Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Any change is difficult. But might be needed. Usually, we do not like changes. They cause disruptions in our routines. They require new learning processes. They may push us to get up earlier, work harder, meet new people, and face new challenges. If things go well, we just do not want to interrupt them. Some people enjoy getting new phones or new cars. Technology influences us to make those changes, but often, we resist, being a little anxious about the unknown to come. How will I transfer my contacts? Will the ride be smooth? How much gas will it use? Now, what if things do not work well? Usually, our approach to changes is much more positive if things around us do not work well and cause problems. If your phone drops 50 % of calls, certainly you cannot wait to change it. Same with cars that would not start every other day. These are very personal changes and very individual needs. They are much easier to decide about because there are less people making those decisions: usually you and perhaps your family. And how about the changes that pertain to the whole society? Country? As a group of individuals, our society has a very difficult time anticipating needs, promoting a change, or even agreeing on what works and what does not. Some smaller communities might have totally different needs not recognized by large urban communities and vice versa. Older individuals have different needs than younger ones. So, when things do not work well, they may not work only for particular groups while other groups simply will not care. Let me give you an example: we have some major construction conducted on 1-90. Trips to the City by car are a nightmare. Commuters are delayed on trains too, because construction affects rails. This is difficult, but ultimately, it will bring a good change-better road conditions, less holes, safer commute. For now, it is a pain of daily travel, for later, much needed improvement. However, if you never take a train or never go to the city, how do you care? Is it then worth all the pain and budget money from the State? Now, let's bring the main subject of my thoughts: medical insurance. There is probably no other more controversial topic than medical bills and coverage. And there is probably no more diversity in needs that are unmet. And there is probably no more disagreement in opinions. What we additionally deal with is ethics and moral responsibility. Not a single person can be sure to stay healthy for their whole life. All of us get sick. Yes, there are people who obviously do not take care of themselves and cause some medical problems. But it is very subjective what 'not taking care of yourself' means. It may mean smoking or drinking, or drugs. But it also may mean not following healthy eating or burning in the sun. I know a lot of people, a lot of patients who do take care of themselves, but they still get sick more than others. Genetics probably plays a role as well. All of us, when sick, need at least basic medical coverage. A safety net that would allow us to get better and return to our lives without risking losing a home or a car. We need a change in how medical insurance works in our country. We need to assure we can be covered in every state and for sudden as well as chronic medical issues, and that emergency rooms are not overutilized for what can be handled in the doctor's office. We need to alter the administrative part of overhead created by the private insurance industry that eats up 30-40% of the cost while it uses only 60-70% of money to cover actual medical services. That high administrative margin belongs to overpaid managing staff, burden with certifications and allowances, and a very complicated process of paying claims. We really need that change. Now, we just have to agree how to put it in place. Michael Bukhalo, MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel. 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Any change is difficult . But might be needed . Usually , we do not like changes . They cause disruptions in our routines . They require new learning processes . They may push us to get up earlier , work harder , meet new people , and face new challenges . If things go well , we just do not want to interrupt them . Some people enjoy getting new phones or new cars . Technology influences us to make those changes , but often , we resist , being a little anxious about the unknown to come . How will I transfer my contacts ? Will the ride be smooth ? How much gas will it use ? Now , what if things do not work well ? Usually , our approach to changes is much more positive if things around us do not work well and cause problems . If your phone drops 50 % of calls , certainly you cannot wait to change it . Same with cars that would not start every other day . These are very personal changes and very individual needs . They are much easier to decide about because there are less people making those decisions : usually you and perhaps your family . And how about the changes that pertain to the whole society ? Country ? As a group of individuals , our society has a very difficult time anticipating needs , promoting a change , or even agreeing on what works and what does not . Some smaller communities might have totally different needs not recognized by large urban communities and vice versa . Older individuals have different needs than younger ones . So , when things do not work well , they may not work only for particular groups while other groups simply will not care . Let me give you an example : we have some major construction conducted on 1-90 . Trips to the City by car are a nightmare . Commuters are delayed on trains too , because construction affects rails . This is difficult , but ultimately , it will bring a good change - better road conditions , less holes , safer commute . For now , it is a pain of daily travel , for later , much needed improvement . However , if you never take a train or never go to the city , how do you care ? Is it then worth all the pain and budget money from the State ? Now , let's bring the main subject of my thoughts : medical insurance . There is probably no other more controversial topic than medical bills and coverage . And there is probably no more diversity in needs that are unmet . And there is probably no more disagreement in opinions . What we additionally deal with is ethics and moral responsibility . Not a single person can be sure to stay healthy for their whole life . All of us get sick . Yes , there are people who obviously do not take care of themselves and cause some medical problems . But it is very subjective what ' not taking care of yourself ' means . It may mean smoking or drinking , or drugs . But it also may mean not following healthy eating or burning in the sun . I know a lot of people , a lot of patients who do take care of themselves , but they still get sick more than others . Genetics probably plays a role as well . All of us , when sick , need at least basic medical coverage . A safety net that would allow us to get better and return to our lives without risking losing a home or a car . We need a change in how medical insurance works in our country . We need to assure we can be covered in every state and for sudden as well as chronic medical issues , and that emergency rooms are not overutilized for what can be handled in the doctor's office . We need to alter the administrative part of overhead created by the private insurance industry that eats up 30-40 % of the cost while it uses only 60-70 % of money to cover actual medical services . That high administrative margin belongs to overpaid managing staff , burden with certifications and allowances , and a very complicated process of paying claims . We really need that change . Now , we just have to agree how to put it in place . Michael Bukhalo , MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows , IL 60008 Tel . 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net