A lot has been made of the health care situation and I will admit that something needs to be done. Dealing with both the insurance company and healthcare provider can be a hassle. And now the well-oiled machine that is our national government is involved. And we, the patient/client have a ringside view of the fight.
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get ready to rumble! In this corner we have the insurance company. An oversized necessity with what appears to be loaded gloves. In this corner we have the healthcare provider whose knowledge of his opponent has helped him stand his ground in previous bouts. And, finally, as this is a tag-team event, we have the patient ready to tag his partner and enter the fight.
Ding. The insurance company draws first blood with a cut to the “usual and customary” rates of the provider. The provider looks to be staggering but counters nonetheless with an increase in prices to offset their losses. And, just before the insurance company hits the canvas he tags his partner, the patient, who gladly steps into the ring. The patient takes a rate, and then another rate before the government steps in and calls an end to the first round.
Ding. It’s the second round and the patient begins by tagging their insurance partner who steps over the ropes and hits the provider with a roundhouse – automated provider phone lines. While the provider is parrying each blow with the press of a button the insurance company comes with a shot from out of nowhere – “Para Espanol, toce numero dos.” The provider drops to his knees and, as the insurance company pounces to put him away, the provider tags his partner, the patient. The patient dodges his new opponent while his new partner is treated in the corner… to a wonderful vacation by the pharmaceutical company. And, as the patient is trying to ascertain the best way to press any number with his fighting gloves on, the government steps in and calls an end to the second round.
Ding. The final round begins. The patient immediately begins with a shot of “pre-existing condition” which floors the insurance company, but not before they have the chance to tag their partner – the patient.
Self-inflicted wounds abound with no one to heal us and no one to help pay. Healthcare has just become Fight Club with no winner in site.
