Hartford Courant -- April 5, 2007

By Laurie Santos, Physician Asssistant

Put Patients First

My husband is collaborating with researchers from Canada, Finland and Sweden. During a visit from the group, we all went out to dinner. All at the table, other than us, were covered by health care systems in their countries that provide universal coverage of high quality to everyone at 50 percent to 60 percent of the U.S. cost.

Yes, they have MRI scanners and do angioplasties and coronary bypass surgeries. Citizens in these countries do not fear exposure to medical debt and financial ruin, nor are they anxious about coverage and costs when they get cancer. When people become ill, their sole focus should be on getting the care they need and on getting better.

Our legislators in Hartford have a historic opportunity this session to make some changes that will make health care affordable and accessible to all Connecticut residents, but they cannot do it by allowing the insurance industry to dictate the terms.

A good health care system puts the needs of its patients before those who make profit from the system.

Laurie Santos
Clinton
The writer is a physician assistant.

Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant