Healthcare: Agree on All Points, Unsure of Direction

I come at the healthcare reform debate as a mom of two young kids. As the spouse of a government employee, we are fortunate enough to have excellent health insurance. We have lived in two countries and experienced first-hand their socialized medical systems. (It worked for those countries and for us--who didn't pay into the system as diplomats. Not sure how it would work here).

I agree that our healthcare system is in shambles and needs reform.

I agree that other less developed countries have better systems.

I agree that many Americans will not stand for the lengthy queues these countries have for medical care. (Believe me, I saw plenty of "take a number" in both Sweden and Qatar. And you waited . . . a long time.)

I agree that doctors order too many tests.

I agree that doctors often ignore patients when they know something is really wrong.

I agree that socialized medicine may not be an exact fit for Americans.

I agree that Americans need to do a better job at taking care of themselves.

I agree our doctors prescribe way too many drugs.

I agree we often ask for the drugs as a quick fix.

I agree doctors in other countries spend more time getting to know their patients and actually listen to them/read the charts.

I agree that all children should have insurance.

I agree that everyone has a right to some kind of insurance.

I agree that insurance companies are to blame for much of the mess.

I agree that insurance companies should be held accountable, as should doctors. And while we going down that road....so should patients.

I agree that I'm not ready to pay 50% or more in taxes.

I agree we may have too many specialists and not enough doctors who really understand and want to solve the whole puzzle.

I agree Americans are living longer and this is putting stress on the system.

I agree many people will abuse the system.

I agree that doctors started out with good intentions, many trying to do the right thing, but in the end nickle and diming people gets them the extra money they need (that they lose) from the insurance companies.

I agree that Americans need better maternity leave.

I agree doctors are fed up with the mess.

I agree that patients are fed up with everything.

I agree that the whole world is watching and waiting on what we'll do.

Unfortunately, I agree on all accounts and yet have no idea what the solution may be. I think our entire medical system (and probably us) will need to readjust our expectations when it comes to healthcare. If we want better care, we'll pay more and perhaps wait longer to get it. There may be less tests ordered, but more recommendations on better eating and exercising. Perhaps less medication will be prescribed and more people will be forced to change their health lifestyle in a certain way. At the onset of symptoms, people will need to heed the warning and see a doctor and on the flip side, know when cold really is just a cold.

I have no idea where to go from here, except that is has to be up.

Original DC Metro Moms post.

Linda writes about having her kids close together at Baby Bunching. She is lucky to have birthed one of her two children overseas (yes, it was better here!) and unlucky to have visited many ERs in different countries.