UltimateZo OP t1_iu4unjj wrote on October 28, 2022 at 3:45 PM

Reply to comment by nkdeck07 in Boston Healthcare System Total Garbage? by UltimateZo

Sigh... I will give some advice on how to improve the current healthcare infrastructure. This is not all inclusive and just what I am thinking about off the top of my head in 5 minutes. Not even getting paid for this either...

Reduce the PCP wait times: PCP is the gateway into the healthcare system in Boston, so this is a no brainer. Virtual appointments are a relic of COVID, and are actually a good thing. I am glad this has been fully integrated into the regular swing of healthcare and I am sure improvements can continue to be made with telehealth to increase capacity. How about PCP clinics? Or days with open walk-in PCP visits? What about incentivizing our future medical practitioners to focus on primary care? How about more investment into supporting the mental and physical health of PCPs? How about flexible appointments like group visits or after hours/weekend visits? Spitball ideas.
The administrative burden is heavy: I am calling, waiting, and told to call this number. Then I call again, wait more, and no wait call this number. Boston's healthcare is built on a spiderweb of phone lines that is very inefficient. For every phone, there must be someone to pickup that phone. The entire registration process to get a Medical ID for MGH and BI is done on the phone. Get this online and get it online now. I am sure there are many other administrative duties that can be automated.
Lose the unhealthy pride: If you want to improve the system and provide better care, you can't lash out when someone speaks ill of it. This post was born of frustration because the system is flawed, and that is OKAY. There will always and forever be criticisms in every field. Being able to think rationally about the information being presented and distill that down to something useful is the name of the game.

Have a good one nkdeck07.

sarahmolly12 t1_iu8fzu4 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 11:06 AM

As someone who works in this industry, yes your examples in #1 are clearly thought out, but I'll offer you some rationale why they're not feasible. You simply cannot prioritize the mental well-being of PCPs whilst also offering after hour and weekend care. It's an oxymoron. To offer open walk in days you'd have a 3 hour wait before the clinic even opened. And group visits? Not sure what you mean by this but it really doesn't seem HIPAA compliant. I know I'd personally never be seen as a group for a medical concern.

I do strongly agree that we need to incentivize more people to go into primary care, but sadly it's just not flashy the way specialties and sub specialties are. On top of that, you commented on the burden being a PCP has on one's mental health, when you could make double or even triple that as a specialist, it's rare to chose the lower paying option.

UltimateZo OP t1_iu91yk9 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 2:38 PM

I agree their are flaws in my suggestions, maybe thinking on it for 5 minutes gives me some leeway. Who knows the people in the comments are merciless so maybe not. shrug