Uh-oh! Are we in for it now or is this just what the doctor ordered? Based on a number of people that I have spoken with about this topic, it seems as though hardly anyone wanted it to happen. That being said, on March 21, 2010, our healthcare lives may have changed forever.
So here we are. Will we forever be stuck paying for this “advancement” or will this change the system for the better by increasing care at a bargain basement price? One thing that is painfully obvious at the conclusion of this vote, America is more divided now then we have been in a long time. Reform was passed by a vote of 220 to 211 without one Republican vote. It even took the President threatening to not campaign for those Democrats that voted against the bill (although I think that would have helped those Democrats chances of re-election in November) and a late night deal ensuring that there will be no public funding for abortion. Now there are rumors that up to 37 states will sue the government (even if it is only for a symbolic nature) based on this bill passing and by using the reconciliation process, we have been shown that this group of legislators has failed to break down the partisan walls.
My biggest questions are:
- What does this mean for us, the hard working medical device professional? (Lower wages and higher taxes? Fewer job opportunities?)
- Will this new plan save those that have had to file bankruptcy because of health care related costs?
- Will the unintended consequences prove to be fatal to our already struggling economy?
- What does this mean for innovation?
Please weigh in and share your thoughts. This is perhaps the most important thing professionally that has happened to you in the past decade.
To the author: do yourself a favor and stick to “ortho” and “spine” news…
Anyone who believes that Obamacare is not relevant to Orthopedics is very short sighted at best, more likely ignorant. The new taxes alone will hinder start up investment which will effect new orthopedic innovation. As for the effects on we surgeons, there will be a rapid, early retirement for many who will simply choose to leave medicine altogether. Add the additional 11 Million new patients who will soon have free medical care and you have a physician shortage amounting to rationing of healthcare the likes we've never seen in the US. Less Freedom and Less Quality! Keep up the solid work Josh! Don't worry about the “nay-sayers.”
Of course I believe healthcare is relevant to orthopedics. If you read my post (it isn't long, you can try) it says that I just don't think the author is sticking to the ortho and spine news. Suddenly the author is an expert in the US economy as a whole and making sweeping, doom-filled statements like “Will the unintended consequences prove to be fatal to our already struggling economy?”
I am definitely interested in discussing/hearing about healthcare reform as it pertains to orthopedics, that's just not what happened here.
Cliff
Thank you for your comments. I understand where you are coming from and my intention was to share my opinion of the reform to promote conversation. I didn't intend for it to be all doom and gloom, and posed several questions.
I appreciate your comments and your reading our site. If there are any other suggestions, please let me know.
Cliff
Thank you for your comments. I understand where you are coming from and my intention was to share my opinion of the reform to promote conversation. I didn't intend for it to be all doom and gloom, and posed several questions.
I appreciate your comments and your reading our site. If there are any other suggestions, please let me know.