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How a push to cut costs and boost profits at surgery centers led to a trail of death.
USA Today ^ | 3/2/2018 | Christina Jewett, Kaiser Health News

Posted on 03/02/2018 8:37:17 AM PST by sodpoodle

Edited on 03/02/2018 9:16:51 AM PST by Sidebar Moderator. [history]

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: article; long
Choose wisely.
1 posted on 03/02/2018 8:37:17 AM PST by sodpoodle
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To: sodpoodle
Choose wisely

Do people who are insured always get to choose?

2 posted on 03/02/2018 8:44:56 AM PST by grania (Deplorable and Proud of It!)
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To: sodpoodle

Stay away from doctors as much as possible.


3 posted on 03/02/2018 8:46:57 AM PST by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizen Means Born Here of Citizen Parents__Know Islam, No Peace-No Islam, Know Peace)
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To: sodpoodle

Just when you think that there’s no real need for personal injury lawyers...


4 posted on 03/02/2018 8:49:08 AM PST by Leaning Right (I have already previewed or do not wish to preview this composition.)
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To: grania

Unaware of any Health Insurance plans that would require surgery be performed in a Surgical Center versus a certified Hospital.


5 posted on 03/02/2018 8:55:10 AM PST by sodpoodle (Life is prickly - carry tweezers)
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To: grania

That’s an interesting question. I believe if you are on Medicare, the push is on for you to now have your procedure in a surgery center instead of a hospital to cut costs.


6 posted on 03/02/2018 9:00:27 AM PST by Gerish (Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.)
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To: sodpoodle

I had a back surgery just after Thanksgiving at a Surgical Clinic. It was running like a well oiled, very complicated machine the day I was there. Their pace was unbelievable!


7 posted on 03/02/2018 9:27:55 AM PST by Delta 21 (Build The Wall !! Jail The Cankle !!)
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To: sodpoodle

“Choose wisely.”

Same day Surgery units are here to stay. They offer economical and probably safer places to have surgery versus the old in the hospitals stays with virulent bugs with tattoos and hair on their chests.

The key with any same day care is how well trained the staff are at the unit, and who is taking care of the patient at home. In this case, also, who is on backup call as an md.

A couple of years ago a neighbor in his late 30’s had same day back surgery at a prime hospital. He is doing great now.

The wife, who provided the care at home also had 4 teenagers at home to deal with during her husband’s three week protocols post op. A SIL was able to come and help during part of that time. The wife is a very capable woman, and she was put over her limits with her husband’s post op care and managing the teenagers.

Our church has a miniature Meals on Wheels Program for members needing help with meals. Last year we delivered more meals to families after same day care surgery procedures, than any other group. One recent example was a young couple with a 3 year old and new born. The new born was healthy at birth and may have got the flu or some other. She spent a week at the local neo natal care, and the NNC doc and regular Ped recommended that she go home for care with visiting RNs.

My wife and I took over meals for two days. The parents, who are strong young loving people were dragging. The woman’s mother was due to come help in a couple of days. The 3 year was bored and restless. We told the people in charge of the meals to deliver for another week at least. They did.

One final observation. My wife had a cataract replaced in same day care this Monday. Besides giving post op meds 4+ times a day. She can’t lift anything over 7 pounds, tie her shoes and stand more than a few minutes. We are doing okay. She had made stew for two days before her operation, and I’m a fairly good cook.

She had the operation this Monday, and on Tuesday morning, we were at the local clinic for post op observations and followup. A lot of the people, who had cataracts removed were there. Two of the care givers looked worse than the patients.

One is a woman we know in her late 40’s and her Dad in his late 80’s was the patient. He is a tough old guy and hard to deal without surgery. She told her sisters that they had to come and stay for a few days until she recovered. One is coming for this weekend and the other for the first part of next week.

One couple, the wife had the surgery and her semi helpless husband looked lost and really helpless. He said he needed help cooking. My wife recommended the Blue Apron Program or Raley’s meals for two. Everything is included in each day’s package. You slice/dice and simple prep each meal for two.

Last but not least, in the same day surgery post op, an RN went over the 3 week post op protocol for my wife with me. She had me sign and initial it stating I understood what was needed. She gave a copy to me and a copy to my wife.

That paper and a sticker note had a 24 hour hotline for me to call if my wife started having problems.


8 posted on 03/02/2018 9:34:58 AM PST by Grampa Dave (Never pick a fight with an angry beehive of 63+ million Trump Deplorables. You will lose!)
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To: Delta 21

The article goes back and forth between pros and cons. Every health care facility differs - in location, personnel, procedures, access, cost etc., so stay informed and choose wisely. Especially if you have health issues.


9 posted on 03/02/2018 9:40:44 AM PST by sodpoodle (Life is prickly - carry tweezers)
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To: sodpoodle

I ask because I only have Medicare Part A and I don’t have dental insurance. It seems that I have choices while those who have insurance most often don’t.


10 posted on 03/02/2018 10:00:25 AM PST by grania (Deplorable and Proud of It!)
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To: Gerish

You are essentially right, but it’s more so people on “Medicare Advantage plans” who get pushed into surgical centers. People who are on the original Medicare plan have a much greater choice.


11 posted on 03/02/2018 10:24:33 AM PST by LongWayHome
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To: sodpoodle

Back surgery has about a 35% chance of success and averages 80 to 100k. It is the health care racket of the day. Back surgical centers told the Lilly for docs taking it in on this scam.

If you would avoid a conflict of interest don’t have one. These docs do have one and it is shameful.


12 posted on 03/02/2018 5:06:12 PM PST by Sequoyah101 (It feels like we have exchanged our dreams for survival. We just have a few days that don't suck.)
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