I want to express my frustration with the state of health care in the United States, particularly in the context of my own experiences within the system. Over the past 12 years, I have submitted articles to KevinMD advocating for quality patient care and fair working conditions for health care professionals. I have urged hospital administrators to reevaluate their operations to improve patient and staff satisfaction and the overall efficiency of health care delivery.
Since the onset of COVID-19, I’ve noticed a surge in the number of urgent care centers, similar to the proliferation of convenience stores like Wawa or Dunkin’ Donuts. While this in itself is not necessarily negative, the problem arises when patients visit these centers for urgent medical issues and then receive no follow-up care from their primary care providers. This lack of continuity in care hinders efforts to address underlying health issues and prevent potential future problems, in addition to eroding the relationship of trust.
I believe this situation has been exacerbated by the burnout experienced by health care professionals during the pandemic. Many experienced practitioners chose to retire, leaving a significant gap in available care. Furthermore, administrative boards within corporate health systems have often disregarded staff requests for improved working conditions, contributing to the overall strain on health care professionals.
As a result, patients are facing significant challenges in accessing primary care. Waiting times to see a doctor or specialist have increased to two to three months and, in some cases, even longer. Practices are attempting to cope with the shortage of physicians by relying more on nurse practitioners. While nurse practitioners play a valuable role in health care, it’s misleading for patients to believe that they are speaking with medical doctors when arranging appointments.
Amidst all these challenges in patient care, corporate health systems continue to thrive, acquiring independent practices and investing in extensive construction projects for high-cost procedures. I am left questioning the prioritization of these endeavors over adequate staffing and supporting existing facilities.
I appreciate the need for progress and expansion in health care, but it is essential to ensure that current facilities are fully staffed and that existing staff are supported in their critical roles. Patients and health care professionals are the lifeblood of the system, and their well-being should take precedence over grandiose construction projects.
I am open to hearing any insights or solutions to these challenges. Until then, I remain one of many frustrated patients who feel lost in a health care system that resembles a business transaction rather than a place of healing and care.
Michele Luckenbaugh is a patient advocate.
