Forget The Idea That The Doctor Knows Best

IPAB is a new acronym to me. It stands for Independent Payment Advisory Board. If this is the first time you've come across this acronym, let me suggest you learn as much as possible about it. I truly believe it can, and probably will, cause more harm to the America people than good.

Remember Nancy Pelosi's infamous statement, about needing to pass the healthcare reform bill to find out what is in it? Well, IPAB was created under this new healthcare law. IPAB consists of 15 unelected, unaccountable members that are appointed by the President to keep Medicare spending to predetermined target levels. In other words, IPAB is charged with putting a lid on Medicare spending. On the surface, some may argue that this is a good thing. However, we need to keep in mind that IPAB operates outside the usual checks and balances with no judicial or congressional oversight. Furthermore, its recommendations are enforceable under law unless Congress holds down spending enough to meet the target, or eliminates the board, which can only be accomplished with a super-majority vote in the Senate. The chances of this happening with the grandstanding, self-interest individuals we have elected to Congress is nearly impossible.

Now, if this doesn't raise your blood pressure and give you heartburn, keep in mind that beginning in 2015, this same group of 15 will be able to extend their rationing to the entire healthcare system. This will have a negative impact on all of us, including our children and grandchildren.

According to the Executive Director of Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), Dr. Jane Orient, MD, the only tool the IPAB is allowed to use is to not pay for services or to pay far below cost. Therefore, the government will emphasize the annual wellness visit (AWV). You get a "free" visit to the doctor, or rather "health care provider," and that is supposed to keep you well. For the most part, it will keep sick people out of the doctor's office, which will be jammed with people having AWVs.

In her latest release, The Medicare "Wellness" Farce, Dr. Orient describes the AWV as a "no-touch" visit conducted by a nurse and other team members, such as a health educator. It will involve determining your height, weight, and waistline circumference or body mass index (BMI). If you are overweight, you will be scolded and given evidence-based advice to lose weight. In all likelihood, you will be given a government-approved low-fat diet to follow. When it doesn't work, you will be called "non-adherent," the preferred term for non-compliant.

Dr. Orient further suggests that individuals will be screened for risk factors for depression, mental health or cognitive problems, and even for the risk of falling down. A list will be created of all your medications and all your regular providers and suppliers.

If the government gets its way, all this information will be entered into an electronic database. This will make it convenient to determine the societal value of your medical treatment, just in case the IPAB decides that resources need to be redistributed to those who are not obese or showing early signs of dementia.

Looking down the road, it appears that this group of 15 unaccountable, so-called health experts will have more say concerning your personal healthcare than your personal physician. Then again, personal physicians may be a thing of the past.

 

tgrasson@gie.net