It's time for the revolution

It's time for the revolution

November 11, 2009

I am really offended now. It is now totally obvious that the Congress and the Insurers:

1. Think we are all too stupid to get what is going on;

2. Don't give a damn if we know what is going on;

3. Are so arrogant in their sense of privilege and power they think they can do whatever they want.

The "Health Care" legislation now before the Congress is an abomination. The insurers have simply hi-jacked the legislative process. The bill from the House simply mandates an additional 35 million subscribers into the existing nightmare of for-profit health "insurance" and gives the insures a half TRILLION dollars a year in additional subsidies to continue screwing the electorate into bankruptcy (60% of all bankruptcies now arise from the unpaid costs of health care!)

I say we have had enough. I am ready to invade Washington DC and picket the Congress. We need to tell Congress that if they want a job they had better get off their asses and give us REAL health care reform.

1. Get private insurers either entirely out of health care or regulate them into providing full coverage to everyone; no exclusion of pre-existing conditions; no prior approvals, denials, delays, deferments, weaseling of any variety; prompt payment of benefits; market level pricing of services, medications and devices; a 15% cap on "overhead" with sane salaries and other corporate expenses.

2. Provide a competitive one payor system that is consumer-oriented and totally responsive to the individual patient (not a sinecure for bureaucrats and a playground for profiteers).

3. Support a revolution in health care which makes physicians responsible for not only medical services but also the financial management of the system. Who is more qualified to understand needs, services, standards of care, measurement of outcome, efficiency, patient and provider needs?

It is time for us all to stand up - patients and providers - and tell them "Hell NO! We are sick of being raped and the party is over!" Get straight, Congress, or go find a real job. If you don't listen to us you are OUT of there, come the next election!!"

J.S. Hochman MD

Executive Director

The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain

www.paincare.org