Remote Care Not The Way To Go Letter Of The Week From May 5

Bargain basement bypass heart surgery is here, but the basement where the surgery may be done might be in Seattle, Portland or Salt Lake City - wherever the health care industry can find the best price.

In the April 20 article, “Hospitals join forces for survival,” it was reported that Edward Lehrman of Omak was sent by his insurance company to Portland, Ore., for a non-emergency heart bypass operation because it could be done cheaper there. Managed health care is pointed to as the driver in this move toward the use of a national instead of local health care market. Also, cheap air fares are cited as an incentive. (I wonder if one can use frequent-flyer miles to return for checkups?)

I believe in our private enterprise system vs. socialized medicine, but this is going a little too far. Sick people need to be close to home and attended by the physician of their choice.

When I had major surgery in Spokane two years ago, the physician who managed my case also did the surgery, and is still attending me. My recovery was enhanced by regular visits from my family, my pastor and many supportive friends. Today, through God’s healing and good health care, I have been restored. The only reason I would want to go to Portland would be to see the Rose Parade, not to have surgery.

I know health care has to be paid for, but let’s cut corners on the salaries of the insurance company executives, not on the emotional and physical well-being of the insured.

Merle R. Craner

Cheney xxxx