Don ’t repeal the ACA without a replacement

Whether rejoicing or mourning, millions of Americans awoke on January 21st feeling suddenly at the threshold of a new and uncertain era. However, in public safety-net emergency departments across the nation — like Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where we work — the service of healing continued seamlessly, paying no heed to the national drama that has unfolded for the past several months. That day and into the night, there were simple moments that typify and define our work. Picking up an elderly homeless woman’s shoes. Using a translator phone to ensure a Somali teenager had the right insulin dose. Jumping into action when medics arrive with a young cyclist struck on his way to work. It was comforting to lose oneself in the tide of humanity, the true cross-section of society that streams through our doors 365 days a year. Though health care is undergoing unprecedented evolution, our fundamental mission to serve remains steadfast. At the entrance to Harborview, there is a banner that states, in seven languages, “Harborview welcomes and respects ALL.” Regardless of our political identities, physicians choose to rise above politics to carry out the principles of service that underlie our profession every day. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Policy Health reform Source Type: blogs