some discussion

In the interest of journailistic integrity, I don't believe that I should let the figures speak for themselves. What follows is a selection of quotes (many paraphrased) culled from the "dicussion" section of the previously cited article:

Certainly, administration is an integral element of good healthcare. The leaps and bounds in patient outcomes that society (western, at least) has witnessed over the past century are due mostly to the implementation of principles known since the turn of the twentieth century (not, as touted by industry, technological advances). Implementation may not be synonomous with administration, but the two are very much related.

The question is two part, how much administration is optimal, and what form should it take. Does the high administrative spending in the United States relative to that in Canada (or that in the US 30 years ago) improve care? No studies have directly addressed these questions, however analyses of investor owned HMOs and hospitals have found that for-profit facilities have neither higher-quality care nor lower costs than not-for-profit facilities.

There is certainly more to be said, but I'm about to go eat some Raisin' Cane's chicken, hands down the best fast food chicken on god's green earth. Actually, some of the best chicken you'll ever eat. Add some sweet tea, texas toast, crinkle cut fries, and slaw, and you've got yourself one heart satisfying meal.

Some more healthcare facts

(From an article in The New England Journal of Medecine, August 21st 2003
Authors: Steffie Woolhander, M.D., M.P.H., Terry Campbell, M.H.A. and David
Himmelstein, M.D.)

Costs of Healthcare Administration in the US and Candada:

Numbers are Spending per capita in USD

Canadian figure follows the US in parentheses


Insurance Overhead 259 (47)

Employers' cost to manage
health benefits 57 (8)

Hospital Administration 315 (103)

Nursing home Administration 62 (29)

Administrative costs of practitioners 324 (107)

Home care administration 42 (13)

Total 1,059 (307)

A Question

I'm planning on purchasing a domain (name) and getting some hosting. Anyone have any suggestions on company?

Buenos Dias

Hello, Hello. It's Sunday morning here in Baton-Rouge. Kitty and I are making our second attempt at "Arsenic and Old Lace', a wonderful old comedy starring Cary Grant. Coffee is good.

Hello Hello

I have a full tummy and internet access; the pleasures of wealth in this day and age are wonderful.

It's no wonder that so many people in this state (Louisiana) are obese. I wouldn't be surprised if I've gained five pounds while eating here. Eating has really consumed most of my effort the past week. I've also indulged in some pure pleasure reading and some brain rot (television). If anyone has yet to read Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential", it's well worth a read. The boob tube has sucked me in again. I'm wholeheartedly a West Wing fan. Stay far far away if you do not want to loose yourself. More about the food later.

Farewell

It's quarter to one here in Seattle and I'm preparing to head off to Louisiana. Before I forget, I think we should all extend a congratulatory good luck to Mr. Flynt and to Arnie (both candidates in the California Governatorial election). But, more seriously, lets pray for a candidate who may actually save the Californians from their own lunacy (it's really their voter ballot initiatives that are the problem, direct democracy is a horrid idea).

Always American
What's with Rumsfield, Wolfowitz, and Fieth (all Pentagon higher-ups). Some time ago they extended their unilateralism to include overuling not only other nations, but the State Department as well. More reading needs to be done on these issues, but I see conspiracy theories in the midst.

Who's your Daddy

You've painted the nursery, reserved the hospital room, and even accepted some hand-me-down baby clothes from your mother. The big day comes and everyone's gushing, "oh, he's got his mother's eyes, and her smile as well!", but all you can think is, "where'd that nose come from??"

Fret no longer. Head straight to "www.geneticassays.com/paternity.htm" and for just over two hundred bucks, you can figure out who the daddy really is.

Options, options, options.
1. Notarized (court admissible) package starts at $495.00 USD
2."Peace of mind package" (At home Paternity Test Kit) starts at $245.00 USD

Want to fight it out in court, depositions and expert witness testimony start at $195.00 USD/hour (plus expenses).