Five Star Vein and Wellness Blog

The Health Care Dilemma —A Plan for a Simpler, More Cost Effective Policy Which Will Result in Improved Health Care in the U.S. - Part 1

Posted by Robert W. Ruess MD | Nov 26, 2013 6:13:55 PM

This will require more than one article- health care is a big subject. Before we come to a conclusion of how to repair the current system and show the reasons why this plan is fair and will work, I have to establish some “street cred” so that readers will understand that I am proposing the solution because I have the experience to state that this proposal will be significantly better than the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as “Obamacare”. To read the entire law click here.

Some of the best lessons are found embedded in history. Certainly many empires, including the USA, could have used this to their advantage throughout the years. Unfortunately, those in power often ignore the lessons of history and forge blindly ahead, having to learn the hard way via experience.

I have the “advantage?” of being an old doctor. This has given me many insights when it comes to a perspective on health care. I had a Rotating Internship. I worked Emergency Rooms to earn extra money while I was a Resident. I served as a General Medical Officer in a US Navy amphibious attack squadron during the Vietnam War. I had a General Surgery Residency, an Intensive Care Fellowship, a Surgical Oncology Fellowship and spent some time teaching at a major university.

Later a Vascular Surgery Fellowship and a Cardiothoracic Residency followed. After a private practice where I did nothing but Vascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery for 23 years I retired—-only to start a new practice a couple years later in Phlebology [Vein Care] for which I passed the Board Exam in Phlebology and am currently in the private practice of vein care today.

As you can see, I have the advantage to have personally experienced the practice of medicine in several fields, both in a teaching institution and in private practice, over the last 44 years. What a ride and what a lot of lessons!

In the next article you will see that my “solution” to the current health care mess is not some profound, earth-shaking insight; rather, it is simply thinking back over the years and adopting an old system that worked very well and adding a few modern ideas. This plan would streamline and simplify the health care system. It would place America firmly at the top of the list of the world’s health care systems.

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of this four part discussion.

Topics: Medical Advice, Dr. Robert W. Ruess, Five Star Vein Institute, Health Care Alternatives, Affordable Care Act, Obamacare

Written by Robert W. Ruess MD