Letter: Backs ‘healthy’ candidates

Dear Editor,

Having practiced medicine for more than 40 years, I have witnessed a world of change in the field. Sadly, despite some amazing technological advances, the concept of integrated care has largely been replaced by interventions, determined to be either necessary or not, by carriers or agencies that control revenue.

I have seen costs rise exponentially, yet quality of care often suffers. And my profession is now grossly compromised in its ability to serve the 47 million uninsured in America. Even many people with health insurance may be denied access to needed tests or treatment. What’s more, other developed countries have administrative costs merely a fraction of ours, and their treatment outcomes are generally better.

As I reflect on the idea of government, I think, at its heart, it is the effort by civilized people to make sure that basic needs are met for everyone within a defined geographical area. Shortly, we will have a monumentally important election which has the potential on local, regional and national levels to advance our quest for democratic civilization or cast us backward into an ever-growing caste system which favors the wealthy.

In deciding who to support, I will look closely at whether the candidates perceive an urgency to repair the health care system. I favor a single payer, government-sponsored system which cuts out wasteful administrative costs and provides necessary (as determined by patient and medical staff) and preventive medical care for every person living in this country.

For Wisconsinites who wish to be actively involved in seeking solutions to the health care crisis, there are two organizations to contact: Healthy Wisconsin at www.HealthyWisconsin.net and Citizen Action at www.citizenactionwi.org

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, health_care, election