Chapter 2. Accessible, Affordable Care --- Clinical Paradigm
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
From... Fixing United States Health Care --- Citizen Letters
T Michael White MD
“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire,
you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”
July 4th
Fine Citizens hello.
Near this beginning, let us jump to the end. Imagine the planned, tax-payer funded, single-payer, regional provider infrastructure --- The United States Health Care System (USHCS) --- is up and running. Universal access to affordable, basic/necessary, compassionate --- safe, timely, efficient, effective, equitable/just, patient-centered care (ABC-STEEEP) is provided to all.
As the story goes, the single mother (her husband was killed in an auto accident two years before) successfully juggles a challenging job managing the Ticonderoga convenience store with two more daunting undertakings (son Alexander age 11 and daughter Amaryllis age 9) at home.
In general, the children are doing well. Like all kids, they regularly bring infections home from their disease-incubating parochial school. Several days before, despite his annual flu shot, the lad contracted Influenza B. Aside from missing school, he was recovering well.
At 2 AM Sunday morning in the midst of a raging blizzard, he awoke with severe pain in both calves. He could not walk. Although this was far from her first drama, the preternaturally calm Mom was beside herself with worry. After administering a dose of Tylenol to Alex, she was immediately connected online with her son’s Primary Care Pediatric Team’s AI Ambassador, ‘Patch.’ Within moments:
Jack’s up-to-date medical record was reviewed;
Jack’s vital signs were measured and determined to be normal;
Jack’s symptoms and Mom’s observations were patiently explored in detail;
A pediatric nurse practitioner signed in;
Mom, applauded for the Tylenol, was encouraged to begin to relax; and
Jack’s Primary Care Pediatric Team advised: Connect back with us at any time;
This is likely a known, rare complication of influenza called viral myositis;
Jack seems to have read the textbook --- most common in boys his age after
Influenza B with symptoms exactly as he describes. Generally, recovery is rapid (several days) and complete;
It is important for him to drink significant amounts of fluids and rest;
A visit to the Glens Falls USHCS Emergency Center (61 minutes on a good day) is unnecessary at this time;
A morning appointment at the Essex County USHCS Pediatric Urgent Care (5 minutes) has been arranged --- since this is authorized, there will be no co-pay. They, expecting you, will have his updated medical record in hand;
Jack’s Pediatric Urgent Care Team will examine him and likely do some blood work to check the status of his muscles and kidneys;
Jack’s Primary Care Pediatric Team will be kept informed of his progress;
A virtual follow-up with his Primary Care Pediatric Team may be arranged;
Again, connect back with us at any time.
On Monday, Jack limped back to school. Impressed with events, Jack envisioned himself someday in the medical profession. His Mom, understanding that the pre-USHCS world would have likely played out as a clinical and financial debacle, was, back at work, thrilled with her worry/care/affordability ratios.
As is generally the case in these matters, cool as the other side of the pillow, Amaryllis was pretty much unimpressed.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Mike
Please share your perceptions (your reality) about what I have right, wrong and/or omitted. I will be delighted to hear from you as your insights will significantly enhance my efforts. Importantly, if/when a message rings true, please forward it to those you deem may desire to know. TMWMD
Comments