Terminalxylem
Footballguy
Just got back from the vet. Cat has a heart murmur that was discovered on routine exam. It doesn't appear to be anything serious, but was eye opening to see how much better their system operates than our medical care.
Key differences I noticed:
1. Checking in was a single piece of paper, which included all the medical history, contact information and consent for care. There also was a statement about aggressive of care (code status). No HIPAA, insurance info, etc. The same process probably requires about 10 pages for humans, and much, much more if you consider advance directives.
2. I saw the specialist directly, without requiring a referral. The appointment was made within a week. You'd have to be hospitalized to get it done so quickly.
3. The cardiologist did her exam and heart ultrasound (echo) in about 30 minutes. The same procedure in people takes way longer.
4. They gave me an estimate of the bill before performing the procedure. This would never happen if I went to the doctor. While it wasn't cheap ~$600, I shudder to think how much this same service would cost for me.
5. They gave me a copy of the echo report. I'd have to fill out more release paperwork and probably have a fee tacked on for my own records.
6. I paid the same day via credit card. Not multiple bills from the facility, specialist and test that I'd likely receive if I had the same procedure. Not to mention indescipherable piles of mail from insurers.
I realize people are more complex, and our care is more pricey, but is there any reason some of these practices can't be adopted for our medical care?
Key differences I noticed:
1. Checking in was a single piece of paper, which included all the medical history, contact information and consent for care. There also was a statement about aggressive of care (code status). No HIPAA, insurance info, etc. The same process probably requires about 10 pages for humans, and much, much more if you consider advance directives.
2. I saw the specialist directly, without requiring a referral. The appointment was made within a week. You'd have to be hospitalized to get it done so quickly.
3. The cardiologist did her exam and heart ultrasound (echo) in about 30 minutes. The same procedure in people takes way longer.
4. They gave me an estimate of the bill before performing the procedure. This would never happen if I went to the doctor. While it wasn't cheap ~$600, I shudder to think how much this same service would cost for me.
5. They gave me a copy of the echo report. I'd have to fill out more release paperwork and probably have a fee tacked on for my own records.
6. I paid the same day via credit card. Not multiple bills from the facility, specialist and test that I'd likely receive if I had the same procedure. Not to mention indescipherable piles of mail from insurers.
I realize people are more complex, and our care is more pricey, but is there any reason some of these practices can't be adopted for our medical care?
