One More Reason for Medicare for All

[MineralMan]

This morning, I went to my normal clinic for my "Welcome to Medicare" physical. Now, my old health insurance didn't pay for such thing, and the last physical I had cost me over $600 out of pocket. Medicare pays for this initial physical exam completely. My supplemental insurance won't be charged. By the time everything is done, here are the elements of the physical. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were done today. The rest are scheduled for later dates:


*Smoking Cessation Counseling
*A Complete Medical History
*Questionaire designed to spot depression, anxiety, and other issues
*Questionaire about living situation and risks
*Listing of all medications, including OTC products, with counseling where needed
*Typical Complete Manual General Physical Exam
*Electrocardiogram (mainly to establish a baseline, but also to spot any existing problems)
*Manual Prostate Exam (PSA test in the lab tests)
*Instant occult blood check on a fecal sample.
*Basic vision check
*Weight Check and obesity counseling, if needed
*Vaccination review and any needed vaccinations given (I got my tetanus shot, but had had the others earlier)

Also part of the exam, to be done shortly, as needed:

Complete blood analysis, including PSA, Cholesterol Screening, and the usual CBC measurements
Colonorectal screening exam (Ick!)
Any necessary follow-up visits based on these tests.
Ophthalmology Exam to check for cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems.

Other Exams, as indicated:

Cardiac Stress Test (not needed for me)
Further testing for anything discovered in lab tests



No co-pay. No additional charges, except for any prescriptions written. I had a rash on my arm, so I got a prescription for some meds. I also got a year's renewal on my blood-pressure medication, and discussed my life-long fungus toenails and associated athlete's foot. We decided to forget that one, since I effectively self-treat as needed.

I spent an hour with the doctor and his assistant during this exam.

This is what medical care should be like. Preventive care is part of the Medicare deal, and they push this initial baseline exam very hard. I hate going to the doctor, but I did this because I could finally afford to do it. My wife's pleased. No problems were found that pose a serious risk. My electrocardiogram was fine, my blood pressure is well-controlled, and heart and lung sounds were normal. A belly palpation turned up nothing unusual and I have the prostate of a 30-year-old, says the doctor. I've been seeing this doctor, when needed, for 6 years. He already knows me, and ended the visit with, "So, welcome to Medicare, George. Don't hesitate to make an appointment for any issues that come up."

I want this for everyone in the United States. I have wanted that for a very long time. Let's try to make it so!