my healthcare soapbox

[tooge]

Ok, I really don't care what your political offiliations are, this isn't about that. I just saw a very sad situation this morning, and wanted to vent. This story is typical of what is wrong with our health care system.

As many of you know, I'm a dentist. I've been out of school for 20 years, so I've seen quite a bit in my profession.

This morning, a lady brought her son in for a consult. He is in his late 40's, has a dilapidated state oral health, including 8 or 9 non restorable teeth, advanced periodontal disease, and tooth decay in many of the teeth that are still salvagable.

He has a mental disorder and lives in a group home. His mother has recently moved her blind uncle into her home, and her husband has dementia. I'm not sure of the exact "diagnosis" they gave the guy that landed him in the group home, but I'm guessing its some sort of social behavioral disorder.

He was very pleasant, shook my hand, and asked alot of questions. It was like talking to a 9 year old.

Anyhow, so I give the consult, recomment removal of many of his teeth and replacement with a partial denture, some fillings, and a deep cleaning. His mom gives me a huge hug and tells me how pleasant I have been and how good I was with him. She tells me that medicaid will only pay for him to be in the group home and receive "psycological therapy", but no dental care because they are maxing out on the "psycological therapy".

So, I decide to do it all for half the cost. Yeah, I know, it makes me feel good, so there is something in it for me I suppose. But I'm pissed. How can we let the government pay to have a man get psycotropic drugs and "therapy", and yet his "therapist" don't even bother to see that he's a complete dental cripple. The guy can't even chew food. Our system is broken.

This guys overall health is suffering, he's in pain, he's unable to eat solid foods, and yet they gork him out on all sorts of drugs and pay some "therapist" to watch him interact with others. Gimme a break.

Thanks for listening. I'm done now.

[mlyonsd]

I don't have an answer but just want to say you're a good egg.

[La literatura]

It seems like the psychologist cared more about her paycheck then the health of her patient, depending on how long the psychologist has been seeing him.

[tooge]

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

I don't have an answer but just want to say you're a good egg.

Well thanks, but I think in general, most people would have done the same thing. The guy is a very nice man, and doesn't deserve to "rot" in a home. It's supervised neglect really. I''m not sure how much the "therapist" makes, but I do know that he is on 5 anti anxiety and or depression meds and gets a CBC and Liver panel every six months. No dental care though.

[stonedstooge]

My Dr. told me, Medicare doesn't give a shit about your teeth.

[RNR]

Barry has got this shit under control relax~

[patteeu]

This is a medicare cost control success story!

[BucEyedPea]

Big Pharma and Big Psyche get theirs because govt provides a market for them.

[mr. tegu]

Since when do people get too much mental help?

Also, psychiatrist does not equal therapist.

[BucEyedPea]

Who cares, hairsplitter. His point is made regardless.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Who cares, hairsplitter.

They are completely different. It isn't even close.

[BucEyedPea]

Who cares. His point is still made and didn't even use the word psychiatrist. Quit being anal retentive about it and look at the big picture.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Who cares. His point is still made. Quit being anal retentive about it and look at the big picture.

Well when he says therapists, it gives a bad name to therapists. Therapists cannot prescribe medications, thus they cannot benefit from drug peddling, thus they are not responsible for the person in this story not getting the dental help he needs.

I know what the big picture is and it is sad because far too many people receive medications from psychiatrists. His point his valid but that doesn't diminish the importance of the distinction.

[BucEyedPea]

Both psychologists and psychiatrists provide psychotherapy. The psychiatrist is also a doctor.

He only said the patient was on drugs and also got therapy not who prescribed the drugs exactly, 'cept that govt paid for both.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Both psychologists and psychiatrists provide psychotherapy. The psychiatrist is also a doctor.

And your point is what exactly? Other than stating what I told you which is that a therapist is not the same as a psyhciatrist or a psychologist even. (Though psychologist is a closer synonymous term). Also, psychiatrists rarely provide long term therapy these days, and instead focus more on medication management.