EMR: A New Analysis

As technology changes so do other aspects of our lives such as healthcare and government. One current issue regarding EMR’s (Electronic Medical Records) is the possibility of Universal Healthcare, meaning government run healthcare.  There are many individuals for Universal Healthcare, a couple examples being:

• The number of uninsured U.S residents has grown to over 45 million. (although this number includes illegal immigrants)
• Healthcare has become an increasingly unaffordable business.
• Free medical services can help promote preventative medicine.
• Patients with pre-existing condition can still get health coverage.

 While individuals for Universal Healthcare have valid points there are many individuals who oppose Universal Healthcare for the following reasons:

•  “Free” healthcare isn’t really “free” since many American’s would pay for it with taxes.
• Healthy people who take care of themselves will have to pay for the burden of those who lead unhealthy lifestyles.
• Government could pass additional restrictions or increase taxes on smoking, fast food, etc., leading to further loss of personal freedom.
• Government-mandated procedures will likely reduce doctor flexibility.

So what does this have to do with EMR’s? Considering the fact that many medical facilities receive grants for implementing new technology this could mean an increase in taxes for all American’s. Healthcare isn’t exactly a moneymaking business, if it was, many faculties would be able to purchase and implement new technology without aide from the government. However, since there are many uninsured American’s and illegal immigrants seeking medical attention (often not paying their bills) hospitals are losing money everyday. Consumer Health Ratings reported that in 2009, the average emergency room bill for uninsured people under the age of 65 was $1397.

Another sad aspect of the rising costs of healthcare is that many people abuse the system. Going to an emergency room for a paper cut, or calling the ambulance for a stubbed toe (I used to work in an emergency room and people really do visit the emergency room for such examples) just because one wants pain medication isn’t exactly the wisest thing to do considering the cost of an emergency room visit. 

The examples above are a harsh reality of what insured individuals and hospitals have to put up with. Abusing healthcare didn’t start overnight, this has been going on for years and sadly, we are the ones who are hurting the system and we are the ones who are to blame. 

Unfortunately, regulations such as turning people away and telling them to go to a clinic

doesn’t happen because doctors are afraid of being sued. On the other hand, many primary care physicians won't accept new patients if they are uninsured because the physicians know they won't make any money. This leaves countless people turning to the emergency room for primary care visits. 

Even though new technology, healthcare, and the ever-changing government may sound appealing, one has to wonder at what cost will we end up paying? Prices aren’t getting any cheaper and jobs aren’t paying for the difference. Is there someway to reform the system without implementing Universal Healthcare? Or can we learn from other countries that have already implemented Universal Healthcare? These are some hard questions American’s need to think about because healthcare needs to improve and so does the way insurance companies insure people. Sometimes it’s not all about money, but how we can better ourselves for the greater good of society.