patient is the center of her or his health care and the patient is the ultimate decision-maker about that care.  This is a huge change in thinking and behavior, and it means that the patients will need to learn more about their health issues so that they're in charge of their own health... and it's the reason that I offer my services as an advocate who can help the patient and their loved ones to understand the medical issues and treatment options, to cope with extremely stressful situations, and to make the best decisions in difficult times.