Letter to the Editor: Any changes welcome
BY Edward V. Harris, Hugo
Saturday, February 16, 2013
2/16/13 at 7:26 AM
America's medical system is expensive and has many problems. Three years ago, my wife had surgery. While recovering at a well-known orthopedic hospital, her blood pressure dropped drastically low, and the nurses would not call the doctor on duty. She could have died except our physician daughter came to visit and insisted they call a doctor and do something immediately.
In addition to my wife's many charges at the hospital, including laboratory work and medications, an expensive brace was ordered for her that we were told she would need, yet she did not need nor did they put on her after the fitting. In my experience in purchasing, it was common for salespeople to offer gifts and perks to encourage buying. Others have told me the same thing and I suspect it is true for medical suppliers to do the same to influence buying their products for patients.
Health care companies Smith and Nephew as well as Stryker are blaming the 2.3 percent excess tax on medical devices and equipment for large layoffs. Blaming Obamacare for all kinds of things is now common, but I doubt their CEOs and top executives are getting less money. Any changes would be an improvement.
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