I haven't finished this book yet but I've learned so much. As a pessimist, I am always surprised when things are worse than even I expected.
The author is a doctor. Like you would expect, if you know doctors, they are mostly conservative Republicans. Hey, the AMA can't even regulate themselves. As the author watched, the health insurance companies ruined his practice. That's when he decided to write a book.
Here's an interesting fact:
The uninsured pay 5 times as much as those protected by health insurance. This is the opposite of what the health insurance industry would have you believe. It turns out that hospitals can exploit the uninsured. Health insurance companies play hardball. How's that for a revelation! There are many in this book collected from years of experience with the health insurance companies. And, these facts are supported.
Here's another fact:
Medicare overhead is 2-3%. The average overhead, as quoted by the insurers themselves is 15%. But, many liberal think tanks estimate their overhead at 25-30%. Even at 15%, it's too high!
Here's another fact:
Drug manufacturers estimate that it costs $800 million to bring a drug to market. Public Citizen, a consumer protection group, estimates it takes only $110 million. Do you see the largress out there?
It will take me many weeks to finish off this book. It reads well. And, although the author is a doctor he is critical of his own blaming doctors for gaming the medicare system.
If you'd like to be an informed voter, read this book.
I hope this review was helpful. Please add your vote.
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Health Care Meltdown: Confronting the Myths and Fixing Our Failing System Hardcover – July 1, 2003
by
Robert H. Lebow
(Author)
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Price
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There is a newer edition of this item:
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Print length304 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherUNKNO
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Publication dateJuly 1, 2003
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Dimensions6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
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ISBN-100911469222
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ISBN-13978-0911469226
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Product details
- Publisher : UNKNO; 1st edition (July 1, 2003)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0911469222
- ISBN-13 : 978-0911469226
- Item Weight : 1.22 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#3,334,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,703 in Hospital Administration (Books)
- #1,900 in Health Policy (Books)
- #5,532 in Health Care Delivery (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2009
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2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2004
Verified Purchase
As an Adjunct instructor in the Concordia University system, I have had the opportunity to encourage my MBA students to read this book for my Special Topics in Health care class. After reviewing other possible textbooks during the last 6 months, I have decided to now use this text as the basis for my 8-week adult education class. Offering ample examples and 'myths' that portray our fractured health care system of today, this author has summarily provided a springboard for ongoing conversations and possible answers for this country. Granted all, the HC system will not be corrected for some time, but an accounting will be made when the public becomes a focused participant at the table.
As health care professionals, it is our responsibility to study, learn, participate and educate others, as well as ourselves.
This will begin that process and it will be well worth your effort and consideration.
Thank you
ESchwarz, RN, MBA, CCM
As health care professionals, it is our responsibility to study, learn, participate and educate others, as well as ourselves.
This will begin that process and it will be well worth your effort and consideration.
Thank you
ESchwarz, RN, MBA, CCM
15 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2009
Verified Purchase
Dr. Lebow's passionate plea for health care reform, although written five years ago, still resonates today. He has seen it from the trenches in public clinics. To the critics of health care reform, he will be labeled as a socialist which is nonsense. He effectively points out that insurance and pharmaceutical companies lobby for protection of their obscene profits. Dr. Lebow astutely points out many of the myths of the current system. As the chapters progress he is sometimes repetitive and preachy, but this can be overlooked.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2003
Verified Purchase
In more than 20 years teaching a course focusing on analysis of American health care history and policy, I have yet to discover a more persuasive diagnosis of our health care delivery system's ills or a more convincing case for how to cure them. Dr. Lebow brings to this examination direct experience as a practicing physician from which he draws numerous stirring personal accounts. To his clinical perspective, he adds an extraordinary command of the broader economic and political issues essential for understanding the context and causes of America's current health care crisis epitomized by the alarming number of our country's uninsured--now about 44 million and growing. The book is honest, engaging, and sure to stimulate discussion with its clear prescription for change. With lively prose and strategically placed humor, he makes complex matters understandable. His humanity and passion are the earmarks of a brilliant teacher. Regardless of how deeply you presently understand America's health care system, you can learn from this book. And regardless of your political inclinations in respect to his advocacy of a single-payer solution, you can't ignore his meticulous presentation of the facts or the relentless logic of his conclusions from them.
19 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2018
Verified Purchase
Loved it!


