Healthcare solutions

Everyone on any government provided program must have a living will and an advanced directive.  These documents should be part of an individual’s medical record.  In the absence of either document, it is assumed that both a DNR and an Advanced Directive that provides all life prolonging procedures be withheld if I am in the process of dying or if it is determined I have a terminal condition, or am in end stage condition of a chronic disease, or am in a permanently vegetative condition.  Whenever there is a visit to the doctor, the individual must initial and ascertain a review of both the living will and the advance directive.  Should an individual wish procedures be taken to prolong life, be placed on a ventilator, kept alive by machines, that desire must be made know in advance and, again be part of the individual’s medical record.  In addition to making this request known, an individual must also indication an intention to provide any co-pays or other non-reimbursed costs of any extra-ordinary care.  The inability to pay any additional costs should not stand in the way of an individual receiving the desired level of care, but before any of an individual’s estate is passed on through inheritance, costs must be covered.  This decision-making process should take place when an individual first becomes eligible for coverage under a government provided program and should be reviewed and updated each time the individual has any form of treatment.

All medical records should be maintained in electronic form in a manner similar to the record-keeping methods used by Tri-Care/the VA system.  These records should be accessible by any licensed medical practitioner.  Access of or use of information maintained in these records for any purpose other than treatment of an individual shall be a federal offense and punishable by fine, prison, or both.  Under no circumstances may these records be used for credit purposes or for hiring purposes and such use or attempted use shall constitute a felony.