Re: Grrrr

December 30, 2009

Hahaha!- sorry- just as I got done reading your e-mail, a " Late-breaking

news from the ADA " re: health care reform popped up in my inbox- literally

laughed out loud in my office- that was classic.

Hang in there!

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

> member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things

> in perspective.

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news

> from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare

> reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party.

> I am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends

> more towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of

> washing my hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly

> I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my

> feelings about the ADA.

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> Carol

> (sent via Blackberry)

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

> Parton

>

December 30, 2009

Hahaha!- sorry- just as I got done reading your e-mail, a " Late-breaking

news from the ADA " re: health care reform popped up in my inbox- literally

laughed out loud in my office- that was classic.

Hang in there!

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

> member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things

> in perspective.

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news

> from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare

> reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party.

> I am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends

> more towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of

> washing my hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly

> I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my

> feelings about the ADA.

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> Carol

> (sent via Blackberry)

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

> Parton

>

December 30, 2009

Hahaha!- sorry- just as I got done reading your e-mail, a " Late-breaking

news from the ADA " re: health care reform popped up in my inbox- literally

laughed out loud in my office- that was classic.

Hang in there!

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

> member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things

> in perspective.

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news

> from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare

> reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party.

> I am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends

> more towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of

> washing my hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly

> I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my

> feelings about the ADA.

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> Carol

> (sent via Blackberry)

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

> Parton

>

December 30, 2009

I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally against the reform

as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going to pay for this! Digna

Grrrr

Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things in

perspective.

We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the pressure

to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting increasingly more

difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news from the ADA " subject

line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare reform I am going to be

pushed over the edge.

I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party. I

am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends more

towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of washing my

hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly I am finding

this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the

ADA.

I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

Carol

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

Parton

December 30, 2009

you and I are going to pay for it. they are saying that we'll be taxed for it

starting next year and benefits will kick in only on 2014... after

re-election......

Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDNhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

To: rd-usa

From: dignacassens@...

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:18:08 -0800

Subject: Re: Grrrr

I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally against the

reform as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going to pay for this! Digna

Grrrr

Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things in

perspective.

We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the pressure

to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting increasingly more

difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news from the ADA " subject

line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare reform I am going to be

pushed over the edge.

I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party. I

am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends more

towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of washing my

hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly I am finding

this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the

ADA.

I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

Carol

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

Parton

December 30, 2009

The whole reform thing reaks of socialism! It figures which political party is

pushing this!

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly Parton

Re: Grrrr

I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally against the

reform as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going to pay for this! Digna

Grrrr

Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things in

perspective.

We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the pressure

to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting increasingly more

difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news from the ADA " subject

line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare reform I am going to be

pushed over the edge.

I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party. I

am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends more

towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of washing my

hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly I am finding

this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the

ADA.

I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

Carol

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

Parton

December 30, 2009

The social-democratic party....hahaha (although not so funny)

Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDNhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

To: rd-usa

From: carolscasey@...

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:47:45 +0000

Subject: Re: Grrrr

The whole reform thing reaks of socialism! It figures which political

party is pushing this!

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly Parton

Re: Grrrr

I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally against the

reform as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going to pay for this! Digna

Grrrr

Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things in

perspective.

We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the pressure

to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting increasingly more

difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news from the ADA " subject

line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare reform I am going to be

pushed over the edge.

I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party. I

am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends more

towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of washing my

hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly I am finding

this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the

ADA.

I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

Carol

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

Parton

December 30, 2009

RE-ELECT Who?

Jackie Chase RD

Dillingham AK

>

> you and I are going to pay for it. they are saying that we'll be

> taxed for it starting next year and benefits will kick in only on

> 2014... after re-election......

>

> Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDNhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

>

> To: rd-usa

> From: dignacassens@...

> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:18:08 -0800

> Subject: Re: Grrrr

>

> I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally

> against the reform as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going

> to pay for this! Digna

>

> Grrrr

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> still a member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more

> difficult to put things in perspective.

>

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking

> news from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is

> about healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

>

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> continously trends more towards one political party than the other.

> I am so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> organization and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking.

> Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

>

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

>

> Carol

>

> (sent via Blackberry)

>

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> Dolly Parton

>

December 30, 2009

Exactly.

Grrrr

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

> member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put

> things in perspective.

>

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news

> from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about

> healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

>

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> continously trends more towards one political party than the other. I am

> so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional organization

> and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought I would

> be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

>

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

>

> Carol

>

> (sent via Blackberry)

>

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

> Parton

>

December 30, 2009

OK, so what did we expect? Elect socialists, we end up with socialism. Simple

equation.

Digna

Grrrr

Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am still a

member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to put things in

perspective.

We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the pressure

to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting increasingly more

difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking news from the ADA " subject

line emails inly to open to see it is about healthcare reform I am going to be

pushed over the edge.

I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political party. I

am so frustrated that our own professional organization continously trends more

towards one political party than the other. I am so very close of washing my

hands of my very own professional organization and quite frankly I am finding

this rather shocking. Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the

ADA.

I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

Carol

(sent via Blackberry)

" You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~ Dolly

Parton

December 30, 2009

That's quite a Freudian slip. RE-elect???? Not just elect? Maybe from now on

it's just nominations?

Grrrr

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> still a member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more

> difficult to put things in perspective.

>

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking

> news from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is

> about healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

>

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> continously trends more towards one political party than the other.

> I am so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> organization and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking.

> Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

>

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

>

> Carol

>

> (sent via Blackberry)

>

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> Dolly Parton

>

December 30, 2009

I'd like to clarify a couple statements. ADA is not " pushing " a

particular platform. What our professional organization would like is

for the RD to be included in whatever the reform package looks like.

I'm sure we'd all like to be recognized as competent health care

providers regardless of who is paying.

As for who is paying, I'd venture to guess, it will be the same as

previously; all of us. At this point there is some talk about raising

taxes, but only for the very highest income levels, and (although I am

not entirely sure on this one), some of the business taxes for large

employers. Remember that we should believe half of what we see and

none of what we " hear " , particularly when it comes to emotional issues

such as this one. Please try to vet what you " hear " through a reliable

source.

Here is my own personal wish for health reform; that no one in the

United States has to go to bed worrying about how to pay for

medication, a Dr's visit, or their next RD appointment. That we all

have access to healthcare that is of the highest quality, regardless

of our financial and employment situation. And finally, that no one

faces financial ruin simply because they had the misfortune to lose

their job and/or get sick.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year,

pam

Pam Charney, PhD, RD

Affiliate Associate Professor

Pharmacy

MS Student

Clinical Informatics and Patient Centered Technology

School of Nursing

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

pcharney@...

http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamcharney

> Exactly.

>

> Grrrr

> >

> > Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> still a

> > member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to

> put

> > things in perspective.

> >

> > We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> > pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> > increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-

> breaking news

> > from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about

> > healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> >

> > I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> > party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> > continously trends more towards one political party than the

> other. I am

> > so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> organization

> > and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought

> I would

> > be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

> >

> > I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> >

> > Carol

> >

> > (sent via Blackberry)

> >

> > " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> Dolly

> > Parton

> >

December 31, 2009

Thanks, Pam for your words. I have followed this debate as many of us and

your final paragraph was a reminder for me where it started.

I am proud of living in Minnesota for many reasons. One reason however

has not been learning that the United Health Care CEO headquartered here made

$100 million in one year and has stock options over $1.2 billion. Knowing

that we support capitalism here, I understand the free market and am fine

with the principles. I also realize I could been in a situation that Pam

described and a public option might be answer. Having an " option " in the

free market seems like it supports our principles. It seems like it would

similar to having the choice of a private or public college. The choice is

mine and of course, my pocketbook.

The best to all in 2010!

Pat Raimondi

In a message dated 12/30/2009 10:52:59 P.M. Central Standard Time,

pcharney@... writes:

I'd like to clarify a couple statements. ADA is not " pushing " a

particular platform. What our professional organization would like is

for the RD to be included in whatever the reform package looks like.

I'm sure we'd all like to be recognized as competent health care

providers regardless of who is paying.

As for who is paying, I'd venture to guess, it will be the same as

previously; all of us. At this point there is some talk about raising

taxes, but only for the very highest income levels, and (although I am

not entirely sure on this one), some of the business taxes for large

employers. Remember that we should believe half of what we see and

none of what we " hear " , particularly when it comes to emotional issues

such as this one. Please try to vet what you " hear " through a reliable

source.

Here is my own personal wish for health reform; that no one in the

United States has to go to bed worrying about how to pay for

medication, a Dr's visit, or their next RD appointment. That we all

have access to healthcare that is of the highest quality, regardless

of our financial and employment situation. And finally, that no one

faces financial ruin simply because they had the misfortune to lose

their job and/or get sick.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year,

pam

Pam Charney, PhD, RD

Affiliate Associate Professor

Pharmacy

MS Student

Clinical Informatics and Patient Centered Technology

School of Nursing

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

pcharney@...

http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamcharney

> Exactly.

>

> Grrrr

> >

> > Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> still a

> > member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to

> put

> > things in perspective.

> >

> > We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> > pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> > increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-

> breaking news

> > from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about

> > healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> >

> > I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> > party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> > continously trends more towards one political party than the

> other. I am

> > so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> organization

> > and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought

> I would

> > be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

> >

> > I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> >

> > Carol

> >

> > (sent via Blackberry)

> >

> > " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> Dolly

> > Parton

> >

December 31, 2009

Dear Pam,

When you say believe 1/2 of what you see and none of what you hear - is a great

notion but also delivers a message that no one has the right information but

you. At least this is a hidden message that I get. Maybe it’s me.

Let me tell you a thing or two about nationalized/socialized health care, if you

look at countries that have it (Canada, UK, Russia, and Israel -where I am

from):

1. Access is granted to all - great, and I am all for it.

2. every little blood test, every x-ray (unless in ER), MRI or CT scan needs

approval before they could be performed and to get approved takes sometimes 2-3

weeks, sometimes 2-3 months. I agree that some doctors are over-testing, but it

due to defensive medicine, they all want to make sure they cover all bases and

beyond so they are protected from future law suites. This is something we have

to blame our society, at least in part, b/c ppl are coming to hospitals with a

mind set of " where and what could I sue you for " . I don't want anyone but my

doctor to make a decision about my health care and now Mr. Obama is stepping in

and I don't like it.

3. Quality of care is reduced. Why? Because the good doctors don't want to

participate in the Gov programs b/c they are getting hard time ordering tests

and they will be the ones being held liable if a pt dies while waiting for

approval. They don't like the bureaucracy that comes with it and therefore not

only choose to be out of it but they can afford it b/c the rich pts will come

anyhow.

My father had to wait 3-4 months for a simple cataract Sx. Not a life

threatening, but a quality of life, simple, ambulatory procedure, as we all

know.

My aunt had to pay 1500 IS (Israeli Shekels, about $375) to get an appointment

for a cardiac procedure in 2 weeks. She was able to get it in 2 wks because she

had a supplemental insurance, private insurance, on top of the Gov one. If she

didn't have the means to pay for it ($375 is not cheep) - she would have gotten

an appointment 3 month later. And I am talking about a cardiac procedure. I

don't know the name of the procedure in English, since they gave me the term in

Hebrew, and it is a life threatening condition. Basically, she as an

un-controlled A. fib and the only options, after medications didn't help, are

this procedure or a pacemaker.

I have colleagues and other co-workers, some of them are MDs, who came to the US

from the previously USSR - they are all very much against the Gov health plan.

They all say the same - level of care is less, lines are longer and everything

needs approval prior to providing care.

and again, the better doctors prefer or may prefer not take the Gov insurance

and if they do - they will give priority to paying/private pts. When ppl are

able and paying out of pocket, they expect, and rightfully so, a better and

quicker service.

So it will create a 2-class health care.

My problem is that by forcing all of us to use the Gov health plan, those of us

who are lucky to be not only employed, but also fully covered with good

insurance, may be forced to either pay taxes on our health coverage (depends how

much is it, but with the inflation and recession - many already living pay-check

to pay check so any increase in taxes means reduced net-income), or our

employers will stop providing us with health coverage , after all - why should

they if the Gov gives something else for free (free to the employer), they

wouldn't care that is not as good.

I am all for covering the uninsured, but why does it have to be on my expense,

why do I have to potentially lose my current coverage for the sake of someone

who doesn't, why my level of care should be deteriorated in order to improve

someone else's. That's socialism and I did not vote for it.

What we needed is a plan that allows the uninsured to be covered by Gov health

plan, but to say that this plan is offered ONLY to those who are unemployed and

not provided health coverage. This way - you may still need some tax increase

to cover that bill, but it will be less then covering all of us. And once you

get employed - you should have coverage by your employer. Businesses should get

tax credit or refund for providing health care. This way you get two things:

1. Employers will have to provide a better health coverage then the " basic " Gov

plan which will lead to #2: ppl would want to work because they will know they

will be having access to better health care/coverage. Unlike now - many ppl are

discouraged to seek work bc the pay is so low, so " why bother " and depends on

the state you are, you get financial aid from the Gov and health care to some

level (or go to the ER for every little UTI). BUt if we all get the same

coverage, and some ppl in have the mentality to be unemployed bc sitting at home

and collecting benefits is better in their mind, from working, maybe, just

maybe, a knowledge that you can get a better health coverage when employed,

might encourage them to take a job, for less pay, but more benefits.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody.

Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDN

http://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

> To: rd-usa

> From: pcharney@...

> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:52:54 -0800

> Subject: Re: Grrrr

>

> I'd like to clarify a couple statements. ADA is not " pushing " a

> particular platform. What our professional organization would like is

> for the RD to be included in whatever the reform package looks like.

> I'm sure we'd all like to be recognized as competent health care

> providers regardless of who is paying.

>

> As for who is paying, I'd venture to guess, it will be the same as

> previously; all of us. At this point there is some talk about raising

> taxes, but only for the very highest income levels, and (although I am

> not entirely sure on this one), some of the business taxes for large

> employers. Remember that we should believe half of what we see and

> none of what we " hear " , particularly when it comes to emotional issues

> such as this one. Please try to vet what you " hear " through a reliable

> source.

>

> Here is my own personal wish for health reform; that no one in the

> United States has to go to bed worrying about how to pay for

> medication, a Dr's visit, or their next RD appointment. That we all

> have access to healthcare that is of the highest quality, regardless

> of our financial and employment situation. And finally, that no one

> faces financial ruin simply because they had the misfortune to lose

> their job and/or get sick.

>

> Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year,

>

> pam

>

> Pam Charney, PhD, RD

> Affiliate Associate Professor

> Pharmacy

>

> MS Student

> Clinical Informatics and Patient Centered Technology

> School of Nursing

>

> University of Washington

> Seattle, WA

> pcharney@...

> http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamcharney

>

> > Exactly.

> >

> > Grrrr

> > >

> > > Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> > still a

> > > member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to

> > put

> > > things in perspective.

> > >

> > > We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> > > pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> > > increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-

> > breaking news

> > > from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about

> > > healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

> > >

> > > I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> > > party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> > > continously trends more towards one political party than the

> > other. I am

> > > so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> > organization

> > > and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought

> > I would

> > > be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

> > >

> > > I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

> > >

> > > Carol

> > >

> > > (sent via Blackberry)

> > >

> > > " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> > Dolly

> > > Parton

> > >

December 31, 2009

well.... you are right, my mistake. I should have wrote " after 2012 election " ,

but like every president, Obama is hoping to be re-elected, so that's why I

wrote " re- " .

Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDN

http://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

To: rd-usa

From: jackiechase66@...

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:12:56 -0900

Subject: Re: Grrrr

RE-ELECT Who?

Jackie Chase RD

Dillingham AK

>

> you and I are going to pay for it. they are saying that we'll be

> taxed for it starting next year and benefits will kick in only on

> 2014... after re-election......

>

> Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDNhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

>

> To: rd-usa

> From: dignacassens@...

> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:18:08 -0800

> Subject: Re: Grrrr

>

> I thought the same, Carol. I just delete bc I am so totally

> against the reform as it is written. I wonder who the hell is going

> to pay for this! Digna

>

> Grrrr

>

> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

> still a member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more

> difficult to put things in perspective.

>

> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-breaking

> news from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is

> about healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

>

> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

> party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

> continously trends more towards one political party than the other.

> I am so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

> organization and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking.

> Never thought I would be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

>

> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

>

> Carol

>

> (sent via Blackberry)

>

> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

> Dolly Parton

>

December 31, 2009

Merav,

I've spent the past year studying health care in various areas of the

world, so am familiar with the issues you discuss. This discussion is

far beyond the forum we have here. Suffice it to say that health care

is rationed in the US now, although it's the elephant in the room

here, probably because that rationing is economic. You can get a liver

transplant tomorrow if you like, as long as you pay in cash.

Otherwise, you cannot even be evaluated by a transplant team unless

there is sufficient evidence of ability to pay. Many who think they

have health insurance for catastrophic illness are shocked to find out

that their insurer will not pay for life-saving therapies.

Additionally, it is not uncommon for individuals in the US who need

subspecialty care to have to wait. I know folks who wait up to 4

months for endocrinologist visits, 3 months for ENT, etc. And these

are folks who HAVE insurance through their employer.

Your statement that quality of care is reduced in nations that have

public options for healthcare is flat out wrong. The US is not even in

the top 10 when it comes to health care outcomes. About half of the

folks with diabetes in this country do not receive care meeting

standards set by the ADiabA. There are many, many other areas where we

fall short.

Also, it is patently wrong that President Obama is " stepping in " to

make decisions regarding your health care. Are you comfortable now

with your insurer making those decisions instead? Because those

decisions made by the insurers are purely for economic reasons, and

not with the goal to provide care for everyone. Rather, as Pat

pointed out, the economics now are to benefit the share holders of the

insurer.

It's been said that no one is for major health reform until they

experience the horrific reality of a bill for health care that exceeds

their ability to pay. Again, my wish is for no one to experience this.

As human beings, we should all have access to health care.

Regards,

pam

Pam Charney

pcharney@...

>

> Dear Pam,

>

> When you say believe 1/2 of what you see and none of what you hear -

> is a great notion but also delivers a message that no one has the

> right information but you. At least this is a hidden message that I

> get. Maybe it’s me.

>

> Let me tell you a thing or two about nationalized/socialized health

> care, if you look at countries that have it (Canada, UK, Russia, and

> Israel -where I am from):

>

> 1. Access is granted to all - great, and I am all for it.

>

> 2. every little blood test, every x-ray (unless in ER), MRI or CT

> scan needs approval before they could be performed and to get

> approved takes sometimes 2-3 weeks, sometimes 2-3 months. I agree

> that some doctors are over-testing, but it due to defensive

> medicine, they all want to make sure they cover all bases and beyond

> so they are protected from future law suites. This is something we

> have to blame our society, at least in part, b/c ppl are coming to

> hospitals with a mind set of " where and what could I sue you for " .

> I don't want anyone but my doctor to make a decision about my health

> care and now Mr. Obama is stepping in and I don't like it.

>

> 3. Quality of care is reduced. Why? Because the good doctors don't

> want to participate in the Gov programs b/c they are getting hard

> time ordering tests and they will be the ones being held liable if a

> pt dies while waiting for approval. They don't like the bureaucracy

> that comes with it and therefore not only choose to be out of it but

> they can afford it b/c the rich pts will come anyhow.

>

> My father had to wait 3-4 months for a simple cataract Sx. Not a

> life threatening, but a quality of life, simple, ambulatory

> procedure, as we all know.

>

> My aunt had to pay 1500 IS (Israeli Shekels, about $375) to get an

> appointment for a cardiac procedure in 2 weeks. She was able to get

> it in 2 wks because she had a supplemental insurance, private

> insurance, on top of the Gov one. If she didn't have the means to

> pay for it ($375 is not cheep) - she would have gotten an

> appointment 3 month later. And I am talking about a cardiac

> procedure. I don't know the name of the procedure in English, since

> they gave me the term in Hebrew, and it is a life threatening

> condition. Basically, she as an un-controlled A. fib and the only

> options, after medications didn't help, are this procedure or a

> pacemaker.

>

> I have colleagues and other co-workers, some of them are MDs, who

> came to the US from the previously USSR - they are all very much

> against the Gov health plan. They all say the same - level of care

> is less, lines are longer and everything needs approval prior to

> providing care.

>

> and again, the better doctors prefer or may prefer not take the Gov

> insurance and if they do - they will give priority to paying/

> private pts. When ppl are able and paying out of pocket, they

> expect, and rightfully so, a better and quicker service.

>

> So it will create a 2-class health care.

>

> My problem is that by forcing all of us to use the Gov health plan,

> those of us who are lucky to be not only employed, but also fully

> covered with good insurance, may be forced to either pay taxes on

> our health coverage (depends how much is it, but with the inflation

> and recession - many already living pay-check to pay check so any

> increase in taxes means reduced net-income), or our employers will

> stop providing us with health coverage , after all - why should they

> if the Gov gives something else for free (free to the employer),

> they wouldn't care that is not as good.

>

> I am all for covering the uninsured, but why does it have to be on

> my expense, why do I have to potentially lose my current coverage

> for the sake of someone who doesn't, why my level of care should be

> deteriorated in order to improve someone else's. That's socialism

> and I did not vote for it.

>

> What we needed is a plan that allows the uninsured to be covered by

> Gov health plan, but to say that this plan is offered ONLY to those

> who are unemployed and not provided health coverage. This way - you

> may still need some tax increase to cover that bill, but it will be

> less then covering all of us. And once you get employed - you should

> have coverage by your employer. Businesses should get tax credit or

> refund for providing health care. This way you get two things:

>

> 1. Employers will have to provide a better health coverage then the

> " basic " Gov plan which will lead to #2: ppl would want to work

> because they will know they will be having access to better health

> care/coverage. Unlike now - many ppl are discouraged to seek work bc

> the pay is so low, so " why bother " and depends on the state you are,

> you get financial aid from the Gov and health care to some level (or

> go to the ER for every little UTI). BUt if we all get the same

> coverage, and some ppl in have the mentality to be unemployed bc

> sitting at home and collecting benefits is better in their mind,

> from working, maybe, just maybe, a knowledge that you can get a

> better health coverage when employed, might encourage them to take a

> job, for less pay, but more benefits.

>

> HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody.

>

> Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDN

>

> http://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi

>

>> To: rd-usa

>> From: pcharney@...

>> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:52:54 -0800

>> Subject: Re: Grrrr

>>

>> I'd like to clarify a couple statements. ADA is not " pushing " a

>> particular platform. What our professional organization would like is

>> for the RD to be included in whatever the reform package looks like.

>> I'm sure we'd all like to be recognized as competent health care

>> providers regardless of who is paying.

>>

>> As for who is paying, I'd venture to guess, it will be the same as

>> previously; all of us. At this point there is some talk about raising

>> taxes, but only for the very highest income levels, and (although I

>> am

>> not entirely sure on this one), some of the business taxes for large

>> employers. Remember that we should believe half of what we see and

>> none of what we " hear " , particularly when it comes to emotional

>> issues

>> such as this one. Please try to vet what you " hear " through a

>> reliable

>> source.

>>

>> Here is my own personal wish for health reform; that no one in the

>> United States has to go to bed worrying about how to pay for

>> medication, a Dr's visit, or their next RD appointment. That we all

>> have access to healthcare that is of the highest quality, regardless

>> of our financial and employment situation. And finally, that no one

>> faces financial ruin simply because they had the misfortune to lose

>> their job and/or get sick.

>>

>> Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year,

>>

>> pam

>>

>> Pam Charney, PhD, RD

>> Affiliate Associate Professor

>> Pharmacy

>>

>> MS Student

>> Clinical Informatics and Patient Centered Technology

>> School of Nursing

>>

>> University of Washington

>> Seattle, WA

>> pcharney@...

>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamcharney

>>

>>> Exactly.

>>>

>>> Grrrr

>>>>

>>>> Because I value one particular practice group within the ADA, I am

>>> still a

>>>> member. I tell you what, it is getting more and more difficult to

>>> put

>>>> things in perspective.

>>>>

>>>> We all have deferring opinions about healthcare reform. However the

>>>> pressure to support legislation - no matter your opinion is getting

>>>> increasingly more difficult to ignore. If I get more " Late-

>>> breaking news

>>>> from the ADA " subject line emails inly to open to see it is about

>>>> healthcare reform I am going to be pushed over the edge.

>>>>

>>>> I am an independent voter, I do not align myself with any political

>>>> party. I am so frustrated that our own professional organization

>>>> continously trends more towards one political party than the

>>> other. I am

>>>> so very close of washing my hands of my very own professional

>>> organization

>>>> and quite frankly I am finding this rather shocking. Never thought

>>> I would

>>>> be where I am my feelings about the ADA.

>>>>

>>>> I know, I am just venting. However I am quite frustrated.

>>>>

>>>> Carol

>>>>

>>>> (sent via Blackberry)

>>>>

>>>> " You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try. " ~

>>> Dolly

>>>> Parton

>>>>

December 31, 2009

Hi All: A question regarding " Health Care Reform " . Does it bother anyone

that the powers that be in Washington who have come up with this monstrosity

of a bill are exempt from it??? If this is such a grand solution, why are

they not the first to sign up? Let's put all government employees from the

President on down on this program and see how it works for say 5 years.

Establish a civilian board to make the decisions regarding care. And why is

this thing so laden with pork, earmarks and downright bribery to get it

passed?? Is anyone incensed that our tax dollars are going to such nonsense

as the Nebraska Medicaid exemption and the bribing of the Louisiana senator

to get her to agree? The pork alone in this bill could pay to insure the

uninsured LEGAL Americans. And what gives this bunch the right to steal the

money of hardworking Americans thru increased taxes?? I live in Minnesota

in the middle of Mayo country and we have one of the best health care models

out there. Why not build on that rather than tear down the entire system?

It should tell everyone a great deal that Tort reform is not included in any

way in this legislation. That alone could make a huge difference in health

care. And why do states mandate what insurance companies must cover. In

Minnesota such things as mammograms must be covered. Why? If I would

rather pay for my own or choose not to have one - why do I still have to pay

for this in my premium. Consider young women who do not need them at 20?

Also where is our outrage that prevention and incentivizing positive

behavior is totally ignored? I suggest everyone google Safeway and Mr.

Burd's health care plan for that organization. He initiated a

program for his company that gives the employees the responsibility for the

health care and rewards shopping around, not using the ER for

non-emergencies and incentives for improving health and wellness. Do you

realize that the government currently restricts the monetary reward an

organization can give an employee for positive lifestyle changes? Why you

ask - because it discriminates against those who choose not to be

responsible for their health and make improvements in the lifestyle choices.

How absurd is that? At any rate Safeway in the 5 year period from 2004-2009

has held their healthcare costs FLAT while the rest of the industry has

increased almost 40%. Mr. Burd addressed congress to encourage the

development of similar programs to help contain costs. It obviously fell on

totally deaf ears. The government does not want real reform just total

control.

Also, why not control the fraud now?? If it can not be done under the

current programs, how will it ever be done after a massive expansion? The

cost of the additional bureaucracies would also cover the uninsured.

Sorry for the rant but I feel that healthcare in the US while not perfect is

far superior to elsewhere. There is no reason to destroy the entire system

when some common sense solutions would go a long way to addressing the

problems.

Healthy Regards: Kathy

Kathy C. Fielding, RD, LD

Registered/Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist

Natural Health Concepts

Preventive Health Strategies & Wellness,

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Bios Life Slim

Lose Body Fat & Inches Naturally!

Lower Cholesterol Naturally!

www.myunicity.net/kayceefielding

www.bioslifeslim.com/kayceefielding

_____

From: rd-usa [mailto:rd-usa ] On Behalf Of

Pam Charney

Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 10:47 AM