For years, I have been writing anyone and everyone I can think of with examples of what I see as unfair business practices or advantages given to corporations at the expense of the people and patients I treat. More often than not, I receive no response or answers to my concerns and the problem just seems to continue unchecked. Its as if those in a position to do something don't care and have other agendas.
One example was that of the former head of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Mike Levitt. In a letter to Congress in November 2007,Mr. Leavitt defended the practice of reimbursing Medicare Advantage Plans ( run by insurance company's ) a higher pay rate than that of traditional Medicare providers (doctors), going as far as stating that he would veto any attempt at reducing or cutting payment rates to these HMO's. This despite the fact that the GAO and other watch dog groups had shown that the extra amount in payments amounted to a waste of limited funds. Although this stance by a powerful politician made no sense, it is another example of the difficulties and road blocks one finds and comes up against in healthcare.
Another example is that of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who after his term as Governor, while his brother remained President, was given a lucrative $474,000 for 13 days work with troubled hospital chain, Tenet Healthcare.
If we are to ReStructure Healthcare and stop waste and abuse, our government should pass laws that prohibit or restrict government appointees from acting as lobbyists during the their prior administration. The President or Government should pass legislation that would prevent prior administration employees from using their connections and contacts to solicit favors on behalf of industry and corporations who employ them. The playing field needs to be equaled and the people need to be placed above any and all special interests.
As physicians in private practice, we have no one to hear our concerns or answer our questions. We are treated considered insignificant despite the fact that we are the eyes and ears of patients.