Dr. Lissa: An Introduction To Your Healthcare Examiner

Hello and welcome to my Examiner page about health care, the mess we're in and what you can do to even the playing field.  I say that because most of us are at a disadvantage when it comes to receiving and paying for care. 

What I hope to do here is discuss aspects of health care where my experience, contacts and knowledge will shed some light on what has become the most expensive accident our country has known. 

 I"ll keep the introduction short, but I think it's important for you to know that I have been involved with this system for the past 30+ years.  I've been a bedside nurse in large and small hospitals, a manager at clinical sites and in managed care, and an entrepreneur in a small health care business.  While I wouldn't say I have seen it all, I've seen enough.  Health care is changing and it's not changing for the better, either.  Now, I'm teaching in a university school of nursing, working through students to mentor and foster change so they'll be ready when it happens.  I want you to have the same information, so you can navigate the system.

Have you ever bought a car or a house?  Most of us have at some point in our lives.  Not usually a fun experience, but one in which we feel somewhat informed, thanks to readily available information. 

What if I told you that you will spend more money on health care in your lifetime than you will on cars and if you're like most people, houses?  It's true.  Not only is health care expensive, but we will spend an inordinate amount of money on it either directly or indirectly during our lifetime. 

We all ask for services with the belief that we will be well taken care of for a reasonable price.  That's because we trust our health care providers and the hospitals and clinics where we receive treatment.  We don't always trust the car salesman or the realtor. 

So should you trust your doctor, nurse or other provider?  Yes and no.  You should be able to trust that they know what they're talking about unless proven otherwise.  Often they want to work with you and expect that you will know what your goals are and how committed you are to achieving them. 

 You should not go in with blind faith however, and believe the doctor, nurse, etc. "knows best" and will always work in your best interest.  They're people just like we are.  Sometimes they don't know what's best or even what to do. And as people, they often work to their best interest first.  Sound shocking? Welcome to health care!

As your Healthcare Examiner, I hope to kick the tires and look under the hood so to speak.  Let me know if you have questions, thoughts or experiences to share.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you!