Medical Arcana

Hello everyone!  Kernal Ken back at the keyboard, writing the truth for justice and the American Way.  

One problem with such writing is that my audience is a mixed lot.  Many of you I know from the military or are in my extended family, some of you I know from my time in the Wall Street World, some are Church friends and/or neighbors, and some go all the way back to the days when I was a high school stud.

Today, I want to post about my experience with the health care system.  For many of you, this will be old news.  For some, this will be an eye opener on the military health care system.  For others, you have already hit the escape key and are on to better things.

Someone once said, "A veteran, be he or she on active duty, in the reserves, the National Guard, or retired is someone who once, or many times, signed a blank check to the American People 'for any amount up to and including my life.'" 

 In return for that level of commitment, the government agrees to pay wages that are substantially below the civilian market, pay a housing and subsistance allowance that are inadequate for either purpose, move the soldier and family around every few years, whether they need it or not, and provide other benefits, such as retirement at an early age and healthcare -  both of which are substantial.

Active duty soldiers and families receive their healthcare at no charge,but must find their own dental and eye care.   Retired soldiers and families pay an annual modest fee, currently $498 for the same services.  Historically, I should note that one of the reasons the Queen Vee decided to marry me was because I had a plan for the future which included healthcare.  Her family had just gone through very difficult financial times when her mother died of cancer at age 46.  So, the healthcare benefit is a major player in why many soldiers join and stay in the service.

Nonetheless, all healthcare seems to share some odd quirks, many of which I have seen most recently in my 4 months within the "Beast."   Here are a few examples.

"Good morning, colonel.  Welcome back to the ABC clinic.  Let's take your vital signs."  "I just had those taken 15 minutes ago in the DEF Clinic."  "Well, let's take them again. Step on the scale, please."  " I weigh 210 lbs."  "Well, sir, our scale says you weigh 210.5 lbs.  Did you have a doughnut on the way here?"  "My blood pressure is 125 over 70."  "Well, our device says 135 over 80, can you explain that?" "Yes, you're making me crazy!"  I have had my vital signs taken four times with a three hour period - can that be efficient?

"Well, sir, we know you come from a long distance for these appointments, so we will try to make them for your convenience.  Would you like this one at 7 AM or 4:45 PM?"

I have discovered that the number of doctors in the room is directly proportional to how painful the area to be examined will be.  For instance, when the ENT doctor platoon wants to spray your nose with  industrial strength Afrin so that they can insert the ENToscope into your sinuses and poke around for a while, you can be sure that at least three doctors will want a look.  Each will say, "You may feel a little pressure."   You will feel it.

The more technical the explanation of what is going on will always be given by the more junior of the medical staff.  By the time someone starts explaining things in Latin, you can be sure that you are speaking to the most junior resident in the clinic.  Junior residents always seem surprised if you ask a question.

Despite what you might expect, healthcare providers are among the least sensitive to those, like me, who also having hearing problems.  I can point out hearing aids in both ears and note that I need to see their lips to fully understand what they're saying, but most doctors and nurses need several such pleas before they begin to get it.

The most critical prescriptions are the ones that come with the fewest pills per bottle and with the least number of refills authorized.

If you are an inpatient, your chances of communicating with the various nurses who will arrive in your room at odd times are directly proportional to whether or not you speak Spanish or understand English dialects from the Caribbean.

Well, enough for now.  I have some real questions about the differences between the bills submitted  by healthcare contractors, amounts allowed and amounts actually paid, to include patient share.  But that stuff is complex enough to gag anyone.  You may feel a little pressure.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers.  This recovery part is harder than I expected, but  not harder than I can take. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to the fight against cancer as my daughters Audrey and Samantha take a marathon and a half walk  in two weeks on my behalf, you can donate through their blogs at audrey at audreycarlsonsupermom.blogspot.com  or samanthaleelee.blogspot.com.  Thanks to many of you whose support has already been received!

I'll see you on the high ground!