SPEND HEALTHCARE DOLLARS WISELY!

By Nancy L. Bassett

Managed care has severely decreased reimbursement. We need to weigh the return on high-level salaries against those of additional caregivers at reasonable salaries, as well as updated patient care equipment. Are we spending our dollars wisely?

Doctors are losing control of many medical care decisions to HMOs, and are substantially impacted financially by decreasing reimbursement.

Patients are paying more for insurance premiums but waiting increasingly long times for pain medication, ambulation, and toiletry.

In many instances, CEOs and executives are getting higher salaries and bonuses while the caregivers are expected to do more with less each year.

Managed Care has severely impacted how we provide care to our patients in acute and sub-acute facilities. The financial picture IS broke, and we need to fix it! My goal is to lead Board decision-making back toward the support of patient care, increasing satisfaction among staff and patients alike.