RATIONING BY REGULATION

THE RATIONING OF MEDICINE – AMERICAN STYLE

Submitted by Joel E. Colley, MD

INTRODUCTION: Most of our previous articles were targeted to healthcare Professionals as we tried to educate them in what was “different” concerning Covid-19 and the unusual worldwide government responses abrogating the terms of most Constitutions and sensible “Science”.  We depart from that theme to speak directly to the public as we navigate through this morass of insensible actions.  We shall return to our Provider Colleagues and their seemingly  unconscionable lack of prudence toward the safety of their patients in later articles soon to be released.

Having the incredible fortune of knowing many Russian Colleagues in our Medical Practices, we were consistent in extracting their opinions concerning the mechanisms of medical rationing in their home countries.  Theirs was largely a, “supply” issue, since their style of socialism greatly limited the manufacturing of those medical supplies, leading to common shortages on their delivery end, the clinics and hospitals.  The United States is not yet following that model.

Here in the United States, we either manufacture in country or have access to all the supplies that are generally available.  We are, at least theoretically, a “capitalist” society, meaning the manufacture of goods is encouraged.  Except for a very few, “shortages”, generally some antibiotics and injectable local anesthetics, Practitioners here have all the materials necessary to function in the Patient’s Interest.

Our major problem currently stems from the regulatory rule of our fascist leadership.  Under fascism, our form of socialism, “production” remains in the hands of the business owners.  The “fly in the ointment” initially comes to light in the distribution, delivery, and administration of those products.  After all, the elite do own most of these manufacturing concerns, and they have every intent of selling as many of them as possible to an ever-widening market.

To see, “where” rationing is clearly becoming evident, we must investigate the correct places.  THAT is in the delivery system of personal services to the Patients.  These personal services are mostly, “Liabilities” to the bottom line of the Insurance companies.  In the case of the hospitals, it reduces the time available for the staff to interact directly with the Patient, for no additional staff is employed because that would be an expense.  The object is, PROFIT, and NOTHING cuts into those profits like hiring more employees.

 As notable issues emerge, “changes” are demanded to guarantee the people their medical system is truly a quality system.  Our people presume those changes always improve the system.  That is what our leaders repeatedly tell our population.

These regulatory changes are generally instigated by, “faceless” bureaucrats who are devoid of any real working knowledge of the system they regulate.  Their required changes add many, “layers” into the system, and each requirement means more time is consumed by the provider Doctors, Nurses (especially the Nurses), the technicians, etc. trying to document these items follow the Regulatory Standards. 

These events do not detract from the sale of the Medical Products, which are profits to the elite owners and to the hospital.  They do, however, markedly reduce the personal services provided to the Patients!  The bureaucrats will point to the paperwork showing clearly all the regulatory requirements are, “in compliance”, so everything meets the, “standards of care”.

Gentle Readers, it is important you understand these basics before we disclose what you can do to counter them.  Our system is horribly, “broken”, but it can be salvaged.  In completing our task of rehabilitation, each of us must become much more involved in our personal care.  There are definite steps to take.  Follow us later to Part Two.