“Medical expenses cause hardships for all”. Justify the statement.
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
It is very important for the treating doctor to properly document the management of a patient under his care. Medical record keeping has evolved into a science of itself. This will be the only way for the doctor to prove that the treatment was carried out properly. Moreover, it will also be of immense help in the scientific evaluation and review of patient management issues. Medical records form an important part of the management of a patient. It is important for the doctors and medical establishments to properly maintain the records of patients for two important reasons. The first one is that it will help them in the scientific evaluation of their patient profile, helping in analyzing the treatment results, and to plan treatment protocols. It also helps in planning governmental strategies for future medical care. But of equal importance in the present setting is in the issue of alleged medical negligence. The legal system relies mainly on documentary evidence in a situation where medical negligence is alleged by the patient or the relatives. In an accusation of negligence, this is very often the most important evidence deciding on the sentencing or acquittal of the doctor. With the increasing use of medical insurance for treatment, the insurance companies also require proper record keeping to prove the patient's demand for medical expenses. Improper record keeping can result in declining medical claims. It is disheartening to note that inspite of knowing the importance of proper record keeping it is still in a nascent stage in India. It is wise to remember that “Poor records mean poor defense, no records mean no defense”. Medical records include a variety of documentation of patient's history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, preoperative care, operation notes, post operative care, and daily notes of a patient's progress and medications. A properly obtained consent will go a long way in proving that the procedures were conducted with the concurrence of the patient. A properly written operative note can protect a surgeon in case of alleged negligence due to operative complications. It is important that the prescription for drugs should be legible with the name of the patient, date, and the signature of the doctor. An undated prescription can land a doctor in trouble if the patient misuses it. There are also many records that are indirectly related to patient management such as accounts records, service records of the staff, and administrative records, which are also useful as evidences for litigation purposes. Medical recording needs the concerted effort of a number of people involved in patient care. The doctor is the prime person who has to oversee this process and is primarily responsible for history, physical examination, treatment plans, operative records, consent forms, medications used, referral papers, discharge records, and medical certificates. There should be proper recording of nursing care, laboratory data, reports of diagnostic evaluations, pharmacy records, and billing processes. This means that the paramedical and nursing staff also should be trained in proper maintenance of patient records. The medical scene in India extends from smaller clinics to large hospitals. Medical record keeping is a specialized area in bigger teaching and corporate hospitals with separate medical records officers handling these issues. However, it is yet to develop into a proper process in the large number of smaller clinics and hospitals that cater to a large section of the people in India.
MEDICAL EXPENSES AND HARDSHIPS
In the time where the ratio of patients has increased a lot in comparison to the past, the thought of falling sick upsets mind of many citizens.
In the time, where majority of people are middle class, it is very difficult to cope up with the inflation.
The items used in daily household + the tuition fees for students + rent amount (if not owned a property) + tax + other expenses lead the citizens to a negligible or no savings.
Amidst of all this, if a person in a family gets sick, then the medical expenses are unbearable. Sometimes, the hospital bills are so high that it causes a lot of hardships.
In this time, where everything is expensive and if the income is not stable or not enough to meet the basic needs of many citizens, medical expenses do create a lot of problems. As a result, majority of them either ignore their diseases or they do not get a proper treatment.
To face such situations, having a medical insurance for the whole family is the need of the hour. There are many health policies which every family should consider, whether rich or poor. It is an investment for your safe life. If in future, you face any of the health problems then your healthcare will cover all the expenses (according to the plan limit you took at the time of insurance).
By having such health policies, at least your hardships will be reduced and you will not be in tension by thinking - "What if I get sick? How will I pay the medical bills?" and so on. Having a policy is of great help.
I hope everyone of you stay safe and do not face such hardships.
Stay Safe!
Stay Healthy!