Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 3, 1994 TAG: 9403270157
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: F-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Here is another entry into the debate over what is widely called the "Health Care Crisis."
Of course, depending on where one stands in the political spectrum, there may not be a crisis at all. Be that as it may, George Halvorson has written his prescription for some strong medicine, and it is important to know his perspective. Admittedly, I had to swallow hard after reading on the dust jacket that he had been in the "front lines of health care for twenty-five years" and that those years had been largely spent as an insurance company executive!
"Front lines"! It sounds more like the fourteenth floor to me.
At any rate, the man is reasonable and has obviously spent more than a little time thinking about the subject. He takes on most of the major players - physicians, hospitals, drug companies, insurers, and Uncle Sam - and omits only the lawyers. And he points out from his perspective how each group has contributed to the problem. From my perspective, he is fairly close to the mark most of the time.
He uses clear, homely examples to make his points. His prose is spare and serviceable. There are sufficient references to bolster his assertions. His conclusions and recommendations are drawn in clear and orderly fashion.
The book is worth reading because the debate really is not about health care; it is about financing health care and the author knows his way around this subject. Recall while reading, though, that the book was written by someone who has been there and remains a major player, and thereby has contributed significantly to the current mess.
Those who really are in the "front lines" - patients and their physicians - need to contribute to the debate even more than Halvorson.
Sidney Barritt is a Roanoke physician.
by CNB