A Penny of Prevention.....

As we move forward at the Neuro Vitality Center with expansion of health services to enwrap other neurological disorders into the chronic care model that we have found to be effective for Stroke and TBI survivors, we continue to see the same long term rehabilitation issues confronting those who suffer similar problems (Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease) that we have seen for so many years with our Stroke and TBI patients. At the heart of the problem is a healthcare system that focuses on episodic care to the detriment of long term or longitudinal care for chronic conditions – care that takes place over the entire life of the disease or the disorder as opposed to treating each disease as an episode of care.

In a recent Wonkblog article, “The two most important numbers in American healthcare” by Ezra Klein, The Washington Post quantified the financial burden the problem puts on the nation as a whole. From the starting point that 5% of people account for 50% of healthcare spending, he extrapolates that, since healthcare accounts for 20% of our economy, 15 million Americans are consuming 1/10^th of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – almost $1.5 trillion. The conclusion, he states is simple – we have to help that 5%. However, not only is that 5% a difficult population to serve, the assumption made in the United States is that we need more costly or better medical care to best serve episodic and chronic conditions   instead of social services that are more prevalent in other developed countries.

A study by Yale School of Public Health, professor Elizabeth H. Bradley, PhD, looked at health outcomes internationally ( OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development –countries) only to show the United States is far behind in social service spending while total health expenditures exceed most of the 18 other OECD countries. This spending pattern does not translate to better outcomes in the United States.

We see the benefit of social service therapeutic programs every day at our community-based Neuro Vitality Center, not only in positive outcomes but in the saving of dollars spent on expensive clinical services in expensive clinical settings, and yet we struggle to find the dollars to keep the Center going. Please take these thoughts to the ballot box – together we can make change happen. 

HealthCare: Right or Privilege?

There is much discussion these days about Healthcare as a right as opposed to a privilege for those able to afford the increasingly expensive treatments and diagnostics. The debate focuses on the difference between rights and privilege but seldom goes to the deeper question of what does Healthcare actually mean.  Does it just mean you have a right to see a doctor if you think you need medical attention -75% or more of physician visits have no pathologies – or does it mean you don’t have to pay for being in a hospital (or at least not enough to break the bank), or does it mean you have a safety net to avoid catastrophic debt when catastrophic illness find you, or does it mean none of that?

The preamble to the constitution of the World Health Organization states “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Building upon that definition, at the Neuro Vitality Center we define Healthcare as the support necessary to allow you to lead a full and vital life no matter the illness, affliction or station in life you occupy.  We want to ensure that even though you or a family member suffers from a disability or a long term disorder, that there is a place where you can go to be with others who can help you to regain confidence and help you to regain the pleasure your life can bring.  We believe it is your right to be as well as you can possibly be and we will continue to fight for that.

This center will continue its commitment to providing services for long term care to those who suffer from chronic neurological problems. Statistics indicate 75% of seniors suffer from one or more chronic diseases. As the population ages, this creates a tsunami of need for help that is currently unfunded and unavailable.  While fighting for change and for help for this at risk population, we will continue to provide a model of care that is proven effective and will welcome people for all walks of life. Healthcare does not end as the Doctor’s door closes nor does it end upon a hospital discharge. Healthcare must encompass a total life time of care and continued attention. Join us with your support and your advocacy.