General Discussion

by the urgent care clinics I went to first—once for kidney stones (urgent care clinics here wont treat severe pain) and the other for high blood pressure they deemed ER-worthy because of stroke risk.

When I was in the waiting room with the stones, I was waiting where I could hear reception as they triaged everyone. About half the people were sent away having been given directions to the closest urgent care clinic. A good thing, if you ask me.

I said something to my nurse on my second trip about being surprised at the number of people trying to be seen at the ER. That’s when he told me about “frequent flyers.” They are people who show up very often, sometimes almost daily, to the ER. He said many are mental, many are substance abusers, some are just lonely, some think the ER is for any real or perceived ailment, and some have no money think the ER must treat them. It’s basically the bar scene in Star Wars but with patients and patient-wannabes.

Even if the govt gave everyone coverage, it doesnt mean people will take dr visits and more cancers possibly found. Ultimately, each adult has to be responsible for seeking out care. I like putting the purchasing power and decision-making in the hands of the patient by giving them control over enough funds for purchasing good basic healthcare. Besides giving them access to good care and allowing them to shop around, my theory is healthcare providers would have to compete for patients, thereby helping control costs. Hopefully, many fewer people would be needed to administer the process on the govt and helthcare providers’ sides.

For sure, there is so much to consider. It might take trying many things.