Medical Nonconformist

I'm sixty years old and don't take pharmaceutical drugs. Haven't purchased medical insurance in twenty-three years. What happens if I get sick? Research mode starts. What can I do to alleviate the issue? A trail of natural cures normally leads to health restoration. If not, I seek the counsel of a medical professional. Cash is paid. A complicated system gets simple.

Recently, I've been shuttling family members to Doctor's offices, emergency rooms and hospitals. What a long, strange trip  it's been.

I'm sitting in a Doctor's waiting room listening to an infomercial from a drug company. The incessant message drones on, do you have aches, pains, depression, anxiety, rashes, sexual issues, constipation etc.? Don't worry, be happy. We have just the pill for you. Back to reality, a brief consultation with an MD points us to the emergency room.

I'm escorting an 82 year old man who wobbles to the counter. He is greeted be a series of questions: "How may I help you?" " What drugs are you on" "What meds are you allergic to?" Incoherency permeates. A computer file is created. Time for some tests: vitals, blood, urine, ultra-sound are done in a flash.  Now, let's  wait a few hours for the Doctor to arrive. An IV is hooked up to keep the patient nourished while the clock ticks. Finally, a relief Doctor appears. A brief outline of possible issues is presented. "Let's keep you overnight, your regular MD will see you in the morning. The hospital is next.

A room with a view. More questions, "What drugs are you on? Don't worry we will take care of everything." "Has the insurance person been in to see you yet?" The night passes. Morning arrives. The Doctor is MIA. More tests fill the time. Seven hours later the good Doctor makes a cameo. Surgery is required. "I have a guy but today is Friday it will have to wait until Monday. In the meantime, we will do some more tests."

The patient is on Medicare and is covered by supplemental insurance. The Hospital is a profit-driven corporation. The CEO made twenty-one million dollars in 2012. The meter is running. I fill the time wondering if this is the best we can do.