V.A. Doctor Defends Government Run Health Care

Dr. V.Ram Krishnamoorthi M.D.
Eward Hines Jr. V.A. Hospital
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Health Care for America NOW
"We Can't Afford to Wait" candle light vigil
Chicago, Illinois Sept. 2, 2009

Dr. Krishnamoorthi is not a spokesman for Hines V.A. Hosp. nor Loyola Univ./Stritch.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Veterans Administration
• V.A.
• Chicago
• HCAN
• Health Care Reform
• single payer
• government option

[c1nicolei]

- to pay for those who should be paying for their own, I am not talking of veterans/dtruly disabled/mentally ill or the elderly, just the rest of the moochers out there.. For those ABLE to work and pay their own, it is NOT my responsibility to PAY thier way. Plain and simple. and yes, I want to get paid for the care I provide!! Don't you like to get paid for the work you do???????

[dogstar7]

Nicloe, you already "pay", in tax dollars, for those who don't have private insurance. And you "pay" MUCH MORE than it should because, as you are aware, Public Assistance hospitals see some of the most acute and advanced cases of easily treatable diseases because most people...even if they can afford the most basic health care coverage...delay and neglect care because of the co-payments and high deductibles.

[dogstar7]

I'm going to tell you something right now. People like you who carry on arguments this long are looking for real answers. The other thing about people who argue against health care reform that I have found...they aren't long term patients or primary care providers.

I'll say it again; You are an employee in the private, bloated, expensive, predatory health care industry. Your days are numbered. I'd be panicky, too if I were you.

[c1nicolei]

I continue to see many VA patients, 2 yesterday that chose to see private healthcare providers because they are so disatisfied with the care at the VA. I am glad you have been happy, but MANY are not!

[dogstar7]

c1nicolei

You sound like you are a private practitioner. You are probably employed by a service, or you could be a service manager or supervisor.

In any case, you appear to be a health care professional. It's not hard to assume that you are representing a corporate interest, either voluntarily or on the behest of your employer.

If you are doing the later, being a political activist at the suggestion or under the supervision of the people who employ you, you may be violating labor law.

[c1nicolei]

No, I am working at an urgent care facility and am not saying what I do under ANY "suggestion". the government already had their hand in health care and are doing a poor job! Canadian halth care is horrible, there are long waits and in some districts cannot even get to a docotr for YEARS, yes I said years! You win based on a lottery! This is not a GOOD process, but this is the sigle payer system our idiot president hopes for! It will not work. There needs to be regulation but not soc. med

[dogstar7]

Oh, and now you're an expert on Canadian health care system, eh? You don't even have your facts straight about American VA care.

Who pays who?

Yes, you're paycheck comes from a service, but who pays for your patient care? Insurance companies. So, you have a direct financial interest in opposing public health care. That's obvious.

You're a private health care industry insider, c1nicolei.

[ANSERMOHD]

I have worked in the Hines VA mental health system , I have seen excellent health care provided in the PTSD unit as well as mood disorders , psychotic disorders. Kudos to the doctors and allied health professionals and the management who deliver top notch cutting edge treatments and care to their patients. Excellent comments in the vedio by Dr Krishnamoorthy

[c1nicolei]

I will not see your way, nor you mine, this argument is fruitless. I will pay for my insurance (including copays and deductables) and everyone that CAN Should pay for theirs. I can see a doctor anytime I want and I would like it to stay that way! If legeslation/reform comes about that can control costs, that is fine, but I still want my private options, NO single payer! Learn more about the Canadian model, talk to and watch interviews with those on it.... I DO NOT want that for me or my pts!

[c1nicolei]

OK, look at it as a business if that is what you want, whatever your bottom line is.... Most doctors do not want to work under/for federal/state run healthcare services now, if we turn to a single payer, many doctors will find another occupation I assure you. And I am no expert on Canadian hthcre but I have patients who come here to see me from Canada and have watched unbiased documentaries. You obviously have something to gain the rest of us are doing fine paying for our own! I do not wish

[c1nicolei]

An I am not a nurse, get your facts straight, I am a Physician Associate.. I work in the exact same capacity as an MD, or DO in my practice.