Saving Skin, Sight and Insight
The follow column appeared in several APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during October, 2018
Saving Skin and Sight
Since Sept. 1, I’ve seen a doctor seven times, which is very unusual for me. But I now have significantly better eyesight. Doctors also eliminated some skin cancer, which could have created problems. Along the way, I’ve learned several things that might be useful to families and educators
First, a few more details. I had surgery to remove cataracts in each eye. The sight in my right eye went from 20/300, which meant, very, very poor sight, to 20/20, which is normal. And that’s 20/300 with glasses, to 20/20, without them. The left eye also improved.
My eye surgeon told me that cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. I had been somewhat fearful of it, but many patients reported the surgery was easy and produced terrific improvements in sight.
The second surgery was to remove skin cancer found on my forehead and nose. It was benign, which, as my doctor explained, is “the best kind of cancer to have.” But if not removed, it could create problems later in life. I’m also very grateful to him and his colleagues.
So, what did I learn?
First, an immediate, practical lesson for families. When I was growing up, I didn’t realize how much damage the sun could do. Yes, it makes life possible. But it can and, in many cases, has damaged people’s skin.
So, families, here’s a gentle suggestion that you check with your doctor about this. Not for everyone, but for many children and adults, strong sunscreen is a must.
A second lesson – for educators – involved collaboration between two medical systems. While my eye doctor was part of one system and my cataract surgery was performed in a facility owned by another, it seemed like the two health care systems had worked out their collaboration very well. I noticed no glitches, no criticism by anyone in one system about the other.
While these two health care systems compete, they also collaborate. Their partnership puts patients first.
Sometimes educators do this well, as in the best dual-credit (high school and college) programs, or via the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs district-charter public school collaboration, which honors outstanding student work. We can have both competition and cooperation.
Third, both health systems asked me to evaluate the service I received each step of the way. They sent brief online assessments after every appointment. Doctors told me that their systems use the evaluations to help refine service.
Might at least some schools do more asking for feedback from families and students, at least once a year? Yes.
At least in some cases, I think educators could learn from the evaluations that health care systems conduct.
Finally, I’m in awe of medicine at its best, which I feel like I received. I’m eager to support leaders who will work to ensure that every American has access to excellent medical care.
I’m not an expert at how to do this. But I think it should be a priority.
Last summer I was in Scotland and developed a leg infection while on the northern island of Skye. We stopped at the island’s only hospital. Within an hour, a doctor examined and treated me. He also gave me medicine to cure the infection. The cost for this was $0.
Medical care is a human right in Scotland. It’s not tied to how much you earn or where you work.
I hope terrific medical care, such as I have experienced at home and abroad, becomes available to every American.
These two systems asked for feedback and cooperated with each other. That seems like the best kind of professional behavior. These medical care systems made serving people their priority.
Joe Nathan, formerly a public school teacher, parent and PTA president, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome at joe@centerforschoolchange.org or @JoeNathan9249
Wayne Jennings
October 29, 2018 @ 2:20 pm
Remarkable, Joe. I had similar procedures with similar results. Thanks for sharing and the vital advice.
Gary Gruber
October 29, 2018 @ 2:42 pm
Joe,
For those of us who have had the experience of excellent, immediate and cost free health care in other countries (UK, France, Italy in our case) it puts to shame the miasma of health care in the USA. I had a conversation with a cardiologist who told me that the docs sold out to the insurance companies who now regulate how and for how long patients may be treated for certain conditions whether in a hospital, emergency room or by the doctors. I said it seemed like a conspiracy among the docs, the hospitals, big pharm and insurance companies. He said I was leaving out one of the more important players in this tragedy which is the government. Those of us on medicare with supplemental plans whether through AARP or another group can testify to this bureaucracy that is badly broken.
Here is a quick story and I have others. I lived and worked in London for two years. One morning I tripped on a rug and thought I had broken my ankle. We called 999, the equivalent of 911 here, and within minutes there was an EMT at the door followed closely by an ambulance that transported me to the nearest hospital which happened to be The Royal Free Hospital, a major teaching hospital in Hampstead, London. The hospital is part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs services at Barnet General Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and a number of other sites. Within 20 minutes I was seen by a doctor, got an x-ray of my ankle, diagnosed as a bad sprain, given a pair of crutches which they said I could return anytime and I signed no papers and there was no charge. We have friends who live in Canada and while they may pay higher taxes they receive more benefits for those taxes.
We deal with Medicare, United Health Care via AARP and the various plans attached to these with prescription drug coverage, supplemental plans, along with doctors and hospitals, and believe me, it is a nightmare, complicate beyond belief. I thought Humana was bad and switched last year to United Health Care. It’s just as bad or worse and when they cancel a contract because it’s not paying doctors enough, that’s fine but replacing it is as bad as anyone can imagine in terms of complicated systems that do not talk to each other.
Just my two cents worth…..
Gary
PS Hope you’re doing well. I had cataract surgery about 15 years ago and still don’t wear glasses. I will be 82 in June, God willing the creek don’t rise. Having some heart procedures and another one coming up which is to correct a leaking mitral valve. Onward…..
Catherine
October 29, 2018 @ 2:54 pm
It is always good to hear about positive experiences with medial providers. The one thing that seems clear is that access to medical care makes anyone who has it healthier. First, we worry less. Second, we address health concerns earlier rather than waiting until a condition is serious.
Surely every human being is entitled to medical care.
Daniel Grego
October 29, 2018 @ 2:55 pm
Joe,
I’m happy to hear you can finally see things clearly (and that your cancer was benign). I just wish that people working in the diverse education system that’s evolved would truly be able both to compete and cooperate.
I’ll keep trying. Thanks for your friendship. Take care.
Dan
Karin Winegar
October 29, 2018 @ 3:09 pm
Well said, Joe. Utterly critical that we do preventive care as well as treatment and that it is a right, not a privilege.