Common Sense Health Reform

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/a-common-sense-american-health-reform-plan/?emc=eta1

"It sounds more impressive to say that someone is narcissistic rather than a jerk" -
Dr. Susan Jaffe
Manhattan Psychoanalyst

"The study of narcissism is a growth industry in academia" -
Dr. Daniel Ames
Social/Personality Psychologist
Columbia Business School

One of the great writers of our time is Peggy Noonan who has an "opinion" column with the Wall Street Journal. Her 7/24/09 column on "ObamaCare" was occasioned by her reaction to President Obama's press conference on the subject. While I was thinking about how to include her thoughts in a "post" on the subject, Professor Uwe Reinhardt (of Princeton) came out with an excellent perspective on what's needed that includes Noonan's article. It's attached.

Professor Reinhardt has studied what he calls the nation's perpetual "national conversation" on health reform for over 30 years and he feels capable of summarizing what an American "common sense" approach would be. He lists 8 components to common sense health care, two of which follow:

#1 - Only patients and their own doctors should decide what clinical response is appropriate for a given medical condition, even if that response involves unproven clinical procedures or technology;

#3 - Rationing health care is un-American.

To read the rest, click on Dr. Reinhardt's blog (attached). His conclusion, after appropriate references to narcissism (where he implies a national cultural orientation toward self), is that the "simple common sense" of the American people is that any proposed health reform must not reduce the revenues of hospitals, lest some neighborhood hospital may have to close; or of doctors, lest some doctors might refuse to see patients; or of the manufacturers of health products, lest they are unable to innovate; or of anyone on the supply side of the health sector, lest they go out of business and have to lay off employees.

Finally, "simple common sense" dictates the sole and proper perspective any American citizen should have on health reform is this fundamental question: "What does the reform mean for me?"

Given Dr. Reinhardt's perspective, it is difficult to see how a congressional consensus can be created around any reasonable improvement in American health care. What gives me hope is that there are people out there who believe improvements can be made and want to make them. I continue to be honored that I have "members" who have signed up to follow what I write (and others who read as well), two of whom are committed to improved health care: one is starting medical school tomorrow and, ultimately, wants to found the best possible hospital (I suggest the Mayo Clinic model) - best wishes!!! And, one whose tireless energy in pursuit of building a combination health care complex is to be admired. Both are former students and both honor me by giving me some small credit for inspiring them.

As Paul Krugman has said, we will get improved health care before the year is over. What it will be, remains to be seen.