That most people say they are happy with their health care is not very meaningful when you consider that most people are healthy.
Like lots of other people, I have gotten to know the most about health care when I have been sick or have had to care for someone else.
Here are some key things I have learned:
1. Public or private insurance gets you in the door but not necessarily the care you need.
2. There is a shortage of health care providers.
3. Mistakes happen.
4. Patients and providers want answers immediately.
5. There is little time left for patients and providers to get to know each other.
6. There are communication problems even when everyone speaks the same language.
7. People have to take more responsibility for their own health records even when they do not want to or do not have the skills.
8. It is important to make clear what one wants.
9. While evidence based medicine is a factor to consider; clinical judgment must also be valued.
10. You need to have someone with you.
We have a lot of work to do to make our health care system better.
