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Hippiekinkster -> RE: Single payer costs (8/26/2010 11:18:05 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: tazzygirl
Causes of iatrogenesis include chance, medical error, negligence, social control and the adverse effects or interactions of prescription drugs. In the United States, from 120,000 to 225,000 deaths per year may be attributed in some part to iatrogenesis.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iatrogenesis
I don't know what "social control" in this context means. The author threw that out, and failed to elaborate.
"Meessen et al. used the term “iatrogenic poverty” to describe impoverishment induced by medical care[12]. Impoverishment is described for households exposed to catastrophic health expenditure[13] or to hardship financing[14]. Every year, worldwide, over 100,000 households fall into poverty due to health care expenses. Especially in countries in economic transition, the willingness to pay for health care is increasing and the supply side does not stay behind and develops very fast. But, the regulatory and protective capacity in those countries is often lagging behind. Patients easily fall in a vicious cycle of illness, ineffective therapies, consumption of savings, indebtedness, sale of productive assets and eventually poverty."
This is the American model of healthcare, and this is what I'm going through. I've applied for community assistance as my income is less than my expenses, due to fee for service medical care. I am a bit put out (that is to say, really fucking pissed off), and I would like every right-winger who likes paying for fee-for-service through a private insurance company to consider whether they have the resources to come through a major medical crisis financially unscathed.
I'm battling an ulcer on my heel, approx 3.2cmx 2.6 cm x 2.3 cm deep. I had an MRI in April, which indicated that the infection (MRSA and Proteus) hadn't penetrated the bone. 3 days of IV antimicrobials, then discharge. No additional tests, such as a culture swab or x-ray, prior to discharge. I have been scrupulous in keeping a barrier between the wound and the environment. I also have used a 0.25% NaOCl solution for sterilization.
An x-ray on 8/12 indicated a density contrast on the bottom of the heelbone, indicating bacterial infection. Podiatrist wants to debride the bone, and try to suture this gaping wound. I do not have the results of the swab culture taken 12 August. I think a biuopsy should be taken prior to any surgery.
Unless bacteria can penetrate a physical barrier (hospital footies/bleached socks), the hospital released me wthout a confirmatory test to determine that the infection had been quashed. I'm thinking that there could possibly be negligence on the part of the attending physician, for failure to determine that I was free of infection in that area prior to release.
This is, IMO, an example of iatrogenic illness due to negligence.
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