Author

Topic: Coverage for End-of-Life Talks Gaining Grounds (A.K.A. 0bamacare's Death Panel) (Read 717 times)

legendary
Activity: 1568
Merit: 1001
Since my brother is an RN I'm leaving this decision making up to him in regards to my parents down the line (20+ years God willing). I can understand why doctors wouldn't want to get extra personal on this end of days discussion. I don't have the stomach for it that's for sure. Yet I hold Bitcoins. Tongue
DrG
legendary
Activity: 2086
Merit: 1035
Medicare needs to pay for this.  I spend somewhere between 10-30% of my patient time talking about end-of-life (since I'm a hospitalist) and I don't get compensated for it.  I have to do it because the doc I cover for are either chicken shit to talk to the families or they don't want to spend the time to do it because of lack of financial incentive.

One person in the ICU on a vent on 2 drips with an ICU nurse and 5 consults would cost about $15-$20K/day.  Usually that patient never even gets to say bye to the family and the guilt stricken family turns on each other and on the nurses and physicians - so everybody tip toes around the issue.  It needs to be discussed well in advance and have the plan updated routinely.

People spend more time picking their cable and cel phone plans than picking EOL choices  Roll Eyes
legendary
Activity: 1176
Merit: 1001
minds.com/Wilikon
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