(04-15-2014 11:10 AM)Hambone10 Wrote:  

(04-14-2014 10:11 PM)maximus Wrote:  In 20 years I've seen two THAs on anyone over 90. It's very very rare. I'd have to hear more specifics but an elective surgery on a 95 year old is a very rare thing.

Under the palliative care initiatives of Obamacare, these people wouldn't get hip replacements at all. They would be sent home and given 'tools' to deal with the ends of their lives rather than futile attempts to prolong their lives. Sort of a kinder, gentler hospice... IF, that is, the hospitals choose to fund these initiatives, because Obamacare doesn't really fund them so they are acts of charity.

In yesterday's medicine, people with COPD might present to the ED every 6-12 weeks with shortness of breath due to seasonal changes, pnumonia or other environmental issues. They would be admitted for a few days and closely monitored and treated to improve their breathing... momentarily improving their quality of life or basically prolonging the inevitable, depending on your outlook. Going forward, there will be fewer/no admissions of these people because Obamacare won't pay for them. This is exactly what some have euphemistically referred to as death panels.

I'm not making a value judgement on it... I am merely making a factual observation. Palliative care is a SIGNIFICANT part of the reaction to Obamacare and a shift in physician/hospital actions and mentalities directly related to it.

Hambone, you make a very important point. Hospital admissions in the future will only be reserved for those who are very ill. I had the same discussion with my boss a few days ago. Hospital systems are having to adapt to the changes, and believe me, it's not for the better. The changes will move sicker and sicker patients into the ambulatory environment and even further overload doctors offices. You will see urgent care centers will expand exponentially(I would suggest investing now). People, and their families, better get used to being sicker at home.

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I could have done away with all the Obamacare costs.
Just get rid of it.