<p>you betcha! And that is exactly why it is so hard to get a residency- talk about a restricted line! But then if kp went to USMMA, we all know he is too good a guy not to do something absolutely wonderful and altruistic and stick with his previously owned vehicle! He’s headed for a nobel prize for USMMA!!!</p>
<p>kp…</p>
<p>Actually, my suggestion about radiology was sort of tongue-in-cheek.</p>
<p>Truly rewarding & never boring …ER doc.
I worked as a trauma nurse in a level one trauma center in Philadelphia for years. I believe that hospital was the first to have an emergency medicine residency program in the country. Of course, I am slightly prejudice as regards this field.</p>
<p>No doubt, as you’re exposed to more specialties you’ll find the one for you.</p>
<p>Sadly, due to the litigious (sp?) nature of our culture, mal-practice insurance cost will probably be a factor in selecting a specialty.:(</p>
<p>I know an othopedic surgeon who had a large practice… he now does hair transplants!!!
Cash business… no more managed care!</p>
<p>Further examples of urban [societal] legends . . .</p>
<p>According to many studies [none of which I can cite at the moment], the cost of litigation makes up something less than 3% [and I am being generous–one study I saw actually stated 1%] of the cost of medical care in this country.</p>
<p>Texas, about three years ago, instituted a cap on the recovery of non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits: $250,000. The argument was that it would decrease malpractice insurance rates [which hasn’t happened] and increase the supply of doctors in underserved areas [which also hasn’t happened].</p>
<p>Examples may certainly be found of frivolous lawsuits that should not be filed. [Spitting on veterans?] Just as examples can be found of egregious behavior on the part of doctors that goes unpunished.</p>
<p>The basic problem is that our health care system has spun out of control [What is the largest single cost of manufacturing an automobile by GM? Health care costs.]
It is easy to point fingers all around. As a reformed conservative, however, I remind my friends that the Republicans have been in charge for something like ten years and nothing is being done about solving the health problems that will eventually cripple our economy. It is a shame that so many people do not have access to medical care in this country.</p>
<p>Then, just to remain somewhat on topic for the thread, the problems faced by veterans, vis-a-vis medical care, once discharged from active service are particularly shameful.</p>
<p>Wait 'till the majority of nurses retire in the next 10 years! We are all in trouble!!! :eek:</p>
<p>Bill…some sites for you, the third site seems to be in keeping with your last post. Yet, the first two challenge that study…</p>
<p>From Dec., 2005…“In October 2005 Aon released its Hospital Professional Liability and Physician Liability 2005 Benchmark Analysis. The major finding of this years analysis, which includes historical claims information for accident years 1995 to 2004, is that while the severity of medical malpractice claims remains on the rise growing at a trend rate of 7.5 percent annually the overall frequency of claims is falling. For the first time in the history of the report the frequency trend indicates a one percent decrease in claims for both hospitals and physicians. The study also found that the four states Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and California that are leading the decline in frequency have each enacted some form of legislative reform that has made it less attractive for plaintiffs lawyers to file claims: Texas, Florida and California by capping noneconomic damage awards, among other things…”
<a href=“404 - Page not found | III”>Medical Malpractice | III;
<p>and from April 2005…
“Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Cash in on Record High Malpractice Payouts”…
<a href=“Medical and health information”>Medical and health information;
<p>dissenting point of view ( Oct. 2001) from…
<a href=“http://www.commondreams.org/news2001/1016-02.htm[/url]”>http://www.commondreams.org/news2001/1016-02.htm</a></p>
<p>The legends have spun so far out of control, it is difficult to obtain accurate information.</p>
<p>For example, I don’t necessarily dispute that “premium increases may be moderating.” However, Texas residents were told that premiums would decrease if reform were instituted. The first article suggests that even more reforms are needed before decreases may be expected. [See, the “I am from the government and I am here to help” category of falsehoods. Do you really think insurance companies are going to give it up willingly?</p>
<p>I also don’t dispute that the frequency of claims is decreasing. Legislatures have made it increasingly difficult to sue for medical malpractice and the result is there are fewere claims: It is simply isn’t worth the time and expense to sue in many circumstances. </p>
<p>I have an anecdotal example: Client of mine takes here mother to emergency room. Doctor’s diagnosis is that mother is suffering from “nerves.” Prescribes some anti-depressants. [Mother had been seen a few times in previous months for suspected heart problems and none found.] Mother dies the next morning. Incorrect diagnosis? Not sure. How would you feel though if told that the matter simply wasn’t worth investigating. Since mother was retired, her life has no substantial economic value in Texas today. Combined with the standard of proof needed to succesfully prosecute an emergency provider [good samaritan protections and all], there is simply too high a burden to see whether there is a wrong that requires a right.</p>
<p>These are the hidden consequences of raising the barrier for satisfaciton. As long as it is somebody else that suffers, it is easy to criticize the lawyers as being too litigious. When it is your turn at the bar and you have suffered a loss, the feelings change. I feel badly for this young woman and the loss she has suffered; unfortunately, she will not likely ever get any answers.</p>
<p>My real concern, however, is not for the protection of lawyers. Rather, it is the availability of health insurance in general. [Don’t remember the exact number but something close to 40% of Americans don’t have health insurance.] The tragedy is that many, many people don’t even seek medical care because they simply can’t afford it. Those that speak of “nationalized health care” as if it were the end of all thing American simply don’t appreciate the hidden costs of not providing for health care. Most amazing, are those that are against nationalized health care that will readily fight any decrease in Medicare benefits [a nationalized health care plan that is amazingly efficient]. Furthermore, this administration has passed a new Medicare plan that represents the most costly expansion of nationalized health care ever at what result? Confusion among users and a blatant payoff to the pharmaceutical industry. It is a shame.</p>
<p>It is of no significance to this website and I don’t expect to change any reader’s mind. National health care issues, or the failure thereof, drive my vote these days. As each of us age and require more and more health care, it will become of more concern to each of you.</p>
<p>Too long a post, but at least I have learned how to italicise.</p>
<p>A correction, as I re-read my post.</p>
<p>Only 60% of Americans have employment-based insurance. [Thus, 40% of Americans do not have access to employment-based insurance.]
The majority of the remainder, 25%, have access to some type of government-sponsored health plans. [Nationalized medicine?] Only 15% have no coverage at all.</p>
<p>Enough of this. . .now on to how to prepare for Plebe summer.</p>
<p>Think these folks know something that the folks in the media aren’t telling us and the people at the gates don’t want to hear?</p>
<p>From SECARMY and CSA letter to senior Army leaders…</p>
<p>“The Army achieved its highest reenlistment total in five years in FY 05. Over 69,500 Soldiers chose to stay with the Army. In fact, the 3rd Infantry Division, now completing its Iraq deployment with many of its Soldiers on their second tour, led the way in reenlistments by achieving 136% of its FY 05 goal.”</p>
<p>LFWB…</p>
<p>Saw that too…</p>
<p>“…December was the seventh consecutive month that the Army met its goal…”
<a href=“http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_Presidential_Cabinet/Military_Recruiting.html[/url]”>http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_Presidential_Cabinet/Military_Recruiting.html</a> …</p>
<p>My son has been considering active duty army upon grad. from KP. instead of CG.</p>
<p>Great service. Tremendous Leadership. Secretary Harvey and General Schoomaker are the real deal.</p>
<p>“The Army achieved its highest reenlistment total in five years in FY 05. Over 69,500 Soldiers chose to stay with the Army. In fact, the 3rd Infantry Division, now completing its Iraq deployment with many of its Soldiers on their second tour, led the way in reenlistments by achieving 136% of its FY 05 goal.”
LFWB dad</p>
<p>What do you attribute the Army reenlistments to?</p>
<p>Seriously, a lot of it is due to the progress they are seeing in Iraq and they know they are making the world a better place.</p>
<p>Also, the quality of life in the Army and for Army families is better than its ever been. The new RCI (Residential Communities Initiative) has really helped.</p>
<p>Of course, sometimes having government-sponsored insurance [unless you are a member of congress] is the same as having no insurance. Even if you are injured while on active duty and then transition to VA. See the following article:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10842565/site/newsweek/[/url]”>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10842565/site/newsweek/</a></p>
<p>Article is about PRIVATE funding of a rehab center for amputees injured while on active duty. Gov’t does not have funding for a center of sufficient size to handle the influx of amputees.</p>
<p>One other line in the story: It takes seven years to obtain dental care at a VA facility.</p>
<p>Interesting, considering that so many are re-enlisting.</p>
<p>bill,
Thanks for sharing the article.
usna09mom</p>
<p>P.S. Congratulations to your brilliant son who got straight A’s first semester Plebe Year! Any regrets about turning down Princeton?</p>
<p>None that I have detected. There are, of course, some ups and downs [he was whining a bit about being college student who, on a Friday night, was polishing his shoes instead of going out and having fun] but, all in all, he does not feel he is missing out on very much.</p>
<p>Yours?</p>
<p>Loves her classes and is passionate about her sport. Her roommates are great and she has made some very good friends. She rarely watched television at home, and we never had cable TV, so she doesnt miss that. However, she is a great music lover and truly misses that as a plebe. My mid appreciates the administrations support of spiritual development at USNA, and attends church regularly. She is counting the nanoseconds until she is a plebe-no-more. :)</p>
<p>Back to the original post – getting everything in place to make the Liberty Limited a reality didn’t happen without somebody doing all the administrivia. I was fortunate enough to have dinner with that invisible guy tonight. This guy spent hundreds of hours of his own time over seven months making sure every detail was taken care of.</p>
<p>I told him how touched everyone on the list was by the story and took the liberty to pass on your thanks.</p>
<p>LFWB dad,</p>
<p>What an honor to meet him. And I’m so glad that you told him about how we loved the story. Thanks.</p>
<p>LFWB… how cool is that! Thanks for sharing our collective admiration for the Levins’ and our troops.</p>