Most Vermonters are about to
be touched by changes in the way health care comes to them, how they
pay for it and how their records are kept.
Beginning Monday, Vermont Public Radio examines the
symptoms of the health care crisis and some of the possible cures.
VPR’s Bob Kinzel explores Catamount Health, the state’s Blueprint
for Health and the impact of electronic medical records. Coverage also includes interviews and commentaries.
(AP Photo)
The Future of Health Care airs weekdays at 7:50am during Morning Edition and at 5:30pm during All Things Considered.
Monday, December 10
The plan
Catamount Health Care is the new
state program to lower the number of uninsured Vermonters.
Despite
previous initiatives over the past 20 years, about 65 thousand people still
don’t have health insurance.
If Catamount is successful, backers say it
will reduce health care costs by giving these Vermonters timely care.
Interview: UVM’s Dr. Frederick Morin discusses Vermont’s physician shortage
There is a shortage of physicians in Vermont, and Dr. Frederick Morin, Dean of the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine says it’s a
problem the whole country is dealing with as well. He speaks with VPR’s Mitch Wertlieb about the situation.
Tuesday, December 11
Bennington County tries to stabilize chronic care costs
Today, the largest amount of money in health care is spent
on people who have chronic illnesses. Listen to this statistic: roughly
80 percent of our health care money is spent on 20 percent of all Vermonters.
In Southwestern
Vermont, doctors running an innovative program are
trying to stabilize the costs of chronic care.
Interview: North Country Hospital President Karen Weller on small hospital challenges
And small hospitals are at the forefront of chronic care. VPR’s Mitch Wertlieb speaks with North Country Hospital’s President, Karen Weller, about the challenges facing small hospitals.
Wednesday, December 12
Electronic medical records could change health care
Over the next five years, more than half of all doctors in
Vermont are expected to install
electronic medical record systems in their offices.
Doctors say the new records will allow instant access to a
patient’s health history and help reduce medical mistakes, so the quality of
care will improve.
VPR’s Bob Kinzel reports on how electronic records could
change future visits to your doctor.
Interview: Dr. John Brumsted on FAHC’s electronic records plan
VPR’s Mitch Wertlieb speaks with Fletcher Allen Health Care’s Dr. John Brumsted about the hospital’s $50 million plan to use electronic records.
Thursday, December 13
Lawmakers consider plans for the underinsured
When lawmakers return to Montpelier
next month, they’ll consider several proposals to expand state health
care programs.
While previous plans have focused on uninsured Vermonters,
the new efforts will target the underinsured- people who have expensive
policies and huge deductibles.
An underinsured Vermonter shares her story
And one Vermonter who knows firsthand what it’s like
to be underinsured is commentator, and cancer-survivor, Lenora Dowling. We’ll hear her story.
Friday, December 14
VT Edition interview: Dr. Gil Welch on the Dartmouth health policy study
VPR’s Bob Kinzel speaks with
Dr. Gil Welch, one of the people involved in a Dartmouth study showing there are cases where more
care results in worse outcomes for some patients.
Health Care’s Future
Commentator Bill
Schubart has thoughts on the political will that’s necessary to make significant
changes to how we receive health care.