Our hospital floor is full and we need open beds for the imminent COVID surge.
But multiple patients of mine can’t leave the hospital because they’re awaiting prior auths from commercial insurers.
Insurance companies are clogging up the system in the middle of a damn pandemic.
But multiple patients of mine can’t leave the hospital because they’re awaiting prior auths from commercial insurers.
Insurance companies are clogging up the system in the middle of a damn pandemic.
This pandemic will expose global health inequities. It will also reveal the U.S. health system's inefficiencies, spaces where greed often dictates health care.
To beat COVID, yes, social distance and wash hands. We must also pressure those whose place profits over patients.
To beat COVID, yes, social distance and wash hands. We must also pressure those whose place profits over patients.
Every day in American health care clinicians waste time arguing with private insurers. A prior authorization essentially asks, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
We do. Let us do our job.
We do. Let us do our job.
Right now, we can’t afford to waste time. There is no place for frivolous delays so health insurers can solidify their bottom line. We already had a president say this pandemic was a “hoax.” Now health systems are playing catch up.
To my fellow health care workers (and resident doctors), you all freaking rock. It’s unbelievable the amount of work you’re putting in to combat COVID19. Stay safe and take care of yourselves just like you do every single day for patients.
To the custodial and environmental service teams, we couldn’t function without you. You are the bedrock of clinical spaces. A simple thank you is not enough.
To the journalists, please report stories from the front lines. Shine light on the exploitative forces that take from patients rather than give. (See prior auths above.)
More importantly, amplify those who face this system daily like @AdyBarkan, @souldier_, and so many others.
More importantly, amplify those who face this system daily like @AdyBarkan, @souldier_, and so many others.
To the policy makers and public officials, we need your leadership to dismantle profit motives, return autonomy to people (not corporations), and ensure clinicians can do their jobs: take care of humans.
That’s all for now. Back to work tomorrow. Much love from this resident doctor.
