What’s Up With Our Health Insurance?
All of my previous articles are based on the latest scientific findings in healthcare. The 1st part of this newsletter is a commentary based on my 33 years of practice.
Health care reform, even before Obama care, has reduced reimbursements to doctors that are often below our cost per visit. During the same time increased government oversight and regulations as well as managed care by insurance companies has forced most doctors into group practices. These group practices are for-profit organizations. Doctors employed at these for-profit group organizations must meet certain criteria for ordering tests and procedures. There is also a requirement for the number of patients they must see daily. This will result in the standard 5 minute office visit becoming 2 ½ minutes and waiting for the results to come back from the tests that probably are not necessary if they took the appropriate time with their patients.
The United States spends more money per capita on health insurance than any other country in the world and yet our health outcomes are not anywhere close to the top 10. The US is ranked 33-50 depending on the source. I am predicting that our ranking will drop even further. Medical science has shown that poor lifestyle is the number 1 cause of chronic illness. Chronic illness is responsible for 70% of our healthcare spending. It is impossible for a doctor to counsel a patient on lifestyle in 2 ½ or even a 5 minute office visit.
There was an article in the Wall Street Journal about the alarming rate of physician suicide. This high suicide rate is directly related to the stress and difficulties to remain in practice. One of the most chilling statistics is that 1 million patients will lose their primary care doctor to suicide each year. It is grossly unreported.
On January 19, 2017 at the Locust Valley Library at 6:45 PM I will be presenting an award-winning documentary originally aired on PBS on healthcare in the United States. There will be a short commentary before the film. All are welcome.
End of commentary.
Most people have a New Year’s resolution to improve their health. Here are some suggestions. Start slowly, only try to change what is doable for you. Don’t quit no matter how many times you cheat.
Balanced eating: This can be very simple. Eat a protein with every meal. Have at least 4 to 5 portions of vegetables daily. Don’t worry about the size of the portion. Reduce or eliminate grains and dairy products.
Regular exercise: It can be either aerobic, stretching or resistance training (using weights or elastic tubing). It must be something you enjoy and you don’t have to do the same thing day every day. It should be moderate in intensity. You should be able to talk while you’re exercising. The goal is 20 minutes a day, 5- 6 days a week.
Stress management: At Amazon or a bookstore you can find a number of books and CDs in this area. It is as important as exercise.
Sleep: Sleep is crucial. The most reliable research is that 7 hours of unrestricted sleep is essential for health.
Nutritional supplementation: Foundational nutritional supplementation has changed due to the change in the farming of plants and animals. The new recommendations include a multivitamin, fish oil, probiotic, and a multimineral supplement.
If you email me I can be a little more specific on each one of these areas. You can go to my website, go to the store. You can order professional grade supplements at a 10% discount when you click on the Metagenics link. You need to use the provider code when your order which is, robertromanellidc
Be persistent! It’s a matter of your health. Take control, be empowered. Please call if you need any further assistance during the year.
