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Obamacare: Medical Rationing and the Demise of Patient Confidentiality
October 1st, 2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Unless there is a legislative repeal, as a direct result of the TRUTH FAMINE it appears that Obamacare is on its way for Americans - It's just a matter of time. The face of health care and medical ethics is about to change exponentially, and in unprecedented ways, as the government gains access to, and takes charge of, your medical care and your personal medical records.
WASHINGTON,DC (Catholic Online) - Unless there is a legislative repeal, as a direct result of the TRUTH FAMINE it appears that Obamacare is on its way for Americans - It's just a matter of time. And there's something you need to know. The face of health care and medical ethics is about to change exponentially, and in unprecedented ways, as the government gains access to, and takes charge of, your medical care and your personal medical records.
As we careen towards Obamacare, there are many high impact issues and risks for consumers of healthcare, particularly the medical ethical challenges that threaten religious freedom. However, none of the challenges presented by Obamacare are as far reaching, universally controversial and deeply personal to most Americans, as healthcare rationing, and the demise of your confidential medical records.
After all, who really wants the federal government in control of their medical records in the first place?In America, we are so fortunate to have the finest healthcare available, provided by top-notch doctors from within the U.S. and all over the world. Presently, effective medical care, preventive, advanced care, and emergency medical care, is generally easily accessible and just a phone call away.
Even those who do not have the money or resources to pay for health care insurance are able to obtain medical care through local health departments and a plethora of governmental services and programs, some that are free, and others require payment on a sliding scale. That is, if you are poor and have no money, you can still receive medical care and you are not required to pay for services rendered.
It is reasonable to anticipate that Americans will be subjected to many of the same pitfalls of socialized medicine as seen in other countries where the government is in charge of the health of its citizens. Your medical records will no longer be your own, as they become the property of the federal government. Decisions about what sort of care you need will be based on factors such as age, gender, occupation, etc. and, of course, available resources, and decided by an agency of people other than your own doctor and insurance company.
To understand the concept of medical rationing, simply think of your healthcare as an allotment made by non-medical strangers (governmental) who decide, for you, if, and when, you can receive the services your physician has requested for you based on his expertise. Today, in America, one may wait hours, days, or 1-2 weeks for insurance company authorization. Under socialized medicine, and subsequently, Obamacare, that wait could easily be extended to a year for something like knee surgery for a torn meniscus or a full knee replacement.
And then, there is always the chance that the government will decide that you do not qualify for the much needed surgery or treatment that you have been waiting for. Heart or liver surgery could be refused based on your age and prognosis; and you could be writhing in pain for months as your much needed back surgery is delayed months or, worse, even refused.
The elderly, adults and children with disabilities and serious, long-term medical issues will be even more at risk for life threatening complications due to Obamacare, as they may very well be delayed, or worse-even denied-- services because they are not "cost-effective." And there is more.
In addition to healthcare rationing and the inherent ethical and moral life and death, and quality of life issues, Obamacare also threatens medical confidentiality in a big way, as your personal medical records become the property of the federal government. Do you really want anyone outside of your doctor's office to know about that infection you are having treated, seizures, or the AIDS you contracted?
What this means is that an entire agency of people may have access to your personal data, and indiscrete breeches of confidentiality may easily be the end result. For with socialized medicine, your medical office visits will no longer be a one on one experience, with you and your doctor deciding what is best for you and your health.
Governmental intervention in your medical care and, particularly, your medical records, could have devastating personal consequences. It could automatically mean the loss of your driver's license for some people for certain conditions, such as muscle weakness, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, neuropathy, and even mental health issues such as depression.
The Motor Vehicle Administration where I live already posts a long and growing list of conditions that you must self-report to be able to renew your license and drive a car. These conditions and many more are already included on the list.Socialized medicine may also cause some to lose your driver's license simply based on a visit to their primary care doctor or to a specialist.
In essence, this usurps patient doctor confidentiality, allowing governmental "outsiders" to make decisions for you simply based on what is written in your medical records, without discussion. For this reason, many physicians are talking about leaving their medical practices in the advent of socialized medicine in America, as their autonomy is soon to be taken away.
As Obamacare looms large and threatens patient confidentiality, prepares to be the demise of medical ethics, and heralds in a new age of medical care rationing for all Americans, the only recourse may be much needed fervent prayer and your conscientious vote in November.
Copyright 2012 Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM