Brinksmanship and Improving Health
1 Comment Published by Dr. Beyster April 8th, 2011 in Government, Politics, San Diego.I see in the news that Congress and the President are playing a game of brinksmanship again with the federal government. If the government does indeed shut down, which is a distinct possibility, I personally believe this would be a great embarrassment for all involved parties. I have a feeling, however, that a continuing resolution will be passed once again to forestall the consequences of a shutdown, which would be many. There has already been much fingerpointing and blaming. If the situation deteriorates further, then I have no doubt that the politicians will soon be running for cover.
My health continues to improve. Last Friday I went out on the boat for the first time in several months. We cruised San Diego Bay, and had lunch at the Loews Coronado resort. It felt great to be back on the water again. I can’t wait for my next trip, hopefully this week if the weather permits.
Thoughts from a ‘green’ military doc. Start with the basics…
FOCUS PRIORITIES (proactive, end in mind, first things first)
Increasing efficacy of medicine through health promotions networks (leveraging groups thru stages of change). Doctors—– *———–patient (disconnect) compared to health facilitators–patients.
Reduce administrative costs/redundancy in health care with the use of IT/National EMR (leveraging public interest/reducing loss of time and resources)
Expanding the benchmark outside of doctors offices/hospitals: arguably doctors already do too much-let’s share the pain..I mean joy.
ADDRESS KEY CHALLENGES/COLLATERAL DAMAGE (understand before being understood,synergize)
Incentivizing financial industries and medical organizations (pay for performance/avoid health care bubble)
Showing the evidence (causality btw priorities and public behavioral change) – don’t place blame.
Getting buy-in from customer/patient and other stake holders (small but numerous changes) – Force multipliers
ACHIEVE GOALS/SHORT TERM (think win/win, sharpen the saw)
Government backing – National EMR (similar to starting up the internet-and now everyone can still have a piece of the www)
Industry backing – FICO Health – reward healthy behaviors – anticipate resistance and J curve – decide on decrease or more likely shift in premium costs
Cheers to your health!
Truong
San Diego