Bohmfalk: Get a primary care physician

When I saw the headline of Ms. Alexander’s Giving Thought today, I hoped for an article about Medicare for All. She writes that, absent a silver bullet for universal healthcare access, many are forced to rely on this unreliable patchwork of CHCs, FQHCs, and SBHCs. There is a silver bullet in legislation before Congress for Medicare for All, but there’s virtually no chance of moving toward that ultimate goal for the next four years, which I lament daily.

She is absolutely correct that access to medical care is essential for a thriving community, and it’s profoundly unfortunate that more people don’t acknowledge and act on that. It pains me that so much effort has to be spent on maintaining the porous support systems that we do have, effort not available to campaign for a genuine solution like Improved Medicare for All. I anticipate harsh and harmful cuts to Medicaid and other agencies beginning Jan. 2 or whenever the new Congress convenes. No amount of philanthropy can cover those shortfalls.

She also writes that many expensive ER visits might be avoided with preventive care. I believe that more can be avoided if everyone had access to primary care physicians and medical homes. Evidence suggests that preventive care, however laudable, may not be the big cost saver we have hoped. But if everyone had a doctor they could see in an office, very few would be forced to resort to ERs for non-emergency care. That would save a bundle.

George Bohmfalk, MD

Carbondale