As usual, there has been plenty of optimistic chatter to go around at medical meetings in 2019, but little substance in terms of solutions. Between sessions this spring, I tried to think of major improvements in healthcare over the past five years. My list was painfully short.
I’d like to get your thoughts on the subject. This month’s reader survey includes two questions. Both are open-ended, so feel free to type away with your thoughts. No need to share your name or email unless you’re open to elaborating further on your response.
1. What in American medicine (if anything) is dramatically better today vs. five years ago?
2. What solution(s) did you expect five years ago that are you still waiting to see broadly implemented in medical practice today?
*In the “Post Content” section below, please number your answers*
Thanks for participating. Cumulative results will be shared June 11, 2019 in the next issue of Monthly Musings On American Healthcare.
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YOUR APRIL FEEDBACK: INVESTING IN U.S. HEALTHCARE
The April reader survey was inspired by a recent study that found primary care physicians have a 250% greater influence on life expectancy than specialists. Unlike many other nations, the United States lacks a national strategy for making healthcare investments and right-sizing its healthcare workforce. So, I asked you which of the following actions you’d support. Here’s what you said:
I was surprised how overwhelmingly supportive readers were for all four possibilities. Of course, it’s easy to support logical solutions until they affect your hospital, clinical service or residency program directly. Many elected officials read Monthly Musings (the source of last month’s survey) and, hopefully, your feedback will encourage them to move forward with one or more of these ideas.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s the bestselling author of “Mistreated: Why We Think We’re Getting Good Health Care–And Why We’re Usually Wrong” and a Stanford University professor. Follow him on Twitter @RobertPearlMD.
