Sanitation and hygiene
Oh give me a break. Sanitation and hygiene (ED letter 7-13-07) are the big concern of the AMA? Studies show physicians don’t wash their hands as often at nurses. What is “Advanced communication to ensure patients know the qualifications of the health professional....” I keep my NP liscence in my wallet, you can find me on the State of Colorado ANP Registry.
“Patients outcomes were comparable...” according to a study published in the 5 Jan. 2000 Journal of the American Medical Association, which compared patients randomly assigned to physicans and Nurse Practitioners.
In Store Health Clinics (Editorial 7-5-07)provide for patient safety and wellbeing by allowing affordable, easy access to care by professional health care providers with solid knowledge of human disease treatment and health maintenance. Early intervention and preventive health care reduce complications, prevent illness and reduce overall cost to the community by keeping folks out of hospital emergency departments. Early detection and treatment of strept throat thus reduces the chance of complications in addition to reducing time away from school or work. Early treatment of a simple urinary tract infection reduces risk of kidney infection, a leading cause of kidney failure. The timely tetanus shot... The professionals in these clinics have access to a dedicated medical physican for consultation as needed. They send copies of records to patient’s family physician if there is one and they provide lists of community resources for care of the uninsured.
As an emerging profession Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, are finding our niche in the health care system, providing quality care, which is complementary to our physican collegiages. The NURSING part of NP is the “value added” aspect of seeing a Nurse Practitioner we are dedicated to “holistic care” and education of individuals and families.
This letter has not been edited.
You go gal! The only problem with the AMA (and FDA) in regard to the health clinics being staffed by non AMA physicians is their fear of losing the health care monopoly. Nurse Practitioners, trained PAs and even licensed Naturopathic Doctors are more than qualified for early intervention and preventative care.
Posted by darfor on July 18, 2007 02:26 PMI think we would all be surprised at how much healthcare costs would go down if competition was allowed and the AMA and Health Insurance Industry actually had to compete for your money...
Posted by Roy on July 18, 2007 02:33 PMI took my daughter to her pediatrician's office last time she was sick.She had a very sore throat sinus , problems and a cough that was keeping her up at night. The Dr. told me to give her cough drops and water. When I asked for Donatussin ,which has worked before she said no. Two days later and missing school and feeling worse I took her to the new Walmart clinic. The nurse practioner their was wonderful and very thorough.She said she would give her some Donatussin without me having to suggest it. She gave me 10 days of samples.My charge for the visit was $25 co-pay because my insurance wasn't yet in their network yet.
Three days later she went back to school feeling great.
The pediatrician's visit cost me a $25 co-pay and they billed my insurance $225 for nothing.I have now found a General Practioner for my girls and will use the clinic at Wamart for simple things and if I can't get into the Dr's ,like on weekends.
My daughter recieved 10 times better care at the clinic than she did at the Dr.'s at a fraction of the cost. Even though I have prescription coverage they still gave me samples.What a wonderful service we now have instead of relying on Dr's that don't give a damn and then over charge for their non-services.
I think as patients we should be able to get refunds or at least prevent Dr's from charging our insurance outrageous prices for poor service.
Posted by Can I get an AMEN! on July 19, 2007 08:47 AM