More and Better

I just finished watching some very interesting reports from the front-lines of change in the health-care system in this country. In the PBS Report, a health-care provider system is trying out a radical new concept: Pay for Performance. There are many interesting issues here, but the most relevant point to the process I'm undergoing right now is this: all of the varied points of reform involve electronic records. I thought again about how much easier it would be for the Federal Government, as an employer, to screen me for the service if I could have electronic records sent. I can't even email documents. They do have a fax machine.

I spoke today with the NP at my MD's office. She seemed to find the MR nurse's attitude a bit aggressive. I've gotten accustomed to it, but she was unprepared for it. She did her best to clarify, to interpret the doctor's scrawling handwriting, and to smooth out some of the contradictory information involved. I think, however, that I am going to write my own statement, to clear up any confusion and underscore how little relevance this particular problem has for my Peace Corps service.

I have to remember that the screener is just doing her job. She has to be sure I'll be all right out there in wherever, however far from modern health care. If I can make her job easier this will go smoother.