A cautionary tale

I read this KevinMD article today just because I liked the title: The toxicity of Medicaid.

Some of you may say, "This is a doctor writing this. Boo hoo."

Boys and girls, we should be up in arms, too. The patients described here don't just need nursing care, they DESPERATELY need it. (yes, I'm shouting again.)

The system has engendered dangerously bad habits in people. As nurses on the front lines, I'm sure our friends in the ED could tell us about how many patients might easily be triaged to lower levels of care...if they existed in their area and took Medicaid.

In rehab, we coordinate care regularly between specialties and help people get things they need, even if they are indeed expensive. We need to do more of this for Medicaid patients to keep them out of the ED.

Unfortunately, the EDs of America sit there like the vaunted Motel 6...we'll leave the light on for you. The light is on, but it is unfortunate that many folks miss the most important thing about the ED.

This place is for emergencies only. It's not for a one stop shop to get all your doctors' appointments done right now, so you don't have to get up in the morning, and (gasp) go to more than one place. It's not so you can avoid your copay. It's for emergencies.

Because one day, if you have a heart attack, stroke, or car accident, you may want them to be ready and waiting with the light on, for you.

Fun: Sunday Stealing

Gotta love the Weird Questions, Part 1 from Sunday Stealing this week. Here are my contributions below.

Do you wear slippers?  Yes, if you call Crocs around the house slippers.

How many pictures are in your living room? Photos -3, artwork-2.

Do you ever watch Brady Bunch reruns?  Not lately.

Are you allergic to anything?  If it's outside, most likely.

When was the last time you called in sick? Can't remember.

Have you ever been in a car accident?  Yes. Mostly fender benders. Nothing terrible (knocking wood).

What is your favorite snack food? Depends. On this diet: peppers and hummus.

 Have you ever seen a tornado? Yes. Got very close and NEVER ever want to do that again ever (if I can avoid it!)

 If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first?  Another lottery ticket.

What time is it right now?   1353.

Do you think it's cool for men to wear flip-flops? Cool? Not really. Practical? Sometimes, yes.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Over 30, mostly black.

Do you think you are a hypochondriac?  No. I hate to bug my doctor. I only call if I am sick.

Do you own a dictionary?  Several, in multiple languages.

Are you actually fat but in complete denial about it?  According to BMI, yes, I am technically over 25. Denial? No, or I wouldn't be on a diet, silly!

What color is your mouse pad?  Don't use one.

Does your kitchen have a theme? No. It's all white. Maybe snowstorm or whiteout would be more appropriate.