As a trauma and critical care surgeon, I care for the most seriously ill and injured patients. Though most of my work is in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, I see how current problems with our health care system are creating a delayed tragedy — long-term negative health consequences for my patients.
One issue is the ballooning cost deterring people from seeking care. We’re familiar with expensive premiums and deductibles but there’s a lesser known but growing issue hiking up patients’ bills that I feel obligated to bring attention to.
Hospital systems across the country — including here in Oregon — are buying up small, community physician practices. When this happens, the cost of care skyrockets. That same local clinic you’ve been going to for years is now a “hospital outpatient department.” Even if it’s not anywhere near the main hospital, the facility can now charge patients, and Medicare, more for the exact same services in the exact same building.
