During the past 6 months I've been in 2 emergency rooms, 2 hospitals, undergone 2 surgeries, and am now facing time in a rehabilitation center which I think is a politically correct term for a nursing home. You learn a lot from inside this prism; here are some observations which are purely my opinions.
I have Medicare A&B, and AARP Plan F supplement through United Health Care along with a prescription drug card. The total cost is $340/month. My out of pocket expenses with this coverage have been minimal; except for co-pays on some drugs they have been zero. While I may not have access to every health care provider in my world there are plenty readily available. Having affordable health insurance, minimal co-pays and facility access eliminate lots of concern. My premiums do increase each year but they have been reasonable. Someday this system will totally implode, but probably not in my lifetime.
Health care providers have to follow many procedures, aka government regulations. It sometimes means waiting time, cant do that until we do this, etc. I also think since providers know they won't get the dollars they bill, they look for ways to increase volume with approved Medicare procedures. I've said it before, no individual really ever knows the true cost of their health care. Ever since doctors lost control no one really has control anymore. However, if the US ever completely turns it over to government control, costs will soar and quality will no doubt suffer. Ever wonder why the 3 branches of federal government completely remove themselves from traditional medical health care systems? I don't.
When you're in ER and/or move to the hospital more than one doctor may be managing your situation. That can quickly complicate matters. It is important to remain calm, ask plenty of questions as politely as possible. Usually you'll notice when they come talk to you there are 2 of them present so stuff doesn't fall through the cracks; it still can happen. Do your best to comprehend, and even when you think they are full of shit, your best response is "I'm not sure I understand the part about xxx, could you go over that again, please." I'm not the most patient person, but I am one the most stubborn so this lesson has been difficult for me. Learning to blend those characteristics into "determination" is one of my life goals.
Ever since I accidently overdosed on Vicodin to complete a century ride with broken ribs in 2007 I pay a lot of attention to pain medication management. Having overcome an alcohol problem a few years ago I don't want to develop another addiction. During the last few months I've learned that when you are in acute pain, medication is good. When needed make sure the providers know your complete health history and all medications you have been taking. Most problems arise when multiple meds, alcohol and other stuff get taken in unsupervised combinations. If possible use one pharmacy for medications and remember a good pharmacist is a valuable consultative resource, in spite of the internet. Of course being the son of a third generation druggist has somewhat prejudiced me.
Go to an ER when you wind up laying in the road after an accident or other similar potential life threatening situation. On the way, hope you will not be their top priority. Once you arrive and it's confirmed you are not, your goal is to get out of there ASAP. If you wind up in a hospital, your goal is to get treatment and get out of there ASAP. I'm sure it will be the same in the rehabilitation facility. The important goal is to move forward even if progress sometimes seems negligible.
I am anxious to get back to normal and on my bike again. It's been said this kind of stuff happens in threes; I hope my Paris-Brest-Paris incident and these 2 accidents mean I'm done with these encounters for a while.
No comments:
Post a Comment