Posted by Guest (Post 318424)

As a nurse who has seen way to much suffering due to family members not being able to "let go" and also as a hospice nurse who has seen people "pass" as comfortable and with as much love as possible, I see a real need for people to be aware of their options.

However, IMHO, the government has absolutely no business sticking its nose in the most private and personal decisions one will ever make. That is heading down a very frightening path.

Posted by Guest (Post 318465)

That's what I'm wondering. I mean, if a doctor was to be asked about this by a patient and they said "sorry, I can't talk to you because I can't bill for this time", people would be outraged at how short-sighted Medicare would be.

Posted by Guest (Post 318424)

As a nurse who has seen way to much suffering due to family members not being able to "let go" and also as a hospice nurse who has seen people "pass" as comfortable and with as much love as possible, I see a real need for people to be aware of their options.

However, IMHO, the government has absolutely no business sticking its nose in the most private and personal decisions one will ever make. That is heading down a very frightening path.

Posted by Guest (Post 318518)

this congress and this president regarding what they say they intend and what actually happens. Check out Nancy's acceptance speech as speaker to hear what she intends for the future America...paraphrasing....no new deficit spending...pay as you go...we will not create a debt burden for our future families....
Then read today's article regarding the debt level created by this congress and president is has increased the debt level more than all, ALL prior sessions in history.

Now apply that lack of credibility to their intentions end of life discussions.
So, supporters of the current administration, from whence comes your comfort?

btk

Posted by Guest (Post 318465)

That's what I'm wondering. I mean, if a doctor was to be asked about this by a patient and they said "sorry, I can't talk to you because I can't bill for this time", people would be outraged at how short-sighted Medicare would be.

Posted by Guest (Post 318420)

Grace and cologal, you are missing the point and proving the point all at once. It should be up to individuals to make these decisions and have these discussions with their physicians. Families and individuals have been doing it for years without the government's intervention.

But should the government dictate and regulate this? "Under the new policy, outlined in a Medicare regulation, the government will pay doctors who advise patients on options for end-of-life care, which may include advance directives to forgo aggressive life-sustaining treatment."

When the final version of the health care bill was signed into law by Obama in March it did not include the regulation for advance directives. Now it has been written back into the bill with Medicare regulations...and supporters are being told to not broadcast their accomplishment.

US Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, said in an email to people like John Rockefeller, who were working with him on adding this back into the already approved bill, "While we are very happy with the result, we won’t be shouting it from the rooftops because we aren’t out of the woods yet. This regulation could be modified or reversed, especially if Republican leaders try to use this small provision to perpetuate the ‘death panel’ myth," Blumenauer said in the hush-hush email.

“We would ask that you not broadcast this accomplishment out to any of your lists, even if they are ‘supporters’ — e-mails can too easily be forwarded. Thus far, it seems that no press or blogs have discovered it, but we will be keeping a close watch and may be calling on you if we need a rapid, targeted response. The longer this goes unnoticed, the better our chances of keeping it.”

If it is such a wonderful thing, why keep it quiet?



http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/us...h.html?_r=3&hp

Posted by Guest (Post 318633)

I really wasn't trying to make any point other than I already have them and no one forced me to do so.

This statement concerns me.....

But should the government dictate and regulate this? "Under the new policy, outlined in a Medicare regulation, the government will pay doctors who advise patients on options for end-of-life care, which may include advance directives to forgo aggressive life-sustaining treatment.


With all do respect this regulation allows for payment of a consultation for what you the patient wants at the end of life. No where does it indicate that the government will, at this time nor any time in the future, make you select options you don't want. If you can provide any written proof otherwise I would surely like to see it.


And who turned off the heat it is warmer in Colorado than here. :cold:

Posted by Guest (Post 318482)

We're talking about doctor's instructing their patients about the efficacy of ending their lives, FOR THE DOCTOR'S FINANCIAL GAIN, at the behest of the GOVERNMENT.

You really defend this outrageous dictate?

Posted by Guest (Post 318694)

Screaming "death panels" like a demogogue as if these consultation are something new doesn't change the fact that private insurers have been doing this for quite some time.