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RE: Healthcare Reform

By Guest guest, in Health, Medicine and Natural Healing 09

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

therapists.

There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

what we are afraid of and be self critical.

Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive, better

quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders view

of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

Canada.

Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media and

folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

Wade, PT

OR

Curtis Marti wrote:

>

>

> Mr. s,

>

> Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting that

> I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve. Clearly,

> my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can only

> hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to resubmit

> it.

>

> Thanks again,

>

> -Curtis

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>] On

> Behalf Of s

> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

Interactive Physical Therapy

1709 SE 29th Street

Suite 300-400

Topeka, KS 66605

(785)266-4600 (P)

(785)266-4601 (F)

www.interactiveptandfitness.com

On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy <alliancept@...

> wrote:

> I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> therapists.

>

> There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> what we are afraid of and be self critical.

>

> Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

>

> Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> better

> quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

>

> Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> view

> of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> Canada.

>

> Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> and

> folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

>

> Wade, PT

> OR

>

> Curtis Marti wrote:

> >

> >

> > Mr. s,

> >

> > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> that

> > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> Clearly,

> > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> only

> > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> resubmit

> > it.

> >

> > Thanks again,

> >

> > -Curtis

> >

> > ________________________________

> >

> > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager

> %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > Behalf Of s

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> >

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> this

> > piece. Thank you.

> >

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > E. s, PT, DPT

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > www.douglasspt.com

> >

> >

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Wade, thanks for your info. Maybe you can give us your views on the Canadian

system you might have analysed. As a PT in private practise for 23 years, I see

enough managed care in our lives presently. I just saw patient with bilateral

bunionectomy done in March 2009 and receiving PT today. Now she not only has

pain and swelling in the fore foot region but also her right hip is painful from

improper ambulation. I am not a Gov lover when it comes to ruling over my life,

however, I would like to welcome one more player in the field because I believe

if I don't like it I have the might to change the Government, I cannot  change

the Blues and the Cignas of this country.

Hiten Dave' PT

Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> < http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html >

> < http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> < http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html >>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Mr. s,

As promised, here at the links that would be valuable for you and others

to view. Each lasts around 8 minutes and it is information that we as

healthcare providers need to know.

www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/29036/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w4f04zrF2s & NR=1\

I want to reiterate that there are exaggerations being put out there on

both sides of this argument. That said, I believe that the previous

links provide much more truth than fiction.

Thank you ahead of time for considering another view.

If you feel inspired to contact your legislators, you can locate them at

www.capitolconnect.com <http://www.capitolconnect.com/> . Then click on

the " Legislator Search " link.

Thanks again,

-Curtis

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Curtis Marti

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 4:03 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

Mr. s,

Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting that

I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve. Clearly,

my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can only

hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to resubmit

it.

Thanks again,

-Curtis

________________________________

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On

Behalf Of s

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Healthcare Reform

Hello all, hope this finds you well,

I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this

interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families.

It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

piece. Thank you.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

Sincerely,

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend and his father, who own 2

very large companies in Canada. The father of one of the officer's of their

company recently broke his hip.? The hospital did not have any beds so they

placed him in one of the hallways.? They found him dead 3 days later.?

Second issue,? they travel to Canada every week and were in Canada early this

spring. The 72 year old president of the company (USA citizen) developed atrial

fib.? He went to the emergency room, waited all day. After some preliminary

tests, they were told they do not treat his condition if it doesn't last at

least 1 week.? He came back to the US, had a major problem, which DID need to be

treated.

Ivashenko PT DPT OCS CProT

Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors and

weights for these factors.

These factors are:

Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability - adjusted life

expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down into

goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client orientation -

this last includes amenities available

Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

income spent on health care

This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

Ruesewald

Therapy Billing

PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

fax

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf

Of Ric Baird

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

Interactive Physical Therapy

1709 SE 29th Street

Suite 300-400

Topeka, KS 66605

(785)266-4600 (P)

(785)266-4601 (F)

www.interactiveptandfitness.com

On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

<alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> wrote:

> I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> therapists.

>

> There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> what we are afraid of and be self critical.

>

> Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

>

> Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> better

> quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

>

> Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> view

> of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> Canada.

>

> Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> and

> folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

>

> Wade, PT

> OR

>

> Curtis Marti wrote:

> >

> >

> > Mr. s,

> >

> > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> that

> > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> Clearly,

> > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> only

> > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> resubmit

> > it.

> >

> > Thanks again,

> >

> > -Curtis

> >

> > ________________________________

> >

> > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager

> %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > Behalf Of s

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> >

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> this

> > piece. Thank you.

> >

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > E. s, PT, DPT

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > www.douglasspt.com

> >

> >

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Good morning everyone!

I've been paying attention, with great interest, to the debate

surrounding healthcare reform in our country. Things that I don't hear

much about but, I feel, are well worth addressing are:

1. Personal responsibility (or the lack thereof) is a major factor in

the health of each individual and the health of our country. I've seen

statistics from various sources that estimate $1 to $3 of every $4 spent

on healthcare in our country is for something that could have been

prevented. We, as a nation, are very unhealthy in a number of respects

and we have traditionally operated under a " sick care " system. My

opinion is that instead of a very small, insignificant amount of money

being dedicated to wellness and prevention which our Government is now

proposing to be included in the " reform package " , that personal

responsibility " reform " be a major topic that receives substantial

attention and funding in order to change the mindset of the USA. Also,

keep in mind that we are already seeing patient outcomes as a criteria

for reimbursement. Very simply a compliant patient (one that takes

responsibility in their rehab) nearly always has a better outcome than a

non-compliant patient.

2. A huge portion of our healthcare costs can be traced back to the

amount of money healthcare organizations and providers spend on

liability and malpractice insurance. My belief is that this is largely

due to the numerous frivolous law-suits and settlements that have been

awarded by our judicial system. A major reason for this is again

related to the idea that personal responsibility for one's health (and a

lot of other things) is a fading ideal in this country. While I have no

numbers to back this except what my own company pays each year for said

insurance, common sense tells me that if limitations were set on

lawsuits and settlements and on the financial prizes that attorneys can

receive in such cases that our health care costs could be considerably

less. I suspect due to the lobbying power of the attorneys in our

country this is not a topic that gets much attention from our government

or our press.

Some things to think about? Thanks for the opportunity to share!

Chad

Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

Manager of Rehabilitation Services

Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Ruesewald

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:18 AM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors and

weights for these factors.

These factors are:

Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability - adjusted

life

expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down into

goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client

orientation -

this last includes amenities available

Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

income spent on health care

This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

Ruesewald

Therapy Billing

PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

fax

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On Behalf

Of Ric Baird

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

Interactive Physical Therapy

1709 SE 29th Street

Suite 300-400

Topeka, KS 66605

(785)266-4600 (P)

(785)266-4601 (F)

www.interactiveptandfitness.com

On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

<alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

<mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> wrote:

> I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> therapists.

>

> There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> what we are afraid of and be self critical.

>

> Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

>

> Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> better

> quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

>

> Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> view

> of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> Canada.

>

> Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> and

> folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

>

> Wade, PT

> OR

>

> Curtis Marti wrote:

> >

> >

> > Mr. s,

> >

> > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> that

> > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> Clearly,

> > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> only

> > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> resubmit

> > it.

> >

> > Thanks again,

> >

> > -Curtis

> >

> > ________________________________

> >

> > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:PTManager

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager

> %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > Behalf Of s

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> >

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> this

> > piece. Thank you.

> >

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > E. s, PT, DPT

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > www.douglasspt.com

> >

> >

Share this post

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Share on other sites

Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Good morning everyone!

I've been paying attention, with great interest, to the debate

surrounding healthcare reform in our country. Things that I don't hear

much about but, I feel, are well worth addressing are:

1. Personal responsibility (or the lack thereof) is a major factor in

the health of each individual and the health of our country. I've seen

statistics from various sources that estimate $1 to $3 of every $4 spent

on healthcare in our country is for something that could have been

prevented. We, as a nation, are very unhealthy in a number of respects

and we have traditionally operated under a " sick care " system. My

opinion is that instead of a very small, insignificant amount of money

being dedicated to wellness and prevention which our Government is now

proposing to be included in the " reform package " , that personal

responsibility " reform " be a major topic that receives substantial

attention and funding in order to change the mindset of the USA. Also,

keep in mind that we are already seeing patient outcomes as a criteria

for reimbursement. Very simply a compliant patient (one that takes

responsibility in their rehab) nearly always has a better outcome than a

non-compliant patient.

2. A huge portion of our healthcare costs can be traced back to the

amount of money healthcare organizations and providers spend on

liability and malpractice insurance. My belief is that this is largely

due to the numerous frivolous law-suits and settlements that have been

awarded by our judicial system. A major reason for this is again

related to the idea that personal responsibility for one's health (and a

lot of other things) is a fading ideal in this country. While I have no

numbers to back this except what my own company pays each year for said

insurance, common sense tells me that if limitations were set on

lawsuits and settlements and on the financial prizes that attorneys can

receive in such cases that our health care costs could be considerably

less. I suspect due to the lobbying power of the attorneys in our

country this is not a topic that gets much attention from our government

or our press.

Some things to think about? Thanks for the opportunity to share!

Chad

Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

Manager of Rehabilitation Services

Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Ruesewald

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:18 AM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors and

weights for these factors.

These factors are:

Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability - adjusted

life

expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down into

goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client

orientation -

this last includes amenities available

Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

income spent on health care

This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

Ruesewald

Therapy Billing

PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

fax

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On Behalf

Of Ric Baird

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

Interactive Physical Therapy

1709 SE 29th Street

Suite 300-400

Topeka, KS 66605

(785)266-4600 (P)

(785)266-4601 (F)

www.interactiveptandfitness.com

On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

<alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

<mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> wrote:

> I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> therapists.

>

> There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> what we are afraid of and be self critical.

>

> Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

>

> Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> better

> quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

>

> Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> view

> of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> Canada.

>

> Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> and

> folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

>

> Wade, PT

> OR

>

> Curtis Marti wrote:

> >

> >

> > Mr. s,

> >

> > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> that

> > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> Clearly,

> > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> only

> > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> resubmit

> > it.

> >

> > Thanks again,

> >

> > -Curtis

> >

> > ________________________________

> >

> > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:PTManager

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager

> %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > Behalf Of s

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> >

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> this

> > piece. Thank you.

> >

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > E. s, PT, DPT

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > www.douglasspt.com

> >

> >

Share this post

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Good morning everyone!

I've been paying attention, with great interest, to the debate

surrounding healthcare reform in our country. Things that I don't hear

much about but, I feel, are well worth addressing are:

1. Personal responsibility (or the lack thereof) is a major factor in

the health of each individual and the health of our country. I've seen

statistics from various sources that estimate $1 to $3 of every $4 spent

on healthcare in our country is for something that could have been

prevented. We, as a nation, are very unhealthy in a number of respects

and we have traditionally operated under a " sick care " system. My

opinion is that instead of a very small, insignificant amount of money

being dedicated to wellness and prevention which our Government is now

proposing to be included in the " reform package " , that personal

responsibility " reform " be a major topic that receives substantial

attention and funding in order to change the mindset of the USA. Also,

keep in mind that we are already seeing patient outcomes as a criteria

for reimbursement. Very simply a compliant patient (one that takes

responsibility in their rehab) nearly always has a better outcome than a

non-compliant patient.

2. A huge portion of our healthcare costs can be traced back to the

amount of money healthcare organizations and providers spend on

liability and malpractice insurance. My belief is that this is largely

due to the numerous frivolous law-suits and settlements that have been

awarded by our judicial system. A major reason for this is again

related to the idea that personal responsibility for one's health (and a

lot of other things) is a fading ideal in this country. While I have no

numbers to back this except what my own company pays each year for said

insurance, common sense tells me that if limitations were set on

lawsuits and settlements and on the financial prizes that attorneys can

receive in such cases that our health care costs could be considerably

less. I suspect due to the lobbying power of the attorneys in our

country this is not a topic that gets much attention from our government

or our press.

Some things to think about? Thanks for the opportunity to share!

Chad

Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

Manager of Rehabilitation Services

Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Ruesewald

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:18 AM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors and

weights for these factors.

These factors are:

Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability - adjusted

life

expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down into

goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client

orientation -

this last includes amenities available

Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

income spent on health care

This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

Ruesewald

Therapy Billing

PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

fax

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On Behalf

Of Ric Baird

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

Interactive Physical Therapy

1709 SE 29th Street

Suite 300-400

Topeka, KS 66605

(785)266-4600 (P)

(785)266-4601 (F)

www.interactiveptandfitness.com

On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

<alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

<mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> wrote:

> I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> therapists.

>

> There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> what we are afraid of and be self critical.

>

> Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

>

> Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> better

> quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

>

> Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> view

> of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> Canada.

>

> Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> and

> folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

>

> Wade, PT

> OR

>

> Curtis Marti wrote:

> >

> >

> > Mr. s,

> >

> > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> that

> > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> Clearly,

> > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> only

> > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> resubmit

> > it.

> >

> > Thanks again,

> >

> > -Curtis

> >

> > ________________________________

> >

> > From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:PTManager

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager

> %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > Behalf Of s

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> >

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> this

> > piece. Thank you.

> >

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > E. s, PT, DPT

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > www.douglasspt.com

> >

> >

Share this post

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Share on other sites

Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Don't forget that in the U.S. we have our own horror stories of folks

getting improper treatment or waiting for hours on end in emergency room

waiting rooms and being found dead when someone finally comes to see

them.... the much-publicized Los Angeles case where workers ignored a

woman writhing in pain on the floor of the ER lobby and then was found

dead when she was finally seen comes to mind.

Eileen Casey, PT

Director of Rehab Services

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

17 Belmont Ave

Brattleboro, VT 05301

ecasey@...

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of alex51057@...

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:38 AM

To: PTManager

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend and his father, who

own 2 very large companies in Canada. The father of one of the officer's

of their company recently broke his hip.? The hospital did not have any

beds so they placed him in one of the hallways.? They found him dead 3

days later.?

Second issue,? they travel to Canada every week and were in Canada early

this spring. The 72 year old president of the company (USA citizen)

developed atrial fib.? He went to the emergency room, waited all day.

After some preliminary tests, they were told they do not treat his

condition if it doesn't last at least 1 week.? He came back to the US,

had a major problem, which DID need to be treated.

Ivashenko PT DPT OCS CProT

Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Eileen,

You're exactly right. However, I believe it's important to

differentiate the exceptions versus the norms.

-Curtis

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Eileen Casey

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 12:59 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

Don't forget that in the U.S. we have our own horror stories of folks

getting improper treatment or waiting for hours on end in emergency room

waiting rooms and being found dead when someone finally comes to see

them.... the much-publicized Los Angeles case where workers ignored a

woman writhing in pain on the floor of the ER lobby and then was found

dead when she was finally seen comes to mind.

Eileen Casey, PT

Director of Rehab Services

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

17 Belmont Ave

Brattleboro, VT 05301

ecasey@... <mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org> <mailto:ecasey@...

<mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org> >

________________________________

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On

Behalf Of alex51057@... <mailto:alex51057%40aol.com>

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:38 AM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend and his father, who

own 2 very large companies in Canada. The father of one of the officer's

of their company recently broke his hip.? The hospital did not have any

beds so they placed him in one of the hallways.? They found him dead 3

days later.?

Second issue,? they travel to Canada every week and were in Canada early

this spring. The 72 year old president of the company (USA citizen)

developed atrial fib.? He went to the emergency room, waited all day.

After some preliminary tests, they were told they do not treat his

condition if it doesn't last at least 1 week.? He came back to the US,

had a major problem, which DID need to be treated.

Ivashenko PT DPT OCS CProT

Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> > >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> > >>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Eileen,

You're exactly right. However, I believe it's important to

differentiate the exceptions versus the norms.

-Curtis

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Eileen Casey

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 12:59 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

Don't forget that in the U.S. we have our own horror stories of folks

getting improper treatment or waiting for hours on end in emergency room

waiting rooms and being found dead when someone finally comes to see

them.... the much-publicized Los Angeles case where workers ignored a

woman writhing in pain on the floor of the ER lobby and then was found

dead when she was finally seen comes to mind.

Eileen Casey, PT

Director of Rehab Services

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

17 Belmont Ave

Brattleboro, VT 05301

ecasey@... <mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org> <mailto:ecasey@...

<mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org> >

________________________________

From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

On

Behalf Of alex51057@... <mailto:alex51057%40aol.com>

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:38 AM

To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend and his father, who

own 2 very large companies in Canada. The father of one of the officer's

of their company recently broke his hip.? The hospital did not have any

beds so they placed him in one of the hallways.? They found him dead 3

days later.?

Second issue,? they travel to Canada every week and were in Canada early

this spring. The 72 year old president of the company (USA citizen)

developed atrial fib.? He went to the emergency room, waited all day.

After some preliminary tests, they were told they do not treat his

condition if it doesn't last at least 1 week.? He came back to the US,

had a major problem, which DID need to be treated.

Ivashenko PT DPT OCS CProT

Healthcare Reform

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

this

> interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

families.

> It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

> piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> > >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> > >>

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

Share this post

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Share on other sites

Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

You make a good point about the frivolous lawsuits. I heard an

interview with 2 investigative journalists 4 or 5 years ago who wrote a

book called " Critical Condition: How Health Care in America Became Big

Business--and Bad Medicine " . While I intended to get the book and read

it, I never did. However they covered all areas including the frivolous

lawsuits. We also must ask why is it bad doctors continue to practice

despite multiple lawsuits over the years? I'm sure many in this group

know of examples. I know of a surgeon that I was warned about by the

PT's when I started a new job at a hospital 7 years ago. They talked

about the poor outcomes of his patients and the ongoing lawsuits. He is

still doing back surgeries and was out one day a couple weeks ago for a

deposition.

If he is not good at it why does the medical board allow him to continue

doing these surgeries? He just keeps getting sued and keeps paying

higher and higher malpractice insurance. Maybe we need to have a system

where ongoing problems like this are addressed, maybe he is in the wrong

part of medicine and would do better as a PCP, physiatrist or internal

medicine?

So I see 2 issues with the lawsuits, the frivolous ones and the

justified ones where we need to remove the MD from that form of practice.

No one seems to compare with Sweden, France, Germany, Norway... etc...

I would also like to see people get away from the comparisons to England

and Canada. We are not going to adopt their system so it is an

erroneous comparison.

It is interesting how popular " medical tourism " has become. There are

more folks leaving the US to get health care in other countries, but not

very many coming from other countries to the US. In 2007 about 750,000

Americans traveled overseas for their health care. 65,000 Americans

went to International Hospital in Thailand in that 1 year out of the

430,000 international patients they get every year.

So another interesting point is what happens if all Americans get access

to affordable health care? These hospitals in other countries may

suffer from the loss of revenue.

It is good to have a philosophical debate and try to see all sides of an

issue. I remember when I took anthropology and read about the Nacirema

tribe. They seemed like a very unusual tribe of people until I realized

it was American written backwards and I was reading about our culture

from a different perspective :)

Many debates are surrounded by emotions and there is a lot of hatred out

there in this debate. Emotions tend to block us from seeing clearly and

make us biased.

Anyway, here is an interesting quote I've heard many times in the past:

" Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing, after

exhausting all other options. " - Winston Churchill

Hopefully we can do the right thing, whatever form that may take,

without going through the process of " exhausting all other options " .

Wade, PT

Oregon

Chad Yoakam wrote:

>

>

> Good morning everyone!

>

> I've been paying attention, with great interest, to the debate

> surrounding healthcare reform in our country. Things that I don't hear

> much about but, I feel, are well worth addressing are:

>

> 1. Personal responsibility (or the lack thereof) is a major factor in

> the health of each individual and the health of our country. I've seen

> statistics from various sources that estimate $1 to $3 of every $4 spent

> on healthcare in our country is for something that could have been

> prevented. We, as a nation, are very unhealthy in a number of respects

> and we have traditionally operated under a " sick care " system. My

> opinion is that instead of a very small, insignificant amount of money

> being dedicated to wellness and prevention which our Government is now

> proposing to be included in the " reform package " , that personal

> responsibility " reform " be a major topic that receives substantial

> attention and funding in order to change the mindset of the USA. Also,

> keep in mind that we are already seeing patient outcomes as a criteria

> for reimbursement. Very simply a compliant patient (one that takes

> responsibility in their rehab) nearly always has a better outcome than a

> non-compliant patient.

>

> 2. A huge portion of our healthcare costs can be traced back to the

> amount of money healthcare organizations and providers spend on

> liability and malpractice insurance. My belief is that this is largely

> due to the numerous frivolous law-suits and settlements that have been

> awarded by our judicial system. A major reason for this is again

> related to the idea that personal responsibility for one's health (and a

> lot of other things) is a fading ideal in this country. While I have no

> numbers to back this except what my own company pays each year for said

> insurance, common sense tells me that if limitations were set on

> lawsuits and settlements and on the financial prizes that attorneys can

> receive in such cases that our health care costs could be considerably

> less. I suspect due to the lobbying power of the attorneys in our

> country this is not a topic that gets much attention from our government

> or our press.

>

> Some things to think about? Thanks for the opportunity to share!

>

> Chad

>

> Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

>

> Manager of Rehabilitation Services

>

> Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>] On

> Behalf Of Ruesewald

> Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:18 AM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

>

> It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors and

> weights for these factors.

>

> These factors are:

>

> Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability - adjusted

> life

> expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

>

> Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down into

> goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

> smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

>

> Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client

> orientation -

> this last includes amenities available

>

> Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

> income spent on health care

>

> This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

>

> Ruesewald

>

> Therapy Billing

>

> PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

>

> fax

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

> On Behalf

> Of Ric Baird

> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

>

> Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

> please.

>

> Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

> Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

> 4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

> Suite D

> Topeka, KS 66618

> (785)246-2300 (P)

> (785)246-2301 (F)

>

> Interactive Physical Therapy

> 1709 SE 29th Street

> Suite 300-400

> Topeka, KS 66605

> (785)266-4600 (P)

> (785)266-4601 (F)

>

> www.interactiveptandfitness.com

>

> On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

> <alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> > wrote:

>

> > I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from a

> > limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> > therapists.

> >

> > There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> > what we are afraid of and be self critical.

> >

> > Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> > International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the best?

> > And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

> >

> > Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> > health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the care

> > was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> > insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> > better

> > quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

> >

> > Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some others

> > are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> > Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> > view

> > of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist in

> > Canada.

> >

> > Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> > and

> > folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

> >

> > Wade, PT

> > OR

> >

> > Curtis Marti wrote:

> > >

> > >

> > > Mr. s,

> > >

> > > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> > that

> > > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> > Clearly,

> > > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> > only

> > > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> > resubmit

> > > it.

> > >

> > > Thanks again,

> > >

> > > -Curtis

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > >

> > > From: PTManager

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > > [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager

> > %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > > Behalf Of s

> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> > >

> > > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> > > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> > this

> > > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> > families.

> > > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> > this

> > > piece. Thank you.

> > >

> > > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>> >

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>> >>

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > > E. s, PT, DPT

> > > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > > www.douglasspt.com

> > >

> > >

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Exactly. I can probably find at least 2 horror stories for every 1

horror story about the English or Canadian systems.

Still no one ever mentions, any other country such as many of the

European countries, why is that? All I hear is how so many people are

suffering in Canada.

My relatives in Canada seem to enjoy their life there. My sister in law

is a physio and loves their health care system.

Why does Canada have a lower infant mortality rate, why does Canada have

less obesity, why do Canadians live longer?

We need to stop comparing and using scare tactics. We are not adopting

their systems, why try to scare people.

Wade, PT

OR

Eileen Casey wrote:

>

>

> Don't forget that in the U.S. we have our own horror stories of folks

> getting improper treatment or waiting for hours on end in emergency room

> waiting rooms and being found dead when someone finally comes to see

> them.... the much-publicized Los Angeles case where workers ignored a

> woman writhing in pain on the floor of the ER lobby and then was found

> dead when she was finally seen comes to mind.

>

> Eileen Casey, PT

>

> Director of Rehab Services

>

> Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

>

> 17 Belmont Ave

>

> Brattleboro, VT 05301

>

>

>

> ecasey@... <mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org> <mailto:ecasey@...

> <mailto:ecasey%40bmhvt.org>>

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>] On

> Behalf Of alex51057@... <mailto:alex51057%40aol.com>

> Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:38 AM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

>

> Hi all,

>

> I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend and his father, who

> own 2 very large companies in Canada. The father of one of the officer's

> of their company recently broke his hip.? The hospital did not have any

> beds so they placed him in one of the hallways.? They found him dead 3

> days later.?

>

> Second issue,? they travel to Canada every week and were in Canada early

> this spring. The 72 year old president of the company (USA citizen)

> developed atrial fib.? He went to the emergency room, waited all day.

> After some preliminary tests, they were told they do not treat his

> condition if it doesn't last at least 1 week.? He came back to the US,

> had a major problem, which DID need to be treated.

>

> Ivashenko PT DPT OCS CProT

>

> Healthcare Reform

>

> >

>

> > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

>

> > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

>

> > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

>

> > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> this

>

> > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> families.

>

> > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

>

> > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on this

>

> > piece. Thank you.

>

> >

>

> > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>> >

>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>>

>

> > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>> >>

>

> >

>

> > Sincerely,

>

> >

>

> > E. s, PT, DPT

>

> > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

>

> > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

>

> > www.douglasspt.com

>

> >

>

> >

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Rick et al -

In Europe, royalty and Parliaments ruled, asserting that only they could

confer rights -- which they could also withdraw if they could get more votes

or property doing so. Elite oligarchies or families could dictate what was

done with one's resources, possessions, flocks, or even children. That was

not tolerable to hearts yearning for liberty. Our nation was founded to be

different from those others.

Returning to basics, our Founders established a Constitution which

recognized that a strong central government easily becomes a tryanny. Power

is just too tempting, as we have well seen. Every culture in history which

has concentrated massive central power in the hands of a few has declined,

whereas our intentional non-European experiment, enhancing the liberties of

the individual citizens, flourished. We need to preserve our liberties from

further devolving into the hands of elitists and " statists " .

Please understand that I am not speaking for or against either the

Republicans or Democrats, but about Freedom; neither right nor left, but

liberty. I'm speaking on behalf of free men and free women, who exercise

liberty in making their own decisions about issues in their own operating

environment.

The Declaration of Independence (which was written before either the

Articles of Confederation or the Constitution) says: " We hold these truths

to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by

their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,

Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights,

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the

consent of the governed... "

Let's review that again: Governments are instituted to secure the God-given

rights of mankind which were recognized before the discovery of America. To

*secure the rights of the individuals*. So, I have to ask, What is a

primary job of government, other than to assure that the citizens get to

exercise their liberties?

Please don't get me wrong. A lot of people need a better healthcare

insurance plan; Charitable acts are good and noble; Being humanitarian is

a good thing. But disproportionately taking resources from one class of

citizens to provide goods or services for another group or class is not a

legitimate role of our government.

Healthcare is not the job of government: Defending the shores is.

Delivering the mail is (maybe.) and Expanding peoples liberties, staying out

of their business is the job of government. Some of the public discourse

reminds me of a manipulative addicted patient who talks and talks and talks

but never complies with their rehab program. They continuously create

crisis after crisis, diversion after diversion, and then get upset when

their therapist gets back to measuring degrees of ROM, repetitions of

difficult exercises, and distance walked.

This therapist is looking back at the original documents, bypassing the

clamor, and asking:

" 1) Defending the borders, 2) delivering the mail, and 3) ensuring our

individual liberties: How's that working for you? "

Respectfully,

Dick Hillyer, DPT

W. Hillyer,PT,DPT,MBA,MSM

Lee Therapist Group, LLC

Hillyer Consulting

Cape Coral, FL 33914

_____

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf

Of s

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 1:09 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: Healthcare Reform

Hello all, hope this finds you well,

I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome

of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview

and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far

time that we rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I

am very interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

http://www.pbs. <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

Sincerely,

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

This situation is one that I think most aware individuals in our profession have

recognized for years. Notice that one of the executives testifying was Rich

of Golden Rule. Ever read the reviews of his company by policy holders?

They are almost universally TERRIBLE! Trying to get legitimately owed

reimbursement from them is like trying to get blood out of a rock. Do think

Golden Rule is actually going to forced to change its abhorrent policies? Their

abuses have been known for years but nothing of substance has ever been done to

stop them. Notice that the Congressman questioning them is Bart Stupak of

Michigan. Guess who his largest campaign contributor is? Blue Cross Blue

Shield! Do you think he's going to bite the hand that feeds him?

Quite frankly, even if your patients, friends, and families call or write their

Congressmen, their representatives in Congress, for the most part, really don't

care. They are bought and paid for and no longer represent you. They act

entirely in their own self interest. They represent the highest bidder. When

the mail against the bail-outs for banks and other Wall Street entities ran

100:1 against, these Congressmen still voted against their constituents' wishes

and voted for the bail-outs. You no longer live in a democratic republic ...

you live in an executive socialistic plutocracy.

This man explains the situation as candidly as anyone I've come across.

Remember, as far as they (meaning the political ruling and the ultra-wealthy

elite) are concerned, it's ALWAYS about the money.

And if you think you have an alternative by voting in a Republican when the

incumbent is a Democrat or vice versa, think again. In this past election, the

Rockefellers supported Obama and the Rothschilds supported McCain. Heads they

win, tails you lose. Read the Banker's Manifesto of 1893 to understand these

international bankers' strategy.

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread412260/pg1 The last paragraph is

particularly noteworthy.

A parallel situation is present in the healthcare reform debate. The present

system is seriously flawed. The proposed system is seriously flawed. But a

debate raging between the supporters of each takes the focus off the fact that

both will ride on the backs of the middle class. Again, heads they win, tails

you lose. If you notice though, the healthcare debate has taken attention off

the financial crisis and who is responsible for it ... just as intended. The

money being drained from us all by just the Federal Reserve far exceeds the

costs of health care but for same strange reason, reform suddenly has to be

pushed through right now.

How do we change the system? Good question. Here're a few ideas to start:

Organize a 10+ million man/woman march on Washington DC to demand change ...

REAL change, starting with auditing and hopefully dissolving the Federal Reserve

system, auditing the gold reserves in Fort Knox (which most likely are a mere

fraction of what's claimed to be there), establishing government oversight of

organizations such as the DTCC, dissolving secret Treasury Department

organizations such as the Exchange Stabilization Fund which manipulate markets,

enforcing the illegality of naked short selling of gold by government backed

bullion banks, and proceeding from there.

Push for prosecution of every last bankster, brokerage house executive, hedge

fund manager, mortgage company executive, etc. responsible for this present

financial crisis (including such individuals as Hank son who was behind the

Goldman Sachs engineering of this bubble and received a $30,000,000 windfall

profit from selling his stock holdings free of capital gains tax to comply with

laws to avoid conflict-of-interest when taking public office) and push for

RESTITUTION of funds to the American people.

Organize, mobilize support for, and field a viable third party to oust virtually

ALL incumbent bought-and-paid-for politicians on federal and state levels and

replace them with true representatives of the people.

Compile an accurate list of the involved oligarchy so that, when the appropriate

time comes, groups of concerned citizens can approach their personal residences,

respectfully request their presence, and politely ask that they return the funds

they " borrowed " , with interest.

Turn off your TVs. In doing so, you withdraw your support from Wall Street and

stop polluting your mind with the drivel they want you to focus on.

Sell off any investments that support Wall Street. With high frequency trading

and other forms of front end trading, the market is not free, fair, and open.

When companies such as Goldman Sachs have 46 separate trading days of gains of

more than $100 million in the last quarter (a virtual impossibility in any

manner except one in which cheating is involved), you know without a shadow of a

doubt that the market is rigged.

Sit down, relax, and watch a couple of fanciful movies to ease the seriousness

of this all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TLD3Z6sJWA

, PT, OCS

Marquette, MI

Healthcare Reform

Hello all, hope this finds you well,

I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome of

the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview and to

then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far time that we

rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I am very

interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

Sincerely,

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

Share this post

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

This situation is one that I think most aware individuals in our profession have

recognized for years. Notice that one of the executives testifying was Rich

of Golden Rule. Ever read the reviews of his company by policy holders?

They are almost universally TERRIBLE! Trying to get legitimately owed

reimbursement from them is like trying to get blood out of a rock. Do think

Golden Rule is actually going to forced to change its abhorrent policies? Their

abuses have been known for years but nothing of substance has ever been done to

stop them. Notice that the Congressman questioning them is Bart Stupak of

Michigan. Guess who his largest campaign contributor is? Blue Cross Blue

Shield! Do you think he's going to bite the hand that feeds him?

Quite frankly, even if your patients, friends, and families call or write their

Congressmen, their representatives in Congress, for the most part, really don't

care. They are bought and paid for and no longer represent you. They act

entirely in their own self interest. They represent the highest bidder. When

the mail against the bail-outs for banks and other Wall Street entities ran

100:1 against, these Congressmen still voted against their constituents' wishes

and voted for the bail-outs. You no longer live in a democratic republic ...

you live in an executive socialistic plutocracy.

This man explains the situation as candidly as anyone I've come across.

Remember, as far as they (meaning the political ruling and the ultra-wealthy

elite) are concerned, it's ALWAYS about the money.

And if you think you have an alternative by voting in a Republican when the

incumbent is a Democrat or vice versa, think again. In this past election, the

Rockefellers supported Obama and the Rothschilds supported McCain. Heads they

win, tails you lose. Read the Banker's Manifesto of 1893 to understand these

international bankers' strategy.

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread412260/pg1 The last paragraph is

particularly noteworthy.

A parallel situation is present in the healthcare reform debate. The present

system is seriously flawed. The proposed system is seriously flawed. But a

debate raging between the supporters of each takes the focus off the fact that

both will ride on the backs of the middle class. Again, heads they win, tails

you lose. If you notice though, the healthcare debate has taken attention off

the financial crisis and who is responsible for it ... just as intended. The

money being drained from us all by just the Federal Reserve far exceeds the

costs of health care but for same strange reason, reform suddenly has to be

pushed through right now.

How do we change the system? Good question. Here're a few ideas to start:

Organize a 10+ million man/woman march on Washington DC to demand change ...

REAL change, starting with auditing and hopefully dissolving the Federal Reserve

system, auditing the gold reserves in Fort Knox (which most likely are a mere

fraction of what's claimed to be there), establishing government oversight of

organizations such as the DTCC, dissolving secret Treasury Department

organizations such as the Exchange Stabilization Fund which manipulate markets,

enforcing the illegality of naked short selling of gold by government backed

bullion banks, and proceeding from there.

Push for prosecution of every last bankster, brokerage house executive, hedge

fund manager, mortgage company executive, etc. responsible for this present

financial crisis (including such individuals as Hank son who was behind the

Goldman Sachs engineering of this bubble and received a $30,000,000 windfall

profit from selling his stock holdings free of capital gains tax to comply with

laws to avoid conflict-of-interest when taking public office) and push for

RESTITUTION of funds to the American people.

Organize, mobilize support for, and field a viable third party to oust virtually

ALL incumbent bought-and-paid-for politicians on federal and state levels and

replace them with true representatives of the people.

Compile an accurate list of the involved oligarchy so that, when the appropriate

time comes, groups of concerned citizens can approach their personal residences,

respectfully request their presence, and politely ask that they return the funds

they " borrowed " , with interest.

Turn off your TVs. In doing so, you withdraw your support from Wall Street and

stop polluting your mind with the drivel they want you to focus on.

Sell off any investments that support Wall Street. With high frequency trading

and other forms of front end trading, the market is not free, fair, and open.

When companies such as Goldman Sachs have 46 separate trading days of gains of

more than $100 million in the last quarter (a virtual impossibility in any

manner except one in which cheating is involved), you know without a shadow of a

doubt that the market is rigged.

Sit down, relax, and watch a couple of fanciful movies to ease the seriousness

of this all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TLD3Z6sJWA

, PT, OCS

Marquette, MI

Healthcare Reform

Hello all, hope this finds you well,

I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome of

the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview and to

then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far time that we

rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I am very

interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

Sincerely,

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

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Guest guest
Posted

Dick,

The US Constitution, in it's preamble, states " We the People....in order to

form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,

provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare,... " and Article 1,

Section 8: " The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties,

imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and

general welfare of the United States... "

So I would propose that in order to promote the general welfare of it's

citizens, one might stretch to the conclusion that providing health care

services to all it's citizens just might promote their general welfare. And in

order to from a more perfect health care system, that periodic reform might be

necessary. And the Constitution provides for our government the ability to levy

taxes to pay for such benefits.

Both sides of this debate will continue to exert their beliefs, and

unfortunately few will be persuaded to change their stance. Will we ever see

meaningful Health Care Reform? Or will we recreate the inequities that previous

abbreviated attempts have delivered? How many posts have been made to this

listserve over the past few years complaining about therapy caps, coding

inequities, denials of service, patients failing to show when their insurance

runs out, etc? Would anyone disagree that our current Health Care System is less

than perfect? Why can't we as a nation focus on trying to form that perfect

health care system, that would adress the general welfare of it's citizens?

Debate yes, but work constructively to evolve our current dysfunctional system

into a better one.

Not sure if our founding fathers put them in order of priority or not, but in

Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution, the bullet point about

" general welfare " is first while " establish post offices " is seventh. Defining

general welfare is left more up to interpretation than post offices though. go

figure.

W. , PT, MS

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

PTA Program Chair, Baker College of Park

Therapeutics

Chair, Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

david.perry@...

" And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in

your years. "

Abraham Lincoln

" A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. "

Albert Einstein

________________________________

To: PTManager

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 7:25:08 PM

Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

Rick et al -

In Europe, royalty and Parliaments ruled, asserting that only they could

confer rights -- which they could also withdraw if they could get more votes

or property doing so. Elite oligarchies or families could dictate what was

done with one's resources, possessions, flocks, or even children. That was

not tolerable to hearts yearning for liberty. Our nation was founded to be

different from those others.

Returning to basics, our Founders established a Constitution which

recognized that a strong central government easily becomes a tryanny. Power

is just too tempting, as we have well seen. Every culture in history which

has concentrated massive central power in the hands of a few has declined,

whereas our intentional non-European experiment, enhancing the liberties of

the individual citizens, flourished. We need to preserve our liberties from

further devolving into the hands of elitists and " statists " .

Please understand that I am not speaking for or against either the

Republicans or Democrats, but about Freedom; neither right nor left, but

liberty. I'm speaking on behalf of free men and free women, who exercise

liberty in making their own decisions about issues in their own operating

environment.

The Declaration of Independence (which was written before either the

Articles of Confederation or the Constitution) says: " We hold these truths

to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by

their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,

Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights,

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the

consent of the governed... "

Let's review that again: Governments are instituted to secure the God-given

rights of mankind which were recognized before the discovery of America. To

*secure the rights of the individuals* . So, I have to ask, What is a

primary job of government, other than to assure that the citizens get to

exercise their liberties?

Please don't get me wrong. A lot of people need a better healthcare

insurance plan; Charitable acts are good and noble; Being humanitarian is

a good thing. But disproportionately taking resources from one class of

citizens to provide goods or services for another group or class is not a

legitimate role of our government.

Healthcare is not the job of government: Defending the shores is.

Delivering the mail is (maybe.) and Expanding peoples liberties, staying out

of their business is the job of government. Some of the public discourse

reminds me of a manipulative addicted patient who talks and talks and talks

but never complies with their rehab program. They continuously create

crisis after crisis, diversion after diversion, and then get upset when

their therapist gets back to measuring degrees of ROM, repetitions of

difficult exercises, and distance walked.

This therapist is looking back at the original documents, bypassing the

clamor, and asking:

" 1) Defending the borders, 2) delivering the mail, and 3) ensuring our

individual liberties: How's that working for you? "

Respectfully,

Dick Hillyer, DPT

W. Hillyer,PT,DPT, MBA,MSM

Lee Therapist Group, LLC

Hillyer Consulting

Cape Coral, FL 33914

_____

From: PTManager@yahoogrou ps.com [mailto:PTManager@yahoogrou ps.com] On Behalf

Of s

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 1:09 PM

To: PTManager@yahoogrou ps.com

Subject: Healthcare Reform

Hello all, hope this finds you well,

I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome

of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview

and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far

time that we rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I

am very interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

http://www.pbs. <http://www.pbs. org/moyers/ journal/07312009 /watch.html>

org/moyers/journal/ 07312009/ watch.html

Sincerely,

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt. com

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Ric,

I Googled " America's Health Care Rank " and this World Health

Organization article was the first one listed ==>

http://www.who.int/whr/2000/media_centre/press_release/en/index.html.

This WHO article cites the 37th ranking but it is not an article bashing

the U.S. as it illustrates issues in other countries as well. I have

seen the 37th rank and others in that neighborhood in many journals and

articles over the past few years but I don't have them readily available.

--

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

Re: Healthcare Reform

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PTManager/message/46880;_ylc=X3oDMTJybDJoMWVoBF9T\

Azk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzExMDA3ODEEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDYxMzQ3BG1zZ0lkAzQ2ODgwBHNlYwNk\

bXNnBHNsawN2bXNnBHN0aW1lAzEyNTAxNzI3Nzg->

Posted by: " Ric Baird " RBaird5957@...

<mailto:RBaird5957@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Healthcare%20Reform>

Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:10 am (PDT)

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Ric,

I Googled " America's Health Care Rank " and this World Health

Organization article was the first one listed ==>

http://www.who.int/whr/2000/media_centre/press_release/en/index.html.

This WHO article cites the 37th ranking but it is not an article bashing

the U.S. as it illustrates issues in other countries as well. I have

seen the 37th rank and others in that neighborhood in many journals and

articles over the past few years but I don't have them readily available.

--

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

Re: Healthcare Reform

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PTManager/message/46880;_ylc=X3oDMTJybDJoMWVoBF9T\

Azk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzExMDA3ODEEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDYxMzQ3BG1zZ0lkAzQ2ODgwBHNlYwNk\

bXNnBHNsawN2bXNnBHN0aW1lAzEyNTAxNzI3Nzg->

Posted by: " Ric Baird " RBaird5957@...

<mailto:RBaird5957@...?Subject=%20Re%3A%20Healthcare%20Reform>

Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:10 am (PDT)

Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

please.

Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

Suite D

Topeka, KS 66618

(785)246-2300 (P)

(785)246-2301 (F)

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Guest guest
Posted

I personally believe ONE of the roles of government is to see to the well

being of ALL its citizens. The current economic conditions exemplify the

effect of laissez-faire policies.

The health care debate is about how to make the current system better,

lowering costs and giving everyone a reasonable option for quality health

insurance. I just don't understand all the " noise " about socialism and

patriotism. These noisemakers need to engage in civil discourse to help make

life better for ALL Americans.

--

Cleve J., PT

Change what you cannot accept.

The less you know, the more you believe.

Bono

" Common sense is not so common. " -- Voltaire

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

I personally believe ONE of the roles of government is to see to the well

being of ALL its citizens. The current economic conditions exemplify the

effect of laissez-faire policies.

The health care debate is about how to make the current system better,

lowering costs and giving everyone a reasonable option for quality health

insurance. I just don't understand all the " noise " about socialism and

patriotism. These noisemakers need to engage in civil discourse to help make

life better for ALL Americans.

--

Cleve J., PT

Change what you cannot accept.

The less you know, the more you believe.

Bono

" Common sense is not so common. " -- Voltaire

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Dick,

I appreciate the conversation, you know I always value your insight and input.

As amazing a document as the Declaration of Independence is and was it is not

without it's flaws and inconsistencies. Take, for example, the line " all men

are created equal " , sounds great, but, in 1776, the definition of " all men " was

quite narrow and included only heterosexual, white males, mostly of English

descent, it certainly did not include blacks, American Indians, or females of

any race. It has taken centuries of struggle and yes, government intervention,

in the form of amendments to that great constitution to ensure ALL men (and

women) are treated as equals and many would argue that we are still a long way

from achieving true equality.

Given your position on the limited role government should play in our lives, and

I agree with you on this issue in many aspects, I would value your opinion on

the Medicare program. Do you feel Medicare has been successful in providing

health care options for the seniors of this country or do you feel we would all

be better off, and the system would work better, if those over 65 were forced to

fend for themselves in the open market when purchasing health care insurance?

Thanks again, Dick, and the rest of the posters here, for the debate.

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

>

> Rick et al -

>

> In Europe, royalty and Parliaments ruled, asserting that only they could

> confer rights -- which they could also withdraw if they could get more votes

> or property doing so. Elite oligarchies or families could dictate what was

> done with one's resources, possessions, flocks, or even children. That was

> not tolerable to hearts yearning for liberty. Our nation was founded to be

> different from those others.

>

> Returning to basics, our Founders established a Constitution which

> recognized that a strong central government easily becomes a tryanny. Power

> is just too tempting, as we have well seen. Every culture in history which

> has concentrated massive central power in the hands of a few has declined,

> whereas our intentional non-European experiment, enhancing the liberties of

> the individual citizens, flourished. We need to preserve our liberties from

> further devolving into the hands of elitists and " statists " .

>

> Please understand that I am not speaking for or against either the

> Republicans or Democrats, but about Freedom; neither right nor left, but

> liberty. I'm speaking on behalf of free men and free women, who exercise

> liberty in making their own decisions about issues in their own operating

> environment.

>

> The Declaration of Independence (which was written before either the

> Articles of Confederation or the Constitution) says: " We hold these truths

> to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by

> their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,

> Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights,

> Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the

> consent of the governed... "

>

> Let's review that again: Governments are instituted to secure the God-given

> rights of mankind which were recognized before the discovery of America. To

> *secure the rights of the individuals*. So, I have to ask, What is a

> primary job of government, other than to assure that the citizens get to

> exercise their liberties?

>

> Please don't get me wrong. A lot of people need a better healthcare

> insurance plan; Charitable acts are good and noble; Being humanitarian is

> a good thing. But disproportionately taking resources from one class of

> citizens to provide goods or services for another group or class is not a

> legitimate role of our government.

>

> Healthcare is not the job of government: Defending the shores is.

> Delivering the mail is (maybe.) and Expanding peoples liberties, staying out

> of their business is the job of government. Some of the public discourse

> reminds me of a manipulative addicted patient who talks and talks and talks

> but never complies with their rehab program. They continuously create

> crisis after crisis, diversion after diversion, and then get upset when

> their therapist gets back to measuring degrees of ROM, repetitions of

> difficult exercises, and distance walked.

>

> This therapist is looking back at the original documents, bypassing the

> clamor, and asking:

> " 1) Defending the borders, 2) delivering the mail, and 3) ensuring our

> individual liberties: How's that working for you? "

>

> Respectfully,

> Dick Hillyer, DPT

>

>

>

>

> W. Hillyer,PT,DPT,MBA,MSM

> Lee Therapist Group, LLC

> Hillyer Consulting

> Cape Coral, FL 33914

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf

> Of s

> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 1:09 PM

> To: PTManager

> Subject: Healthcare Reform

>

>

>

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome

> of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview

> and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far

> time that we rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I

> am very interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs. <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Dick,

I appreciate the conversation, you know I always value your insight and input.

As amazing a document as the Declaration of Independence is and was it is not

without it's flaws and inconsistencies. Take, for example, the line " all men

are created equal " , sounds great, but, in 1776, the definition of " all men " was

quite narrow and included only heterosexual, white males, mostly of English

descent, it certainly did not include blacks, American Indians, or females of

any race. It has taken centuries of struggle and yes, government intervention,

in the form of amendments to that great constitution to ensure ALL men (and

women) are treated as equals and many would argue that we are still a long way

from achieving true equality.

Given your position on the limited role government should play in our lives, and

I agree with you on this issue in many aspects, I would value your opinion on

the Medicare program. Do you feel Medicare has been successful in providing

health care options for the seniors of this country or do you feel we would all

be better off, and the system would work better, if those over 65 were forced to

fend for themselves in the open market when purchasing health care insurance?

Thanks again, Dick, and the rest of the posters here, for the debate.

E. s, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

www.douglasspt.com

>

> Rick et al -

>

> In Europe, royalty and Parliaments ruled, asserting that only they could

> confer rights -- which they could also withdraw if they could get more votes

> or property doing so. Elite oligarchies or families could dictate what was

> done with one's resources, possessions, flocks, or even children. That was

> not tolerable to hearts yearning for liberty. Our nation was founded to be

> different from those others.

>

> Returning to basics, our Founders established a Constitution which

> recognized that a strong central government easily becomes a tryanny. Power

> is just too tempting, as we have well seen. Every culture in history which

> has concentrated massive central power in the hands of a few has declined,

> whereas our intentional non-European experiment, enhancing the liberties of

> the individual citizens, flourished. We need to preserve our liberties from

> further devolving into the hands of elitists and " statists " .

>

> Please understand that I am not speaking for or against either the

> Republicans or Democrats, but about Freedom; neither right nor left, but

> liberty. I'm speaking on behalf of free men and free women, who exercise

> liberty in making their own decisions about issues in their own operating

> environment.

>

> The Declaration of Independence (which was written before either the

> Articles of Confederation or the Constitution) says: " We hold these truths

> to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by

> their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,

> Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights,

> Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the

> consent of the governed... "

>

> Let's review that again: Governments are instituted to secure the God-given

> rights of mankind which were recognized before the discovery of America. To

> *secure the rights of the individuals*. So, I have to ask, What is a

> primary job of government, other than to assure that the citizens get to

> exercise their liberties?

>

> Please don't get me wrong. A lot of people need a better healthcare

> insurance plan; Charitable acts are good and noble; Being humanitarian is

> a good thing. But disproportionately taking resources from one class of

> citizens to provide goods or services for another group or class is not a

> legitimate role of our government.

>

> Healthcare is not the job of government: Defending the shores is.

> Delivering the mail is (maybe.) and Expanding peoples liberties, staying out

> of their business is the job of government. Some of the public discourse

> reminds me of a manipulative addicted patient who talks and talks and talks

> but never complies with their rehab program. They continuously create

> crisis after crisis, diversion after diversion, and then get upset when

> their therapist gets back to measuring degrees of ROM, repetitions of

> difficult exercises, and distance walked.

>

> This therapist is looking back at the original documents, bypassing the

> clamor, and asking:

> " 1) Defending the borders, 2) delivering the mail, and 3) ensuring our

> individual liberties: How's that working for you? "

>

> Respectfully,

> Dick Hillyer, DPT

>

>

>

>

> W. Hillyer,PT,DPT,MBA,MSM

> Lee Therapist Group, LLC

> Hillyer Consulting

> Cape Coral, FL 33914

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf

> Of s

> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 1:09 PM

> To: PTManager

> Subject: Healthcare Reform

>

>

>

>

> Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter, former

> vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the outcome

> of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch this interview

> and to then forward it to your patients, friends and families. It is far

> time that we rescue health care from the grips of the insurance industry. I

> am very interested to hear your opinions on this piece. Thank you.

>

> http://www.pbs. <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

>

> Sincerely,

>

> E. s, PT, DPT

> Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> www.douglasspt.com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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Guest guest   

Guest guest
Posted

Wade,

I think that the need for eliminating frivolous lawsuits is something

that most people on both sides of this issue can agree upon. On another

note, you wrote, " In 2007 about 750,000 Americans traveled overseas for

their health care. 65,000 Americans went to International Hospital in

Thailand in that 1 year out of the 430,000 international patients they

get every year. " While I'm not certain of the total numbers of

admissions, I can say that Thailand is a main hub of missionary work

that serves as a springboard to all of the surrounding countries where

Christians are often persecuted (Myanmar, Loas, Cambodia, etc). The

Americans that receive healthcare at the International Hospital are

often American citizens who are taking up residence in Thailand versus

traveling there specifically for their healthcare needs. Just like many

other areas of the world, you can get great healthcare at the

International Hospital of Thailand, if you have the money to do so. It

just so happens that the standard of living in Thailand is so much less

expensive than the USA that comparatively, it is much more affordable.

The way that we resolve the expense of our healthcare system is healthy

competition, deregulation, and tort reform. Keeping the government out,

will allow for the free market to drive improved efficiencies, drive

down costs, and make the best healthcare in the world more accessible to

those who need it.

Thanks,

Curtis

________________________________

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On

Behalf Of Alliance Physical Therapy

Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 1:44 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

You make a good point about the frivolous lawsuits. I heard an

interview with 2 investigative journalists 4 or 5 years ago who wrote a

book called " Critical Condition: How Health Care in America Became Big

Business--and Bad Medicine " . While I intended to get the book and read

it, I never did. However they covered all areas including the frivolous

lawsuits. We also must ask why is it bad doctors continue to practice

despite multiple lawsuits over the years? I'm sure many in this group

know of examples. I know of a surgeon that I was warned about by the

PT's when I started a new job at a hospital 7 years ago. They talked

about the poor outcomes of his patients and the ongoing lawsuits. He is

still doing back surgeries and was out one day a couple weeks ago for a

deposition.

If he is not good at it why does the medical board allow him to continue

doing these surgeries? He just keeps getting sued and keeps paying

higher and higher malpractice insurance. Maybe we need to have a system

where ongoing problems like this are addressed, maybe he is in the wrong

part of medicine and would do better as a PCP, physiatrist or internal

medicine?

So I see 2 issues with the lawsuits, the frivolous ones and the

justified ones where we need to remove the MD from that form of

practice.

No one seems to compare with Sweden, France, Germany, Norway... etc...

I would also like to see people get away from the comparisons to England

and Canada. We are not going to adopt their system so it is an

erroneous comparison.

It is interesting how popular " medical tourism " has become. There are

more folks leaving the US to get health care in other countries, but not

very many coming from other countries to the US. In 2007 about 750,000

Americans traveled overseas for their health care. 65,000 Americans

went to International Hospital in Thailand in that 1 year out of the

430,000 international patients they get every year.

So another interesting point is what happens if all Americans get access

to affordable health care? These hospitals in other countries may

suffer from the loss of revenue.

It is good to have a philosophical debate and try to see all sides of an

issue. I remember when I took anthropology and read about the Nacirema

tribe. They seemed like a very unusual tribe of people until I realized

it was American written backwards and I was reading about our culture

from a different perspective :)

Many debates are surrounded by emotions and there is a lot of hatred out

there in this debate. Emotions tend to block us from seeing clearly and

make us biased.

Anyway, here is an interesting quote I've heard many times in the past:

" Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing, after

exhausting all other options. " - Winston Churchill

Hopefully we can do the right thing, whatever form that may take,

without going through the process of " exhausting all other options " .

Wade, PT

Oregon

Chad Yoakam wrote:

>

>

> Good morning everyone!

>

> I've been paying attention, with great interest, to the debate

> surrounding healthcare reform in our country. Things that I don't hear

> much about but, I feel, are well worth addressing are:

>

> 1. Personal responsibility (or the lack thereof) is a major factor in

> the health of each individual and the health of our country. I've seen

> statistics from various sources that estimate $1 to $3 of every $4

spent

> on healthcare in our country is for something that could have been

> prevented. We, as a nation, are very unhealthy in a number of respects

> and we have traditionally operated under a " sick care " system. My

> opinion is that instead of a very small, insignificant amount of money

> being dedicated to wellness and prevention which our Government is now

> proposing to be included in the " reform package " , that personal

> responsibility " reform " be a major topic that receives substantial

> attention and funding in order to change the mindset of the USA. Also,

> keep in mind that we are already seeing patient outcomes as a criteria

> for reimbursement. Very simply a compliant patient (one that takes

> responsibility in their rehab) nearly always has a better outcome than

a

> non-compliant patient.

>

> 2. A huge portion of our healthcare costs can be traced back to the

> amount of money healthcare organizations and providers spend on

> liability and malpractice insurance. My belief is that this is largely

> due to the numerous frivolous law-suits and settlements that have been

> awarded by our judicial system. A major reason for this is again

> related to the idea that personal responsibility for one's health (and

a

> lot of other things) is a fading ideal in this country. While I have

no

> numbers to back this except what my own company pays each year for

said

> insurance, common sense tells me that if limitations were set on

> lawsuits and settlements and on the financial prizes that attorneys

can

> receive in such cases that our health care costs could be considerably

> less. I suspect due to the lobbying power of the attorneys in our

> country this is not a topic that gets much attention from our

government

> or our press.

>

> Some things to think about? Thanks for the opportunity to share!

>

> Chad

>

> Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

>

> Manager of Rehabilitation Services

>

> Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>] On

> Behalf Of Ruesewald

> Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:18 AM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: RE: Healthcare Reform

>

> It is from the World Health Organization and it is based on factors

and

> weights for these factors.

>

> These factors are:

>

> Overall Level of Health - WHO used the measure of disability -

adjusted

> life

> expectancy (this includes homicide rates and accidental death rate)

>

> Distribution of Health in the Populations - these were broken down

into

> goodness, best attainable average level of health care, and fairness,

> smallest feasible differences among individual and groups

>

> Responsiveness - which include respect for persons and client

> orientation -

> this last includes amenities available

>

> Distribution of Financing - which includes the percentage of household

> income spent on health care

>

> This report was done in 2000. There were concerns over the results.

>

> Ruesewald

>

> Therapy Billing

>

> PO Box 880 , Lake Dallas , TX 75065

>

> fax

>

> From: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> [mailto:PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com> ]

> On Behalf

> Of Ric Baird

> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

> To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: Re: Healthcare Reform

>

> Seriously, 37th in the world? Could you provide me that reference

> please.

>

> Ric Baird, MS, PT, ATC

> Interactive Physical Therapy & Fitness

> 4745 NW Hunters Ridge Circle

> Suite D

> Topeka, KS 66618

> (785)246-2300 (P)

> (785)246-2301 (F)

>

> Interactive Physical Therapy

> 1709 SE 29th Street

> Suite 300-400

> Topeka, KS 66605

> (785)266-4600 (P)

> (785)266-4601 (F)

>

> www.interactiveptandfitness.com

>

> On Aug 12, 2009, at 6:58 PM, Alliance Physical Therapy

> <alliancept@... <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

<mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> <mailto:alliancept%40alliancept.us>

> > wrote:

>

> > I think it is very important to consider the whole picture not from

a

> > limited perspective such as the small piece of the puzzle we see as

> > therapists.

> >

> > There seems to be a lot of fear around this issue. We need to assess

> > what we are afraid of and be self critical.

> >

> > Why do we rank 37th in the world for quality of care? Why is

> > International Hospital in Bangkok Thailand considered one of the

best?

> > And why are some US doctors leaving to work there?

> >

> > Why did I see some people I know flying to other countries for their

> > health care? They come back with stories about how wonderful the

care

> > was and how much cheaper it is for them. These are folks without

> > insurance and pay cash, so they leave the US for less expensive,

> > better

> > quality care. In the opinion of 4 people I've known to do that.

> >

> > Why not travel to other countries and see first hand what some

others

> > are doing? My wife and I spent a couple of weeks traveling around BC

> > Canada touring hospitals and visiting relatives to get an insiders

> > view

> > of their health care system. My sister in law is a physiotherapist

in

> > Canada.

> >

> > Anyway, it is easy to judge and repeat what we are told by the media

> > and

> > folks with an agenda. Where is the unbiased info?

> >

> > Wade, PT

> > OR

> >

> > Curtis Marti wrote:

> > >

> > >

> > > Mr. s,

> > >

> > > Thank you for the posting. Although I disagree, I'm always open to

> > > considering the views of others. I'm disappointed that the posting

> > that

> > > I submitted two weeks ago was not sent out on the list serve.

> > Clearly,

> > > my posting portrayed an opposing position on this issue and I can

> > only

> > > hope that it was an unintentional oversight. I will attempt to

> > resubmit

> > > it.

> > >

> > > Thanks again,

> > >

> > > -Curtis

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > >

> > > From: PTManager

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > > [mailto:PTManager

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager

> > %40yahoogroups.com>] On

> > > Behalf Of s

> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:09 PM

> > > To: PTManager <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

<mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> <mailto:PTManager%40yahoogroups.com>

> > > Subject: Healthcare Reform

> > >

> > > Hello all, hope this finds you well,

> > > I wanted to share a link to an interview with Wendell Potter,

former

> > > vice-president of Cigna. I urge all of you with an interest in the

> > > outcome of the current healthcare debate to take the time to watch

> > this

> > > interview and to then forward it to your patients, friends and

> > families.

> > > It is far time that we rescue health care from the grips of the

> > > insurance industry. I am very interested to hear your opinions on

> > this

> > > piece. Thank you.

> > >

> > > http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >> >

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >>

> > > <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html>

> <http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

<http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html> >> >>

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > > E. s, PT, DPT

> > > Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

> > > Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

> > > www.douglasspt.com

> > >

> > >

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