A Week in the Life of a McDonald’s Cashier

Re:A Week in the Life of a McDonald’s Cashier by pugio on Thursday December 05, 2019 @02:32PM (#21715585)

Fixing healthcare would (by definition, IMO) alter health system incentives. If the government were responsible for all citizen's health, AND it wasn't too heavily influenced by lobby groups, it would make a lot more sense to focus on prophylactic measures, such an promoting healthy eating.

Doctors should be paid for how healthy their patients are, not for continuing treatments of the chronically ill.

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Re:A Week in the Life of a McDonald’s Cashier by zentiggr on Thursday December 05, 2019 @02:52PM (#21715798)

> not for continuing treatments of the chronically ill

So my rheumatologist gets nothing for continuing to monitor and advise and prescribe treatment for my arthritis? Which isn't exactly something I can willpower away...

I don't like you.

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Re:A Week in the Life of a McDonald’s Cashier by pugio on Thursday December 05, 2019 @05:07PM (#21717160)

Sorry, typed that first bit out on my phone and ended up with a truncated thought. I was mostly referring to the way current financial incentives focus on _treatment_ versus prevention or cure.

In truth the change I was hoping for would happen at a slightly higher level than an individual doctor. More "health system" or municipal healthcare group.

I wasn't suggesting "willpower", nor making claims about your particular situation. I have observed cases where doctors are more willing to prescribe ongoing medications for chronic conditions, rather than investigating more holistic solutions to help alleviate symptoms. Arthritis symptoms can often be greatly reduced by diet or lifestyle changes. If your doctor helps you test and implement those – great! I've seen many cases where they don't, and my point is that they're not incentivized to do so.

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