The results of my last physical were pretty good. A painful prick showed by blood sugar levels were nice and low. The EKG revealed by heart is beating strong.
I am lucky not to have any major health problems that need serious medical attention, but the human body needs some repairs now and then.
But, if you haven’t noticed, health care in this country is completely broken. And I’m not just saying that because I got a $400 bill in the mail yesterday for said physical (which my healthcare is supposed to cover).
Don’t worry, this isn’t a rant. I’m just civilly going to lay out what my basic expectations, as a young professional, for health care are.
I want to be able to stalk my doctor on some sort of Doctorbook before I commit to an appointment. There’s Facebook for potential roommates, LinkedIn for potential coworkers, Twitter for everyone else. I want to be able to peruse some sort of online resume that let’s me know crucial information, like how likely is my doctor to prescribe holistic or naturopathic treatments, etc. I’ve moved in four times in the last four years for work. I haven’t really had a chance to develop any sort of relationship with a doctor. So I need to know if we’re going to click.
I need my doctor to be accessible. By email. By text message. By Facebook chat. This is how I communicate and I need you to accomodate me.
I need my doctor’s office to be open in the evening/ on weekends. I’m building my career right now, which means I am working a lot. It’s nearly impossible for me to come between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., minus an hour for lunch. The emergency room is not an alternative. (I actually had a young professional friend who cut her hand really badly wait until morning to go the the doctor because she couldn’t afford the ER.)
I want the option of going to a market-price doctor. I want to be able to go to a clinic that is not associated with any sort of health care system. I’m willing to pay full price for the small stuff (physicals, ear cleaning, wart removals, etc.)
I’d like to get some kind of FourSquare deal after my third check-in. Just kidding. Sort of. Free thermometer?
I totally agree with you! Evenings, Weekends and lunch time are ideal for Doc appointments, but most open late, have answering services between 12-2 and close at 5! I should also be able to review the cost prior to going too aside from my co-pay…I paid $70 for a fitting of contacts that i already know how to put in! Crazy.
That first commentor has no idea what it means for a YP to survive. Most YPs don’t make enough money to survive on salary alone to pay the cost of self paid health insurance is much more expensive (just ask your local freelancer how much it costs if they even have insurance!)Health Insurance is a huge perk for people being employed at lower salaries.
Great post!
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It seems you want what you want, when you want it and it should cost nothing.
First, there is nothing broken about healthcare. It’s readily accessible. What needs fixing is the mandates on health insurers – which by the way is not “health care” – which the government imposes, which drives up cost.
The second thing that is wrong is that health insurance is distributed through your employer. Why? Why is your employer made to be your momma when it comes to health insurance? They don’t insure your cars, they don’t insure your home, they don’t insure your life, so why are they the purchase point for your health insurance?
People should be free to see whoever they want, and they should pay their own way, including choosing what coverage they want and need. Why should you take what your employer chooses for you?