Many of my patients have asked me what I think about healthcare reform.This is what I think:

I listen to the Sunday morning pundits and they talk about the majority of Americans who are happy with their healthcare. Where are these people? Even the patients that I see with health insurance are not happy.They are worried about losing their insurance.They are upset that the insurance companies are dictating what medications they should be on. They are upset about the rising insurance costs and premiums.They are upset that their doctors do not have time to address their problems in ten-minute visits.

Those without insurance or insurance that have high deductibles and minimum coverage are facing horrible decisions.These include decisions between medications and eating and paying rent. Many with unexpected illnesses are facing bankruptcy.

Just last week, I was advising one of my son’s friends who just turned 21 on what to do regarding his medical care.He developed severe, intense chest pain. He was hospitalized with a diagnosis of pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart).He spent five days in the hospital out of state where he is in school and working.Two of those days were wasted by cancellation of procedures and tests.He has insurance that caps out at $50,000.His hospitalization will cost at least that amount.It turns out that the pericarditis may be due to Hodgkin’s disease.This is a curable, treatable form of cancer. His insurance is used up. He has no idea how he is going to pay for this treatment.Now he faces the decision of filing for bankruptcy at the age of 21. Here is a young, vital person, who has the potential to be a valuable contributor to society, one of our children, yet he is faced with the decision of bankruptcy or no treatment for a treatable disease.

I just want to scream. It is time to wake up America. There is no reason why we cannot all have affordable health care. When we take care of each other we are all going to benefit! No one should have to face financial ruin due to health problems. When we have a healthy population, we will have a productive healthy society. The time for a national healthcare plan is now.

In summary, as a practicing physician, I support and applaud the President for proposing a national healthcare plan. I shudder to think what will happen if something isn’t put into place soon.