Obama approval highest since July, 2009

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:29:48 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 14:53:47 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

My issue with Obamacare is that is did absolutely nothing to curtail the cost of healthcare.  I'm on the healthcare committee at work and I see our loss runs (obviously not the names of the employees).  It is freaking crazy how expensive everything is.  It isn't the insurance companies, it is the actual cost of healthcare.  That is what I want addressed.  Until we solve the cost of care issue we will never solve the insurance issue. 

healthcare inflation is actually at a 50 year low.  it is not "lower healthcare costs", but it beats having them go up double digits.

But that is just the increase on existing costs. I want a deep dive into what makes our healthcare so expensive and steps to fix it.  We are obviously doing something wrong.

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:28:17 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 12:25:12 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

LOL! I am more than willing to admit my shortcomings

see, you ARE in the 1%.  that is a VERY admirable trait.

do you also know what you are good at?

Drinking??

[ken a.k.a OMK]

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 15:35:42 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:29:48 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

healthcare inflation is actually at a 50 year low.  it is not "lower healthcare costs", but it beats having them go up double digits.

But that is just the increase on existing costs. I want a deep dive into what makes our healthcare so expensive and steps to fix it.  We are obviously doing something wrong.

i acknowledged that in the second sentence, MT.  do you like to pretend to argue, or do you really want to get down on this:?

we are obviously doing something wrong.

we are doing SHITLOADS wrong.  it starts with the way we THINK of healthcare.  somewhere in the middle is how we teach it.  and where it finishes is the structure of the private healthcare market.  it is top to bottom fucked up.  but there are great examples out there of how it can and should be done.  you REALLY interested, or do you just want to complain about the ACA?  wouldn't want to spoil your fun if you are like @shooby. 

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 15:36:50 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:28:17 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

see, you ARE in the 1%.  that is a VERY admirable trait.

do you also know what you are good at?

Drinking??

i couldn't have guessed. 

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:16:15 GMT -5 dezailoooooo said:

Jan 3, 2017 14:53:47 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

My issue with Obamacare is that is did absolutely nothing to curtail the cost of healthcare.  I'm on the healthcare committee at work and I see our loss runs (obviously not the names of the employees).  It is freaking crazy how expensive everything is.  It isn't the insurance companies, it is the actual cost of healthcare.  That is what I want addressed.  Until we solve the cost of care issue we will never solve the insurance issue. 

You may be right..on the cost of, or u may be wrong..we'll never know what the cost would be if it hadn't been enacted..If u go to the beginning of my thread above u will see I mention that costs were skyrocketing when the act was considered..they thought it would control costs but it didn't and they dropped that boast pretty quickly..It did add millions to the rolls of having insurance, be able to have a reguler doctor for tests..good health instead of useing emergency rooms for their medical needs..inefficient, no follow up care and way to expensive plus clogging up space needed for real emergencys...

I have great coverage..medicare AND a suppliment policy that covers the 20% I am responsible for plus allows me to see any doctor, no referrals..Having a stroke this year very aware of costs..one week in hospital, no special care, np operations..$150,000..no they wearn't paid that by medicare but what they billed..

I believe all should have coverage..hope u do too/ One of the problems of skyrocketing costs is that to keep costs in check everyone needs to be covered and paying into the system and that means the youngest who will need coverage usually the least..didn't say never...they too get hurt, accidents..so many.and real illnesses..just not as much do to their age..

Methinks your dissing of obama care was more that u didn't like the messenger..

My issue with Obamacare is that is did absolutely nothing to curtail the cost of healthcare.}

thus better to shoot him . Medical costs will always be high...the Donald and friends will soon find that out and we probably see many now covered dropped from the rolls too...including so many I believe who were the ones who supported the loudest...won't that be a bitch...[no not happy about that at all]

You are confusing the cost of insurance with the actual cost of healthcare.  There was nothing in Obamacare to address the cost of the care provided.

And you obviously don't know me at all.  While I am not politically aligned with Obama, if he did bring down health care costs (that could be proven, not some whacked out calculation going out 20 years from now) I would totally give him credit.  Unlike others on here who admit that no matter what trump does, they will never give him credit, I'm not an asshole.  When I'm wrong, I'm wrong.  When I'm biased, I'm biased.   And when the "other side" does a good job, I give credit.  The difference is usually in what the left considers a good job versus me. 

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:38:47 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:35:42 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

But that is just the increase on existing costs. I want a deep dive into what makes our healthcare so expensive and steps to fix it.  We are obviously doing something wrong.

i acknowledged that in the second sentence, MT.  do you like to pretend to argue, or do you really want to get down on this:?

we are obviously doing something wrong.

we are doing SHITLOADS wrong.  it starts with the way we THINK of healthcare.  somewhere in the middle is how we teach it.  and where it finishes is the structure of the private healthcare market.  it is top to bottom fucked up.  but there are great examples out there of how it can and should be done.  you REALLY interested, or do you just want to complain about the ACA?  wouldn't want to spoil your fun if you are like @shooby. 

I have no idea how I'm complaining or arguing. I stated what I wanted done and nothing more. It seems like you are the one that wants to argue with your snide replies back when I don't immediately see things your way

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 15:43:02 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:38:47 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

i acknowledged that in the second sentence, MT.  do you like to pretend to argue, or do you really want to get down on this:?

we are obviously doing something wrong.

we are doing SHITLOADS wrong.  it starts with the way we THINK of healthcare.  somewhere in the middle is how we teach it.  and where it finishes is the structure of the private healthcare market.  it is top to bottom fucked up.  but there are great examples out there of how it can and should be done.  you REALLY interested, or do you just want to complain about the ACA?  wouldn't want to spoil your fun if you are like @shooby. 

I have no idea how I'm complaining or arguing. I stated what I wanted done and nothing more. It seems like you are the one that wants to argue with your snide replies back when I don't immediately see things your way

i was TRYING to be funny, MT.  i am sorry if it came across as snide.

what was your question, again?  i will answer it without trying to be "funny" in an effort to placate you. 

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:48:49 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:43:02 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

I have no idea how I'm complaining or arguing. I stated what I wanted done and nothing more. It seems like you are the one that wants to argue with your snide replies back when I don't immediately see things your way

i was TRYING to be funny, MT.  i am sorry if it came across as snide.

what was your question, again?  i will answer it without trying to be "funny" in an effort to placate you. 

lol! Ok, I did think you were being snide...but you gave me a flower so all is forgiven

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 15:53:06 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:48:49 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

i was TRYING to be funny, MT.  i am sorry if it came across as snide.

what was your question, again?  i will answer it without trying to be "funny" in an effort to placate you. 

lol! Ok, I did think you were being snide...but you gave me a flower so all is forgiven

well, i was also taking a jab at Shooby, truth be told.  so, what do you want done? reduce costs?  it's really easy, actually.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Jan 3, 2017 15:34:43 GMT -5 dee27 said:

Healthcare is expensive and I think hospitals and doctors are not concerned about the cost to the patient especially if that patient is insured. It drives me nuts when I ask how much a treatment will cost and the doctor has no idea. Would I go to a car mechanic who has no idea what the repair job would cost? No way! However, the medical field treats procedure costs like they are a hidden formula. Without transparency for the cost of the treatment, how can consumers (patients) make the best decision about their treatment.

To be fair to doctors there are about a bazillion middle men who control the price between them and the final bill showing up at my doorstep.  Hospital B might charge $2k for an MRI but my insurance will have me paying only $500.   Meanwhile Hospital B charges $1k but for some reason my insurance will have me paying $700.

How is my doctor supposed to keep track of all that?

DH has kidney surgery coming up again.  First time he had it he ended up with a $20k bill because of how his insurance worked at the time.   This time around at the EXACT same hospital with the EXACT same doctor on my insurance. . .$2.5k.

[Miss Tequila]

Jan 3, 2017 15:56:56 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:53:06 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

lol! Ok, I did think you were being snide...but you gave me a flower so all is forgiven

well, i was also taking a jab at Shooby, truth be told.  so, what do you want done? reduce costs?  it's really easy, actually.

You were saying I like to argue like shooby...them's fighting words

And yes, I want to reduce costs.  but not just "medicare cuts payments by 25% so private insurance has to pay more".  I want to understand why our costs are so outrageous.  I do know that our doctors' practice defensive medicine so that is part of it.  I also don't think we should pay anymore for drug costs than Canada.   I would actually love to be involved in a study on the costs in our country and how to address. 

[dezailoooooo]

Jan 3, 2017 16:06:05 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:34:43 GMT -5 dee27 said:

Healthcare is expensive and I think hospitals and doctors are not concerned about the cost to the patient especially if that patient is insured. It drives me nuts when I ask how much a treatment will cost and the doctor has no idea. Would I go to a car mechanic who has no idea what the repair job would cost? No way! However, the medical field treats procedure costs like they are a hidden formula. Without transparency for the cost of the treatment, how can consumers (patients) make the best decision about their treatment.

To be fair to doctors there are about a bazillion middle men who control the price between them and the final bill showing up at my doorstep.  Hospital B might charge $2k for an MRI but my insurance will have me paying only $500.   Meanwhile Hospital B charges $1k but for some reason my insurance will have me paying $700.

How is my doctor supposed to keep track of all that?

DH has kidney surgery coming up again.  First time he had it he ended up with a $20k bill because of how his insurance worked at the time.   This time around at the EXACT same hospital with the EXACT same doctor on my insurance. . .$2.5k.

None of my Doctors  arehappy with "Obama Care"..or how they are compensated by the government, I ask. None really seem to know how or why hospitals charge what the do but when I mentioned what I was billed for a week in the hospital..while shaking their heads..also said hospitals would not get anywhere near what they billed..also, when I get a bill from Medicare and see what doctors charged, then see what was actuall paid it's like apples and bowling balls...nothing close..

Very close friend, old GF in Galveston area...her daughter always wanted to be a medical Doctor..went to school ,Trinity College, Dublin ,Ireland..had to go a extra year, believe school is over 600 years old..with all her schooling and all..has a debt of over $400,000..Doctor now..San Antone ..Texas...will be years before paid off if ever...She is 36 now..hell of a sacrifice..not saying all Doctors aquire such debt but still...Actually hospital she worked for..doing away with Doctors part of staff so all doctors going into private practice and guess hospitals call on as needed..not sure how going to work.


Thing is, don't think Doctors are the problem regarding costs..Hospitals either..lots of brick / morter to pay for..staff..equipement stuff... have no idea of why costs so much...actually don't believe those in the business of do either...following is a interesting article from one of the archetics of Obama Care after a meeting with the Donald on the topic...[should be a seperate thread but my thread count is over done today]
-------------------------------------------------------------
To read complete article click on link below

www.cnbc.com/2017/01/03/obamacare-architect-emanuel-expresses-hope-about-gop-approach.html?__source=yahoo%7Cfinance%7Cheadline%7Cheadline%7Cstory&par=yahoo&doc=104196223&yptr=yahoo
-----------------------------------------------


 'Nightmarish' scenario for Obamacare: Ezekiel Emanuel


10 Hours Ago | 03:46


"Donald Trump wants to replace the Affordable Care Act with a system that includes universal coverage, Obamacare architect Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel told CNBC on Tuesday, describing impressions he received in a meeting with the president-elect last month.



"The one thing I really got from him, … as he said on the campaign trail, he does want to create a system that Americans can be proud of that has universal coverage, and he wants it to be bipartisan," Emanuel on "Squawk Box."

Republicans lawmakers were returning to Washington on Tuesday — emboldened by Trump's election victory and their continued majority on Capitol Hill — seeking to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's signature 2010 health-care law.

Despite expressing a sliver of optimism, Emanuel also described a "nightmarish scenario," arguing that repealing Obamacare and eliminating its funding would make it hard to implement a replacement.
"


The money would not be there to pay for "subsidies or refundable tax

[dee27]

Drama, I understand that doctors may not know the exact cost for each patient and insurance coverage certainly differs about what will be covered, but I would expect them to tell me to call billing or x department to get an estimate. Often, billing will not be able to give the patient an estimate either because of xyz, but they could state a range. The next problem is what you described in your post, there are so many variables that affect the final cost. Really there is no transparency, and because in the USA those who have insurance do not know the true cost of treatments, patients are not able to be savvy consumers.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Oh I agree that the hospital billing office is worse than useless.   I love it when they give me attitude, lady if I knew the answer to the question I would not be calling you!

There should be more transparency I agree.    There are too many middlemen and "proprietary codes" between the initial price and the final price.

I disagree it should be on doctors because we have a hospital chain that tried that and it's backfired because doctors are ordering the cheapest (but not always the best) options.  Rather that take the time to fix things during one surgery (which is better for the patient because it means one recovery time and less exposure to anathesia) they will divide things into two surgeries so that way the hospital can brag that their costs are "lower" than other hospitals for X procedure.

Statistically they look great compared to other hospitals because they are skewing in them in their favor.   They leave out that you'll be on the hook for two surgeries which means two doctor bills, two hospital bills, two antesthologist bills, two bills for the janitor, etc etc.

You got to really dig to find out the truth.  

[dezailoooooo]

Jan 3, 2017 16:55:34 GMT -5 dee27 said:

Drama, I understand that doctors may not know the exact cost for each patient and insurance coverage certainly differs about what will be covered, but I would expect them to tell me to call billing or x department to get an estimate. Often, billing will not be able to give the patient an estimate either because of xyz, but they could state a range. The next problem is what you described in your post, there are so many variables that affect the final cost. Really there is no transparency, and because in the USA those who have insurance do not know the true cost of treatments, patients are not able to be savvy consumers.

dee lets be honest here and trust me after this year have seen lots of rehab, staying at and seeing doctors..

If one has coverage very few are going to try and delve into the bills beyond seeing what a charge is..possible making some soft under breath remark like holy #$@% and seeing what is actually paid...beyond that , no further questions asked..

Just to scream for "Obama Care" to be gone with out having a clue as to what is going to take it's place..what will or won't be covered and who will and who will not be covered...don't think is the smartest thing coming out of the election and to just blame the cost on Obama Care...makes no sense to me...Costs will still be high and increasing..if a bit less, possible , in time rising again..but also many more with no insurence now who had it before and you or friends, co workers, family may be the ones with out the coverage...Someone is going to suffer ..could be you.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Hospital bills might as well be written in latin!   Even itemized ones make me go cross eyed.  How can I tell if I am being charged for something I should not be if I can't even understand what I AM supposed to be charged for?

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 16:42:22 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

Jan 3, 2017 15:56:56 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

well, i was also taking a jab at Shooby, truth be told.  so, what do you want done? reduce costs?  it's really easy, actually.

You were saying I like to argue like shooby...them's fighting words

edit: well, technically i was ASKING if you WANTED to fight like Shooby. 

And yes, I want to reduce costs.  but not just "medicare cuts payments by 25% so private insurance has to pay more".  I want to understand why our costs are so outrageous.  I do know that our doctors' practice defensive medicine so that is part of it.  I also don't think we should pay anymore for drug costs than Canada.   I would actually love to be involved in a study on the costs in our country and how to address. 

i think there is a easy way to do it that is homegrown, and a second way to do it that requires no bickering with the domestic healthcare lobby.

the homegrown way is to create a "second healthcare path".  this would be radical, but i am convinced it would work.  this starts with education.  we need education that doesn't cost $250k, so that doctors can become doctors without immediately having to charge enough to clear $150k/year to pay back student debt.  in that educational path, the doctors would be taught new methods that are designed to deliver the highest healthcare at the lowest cost (this would be general care.  i think the existing pathway for specialty care is exceptional and fine in the US).  finally, there would be a requirement for those that choose the second path that they would be required to provide a certain % of their care (in terms of hours) for a certain number of years to the public at a certain rate.  effectively, we would subsidize their education publicly, and in return for that, we would get low cost basic medical care at public hospitals.

the second way would be to simply invite and encourage people to engage in medical tourism- to do so very publicly.  but i think that is a really nasty "conflict oriented" way to move the ball forward.

[dee27]

Dezi,

When I had health insurance through my employer, I always examined my bills and contested what I felt were erroneous charges. That is how I found out another patient's p/t bill was submitted to my insurance coverage, but it took months to have the charge removed. The next incident involved a charge to my insurance for an MRI that was ordered, but I did not have it because the doctor's office forgot to have it approved by the insurance company. I called the doctor's office when I was at the facility about the approval, but it was not granted until the following day after my appointment. I cancelled the MRI. That bill was $1981! Truly, I am surprised that my insurance company paid it since I had the MRI at another facility the following week. Had I not checked, the insurance company could have taken back the $1981, and the doctor's office would have charged me.

On Medicare, it is more difficult to figure out what charges if any I am responsible for if it is not clearly stated in the Medicare manual. Medicare does not pay for everything, so I always check to make sure doctors and hospitals will accept assignment and call the insurance company before a test, doctor's visit or surgery. Plus, Medicare makes coverage changes every year, and I do read them.

[dee27]

Drama you made good points about transparency and some doctors being clueless about costs and procedures. However, part of the discussion about treatment should include: When you check out today, ask my secretary for information about whatever.  I know at the ortho practice I use, the secretary has all of the phone numbers for billing and can answer questions about scheduling tests, approvals, etc. I know that I need to ask for the procedure code before I check with my insurance company to make sure a test or surgery will be covered. Healthcare is way too complicated, and most of us are seeking information while we are relatively healthy and have a mind that functions. I cannot image doing this when I am infirm!

[dondub]

www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/participation-not-waning-for-the-affordable-care-act/

It's SUCH a scandal!

[dondub]

 Next question: Why do conservos that already have healthcare plans so begrudge those that have gone without? Why do their governors in so many states deprive their poorest citizens, a large percentage that are minorities, from accessing expanded Medicaid?

[dezailoooooo]

Jan 3, 2017 18:16:17 GMT -5 dondub said:

 Next question: Why do conservos that already have healthcare plans so begrudge those that have gone without? Why do their governors in so many states deprive their poorest citizens, a large percentage that are minorities, from accessing expanded Medicaid?

"It's something that I always felt was one of the main differences between the two parties..Dems and Pubs...Pubs are very into having folks do it themselves, no interference..being independent..keep the government out of our lives,,,and while not wishing bad on others..if some just can't make it..fall by the wayside...well, sorry but for the better good for all..so be it.

Dems feel the same way..however..[there is always a "however"]...while dems would like to do it them selves..if needed, have no problem asking for help and if help is coming from the government, well thats ok too...and if they, government has to interfare with regulations and such, well if have too, ok too...and if some can't make it..if possible with goverment help they can be helped from falling by the wayside...till they can get back on their feet..thats just fine and ok too..why we have that central government.


The uninsured rate for non-elderly Americans fell from about 16.6 percent in 2013 to 10 percent in the first quarter of 2016, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Slightly fewer than 29 million Americans remain uninsured, about half of whom would benefit from provisions of the ACA.

Now thats not bad, not bad at all and I just know that 6.6% who have coverage now..a big sigh of relief is there when anyone in the family is ill...or just not feeling right..now they can go find out what is wrong..possible saving the sick one from more seriouse consequences if they had just ignored because of fear of costs or not having the $ at the time.

[Ryan]

Jan 3, 2017 17:10:36 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

Jan 3, 2017 16:42:22 GMT -5 Miss Tequila said:

You were saying I like to argue like shooby...them's fighting words

edit: well, technically i was ASKING if you WANTED to fight like Shooby. 

And yes, I want to reduce costs.  but not just "medicare cuts payments by 25% so private insurance has to pay more".  I want to understand why our costs are so outrageous.  I do know that our doctors' practice defensive medicine so that is part of it.  I also don't think we should pay anymore for drug costs than Canada.   I would actually love to be involved in a study on the costs in our country and how to address. 

i think there is a easy way to do it that is homegrown, and a second way to do it that requires no bickering with the domestic healthcare lobby.

the homegrown way is to create a "second healthcare path".  this would be radical, but i am convinced it would work.  this starts with education.  we need education that doesn't cost $250k, so that doctors can become doctors without immediately having to charge enough to clear $150k/year to pay back student debt.  in that educational path, the doctors would be taught new methods that are designed to deliver the highest healthcare at the lowest cost (this would be general care.  i think the existing pathway for specialty care is exceptional and fine in the US).  finally, there would be a requirement for those that choose the second path that they would be required to provide a certain % of their care (in terms of hours) for a certain number of years to the public at a certain rate.  effectively, we would subsidize their education publicly, and in return for that, we would get low cost basic medical care at public hospitals.

the second way would be to simply invite and encourage people to engage in medical tourism- to do so very publicly.  but i think that is a really nasty "conflict oriented" way to move the ball forward.

The whole way of training docs in the US seems a little overkill, at least depending on the type of doc you want to become.  I mean, every single doctors office I have been to has like 4 docs and 1 nurse practitioner.  Yet, the nurse practitioner always seems to be the one that most patients want to see. I imagine this is because they have a good combination of bedside manner and knowledge.  I assume there is some kind of law saying a doc needs to be present, but not sure why that would be the case?  If things ever go sideways, they just send them to the ER.

I heard somewhere that hospitals need residents to do the gruntwork, but you wonder if it's just some kind of big scam by hospitals and the establishment to get a bunch of low cost labor.  

[dezailoooooo]

Jan 3, 2017 19:23:30 GMT -5 Ryan said:

Jan 3, 2017 17:10:36 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

i think there is a easy way to do it that is homegrown, and a second way to do it that requires no bickering with the domestic healthcare lobby.

the homegrown way is to create a "second healthcare path".  this would be radical, but i am convinced it would work.  this starts with education.  we need education that doesn't cost $250k, so that doctors can become doctors without immediately having to charge enough to clear $150k/year to pay back student debt.  in that educational path, the doctors would be taught new methods that are designed to deliver the highest healthcare at the lowest cost (this would be general care.  i think the existing pathway for specialty care is exceptional and fine in the US).  finally, there would be a requirement for those that choose the second path that they would be required to provide a certain % of their care (in terms of hours) for a certain number of years to the public at a certain rate.  effectively, we would subsidize their education publicly, and in return for that, we would get low cost basic medical care at public hospitals.

the second way would be to simply invite and encourage people to engage in medical tourism- to do so very publicly.  but i think that is a really nasty "conflict oriented" way to move the ball forward.

The whole way of training docs in the US seems a little overkill, at least depending on the type of doc you want to become.  I mean, every single doctors office I have been to has like 4 docs and 1 nurse practitioner.  Yet, the nurse practitioner always seems to be the one that most patients want to see. I imagine this is because they have a good combination of bedside manner and knowledge.  I assume there is some kind of law saying a doc needs to be present, but not sure why that would be the case?  If things ever go sideways, they just send them to the ER.

I heard somewhere that hospitals need residents to do the gruntwork, but you wonder if it's just some kind of big scam by hospitals and the establishment to get a bunch of low cost labor.  

I have four Doctors..two I see either once or twice a year..Eye / Prostate type...both only ones in practice...My GP  doctor is also a single person practice...yes I will wait to see him but never rushed when I do and the other heart specialist, two brothers and I have see both over the years..now pretty much the younger one but no other doctors in their practices...

[Ryan]

Dec 31, 2016 17:48:08 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

this is a full 20% ahead of W and Carter, even with GHW, and about 10% below Reagan and Clinton, with one month to go.

www.gallup.com/interactives/185273/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx

doesn't really matter any more, but i am kinda astounded how high these numbers are.

on the other hand, given what just happened, i am not that astounded.  a can of rotten pork would look good compared to "incoming"., 

I'm not that surprised.  Obama has been able to take a backseat and just observe over the last year as Clinton/Trump battled.  As long as the economy isn't tanking, I would think most presidents would be viewed pretty favorably as the criticism dies down.  If Bush didn't have the Iraq war, I think he would have been in pretty good shape when he left.  I chalk the 2008 meltdown down to bad timing, not necessarily anything GWB did.

[dee27]

Ryan,

ODS is a NP and he can prescribe medicine, do physicals, examine patients, but if a more difficult problem arises, he has to defer to the doctor. There is always at least one doctor in the office where ODS works part time. He works full time for public health and he has a lot more latitude in that position. Also, the state regulates the scope of work a NP can do; different states have different laws. Most doctors in my area are affiliated with a large hospital that pays their salaries, and there are very few who have single practices. The large practices all have NPs; at my ortho office, each surgeon has a PA and some also have a NP.

I agree that the US needs to find a better way to educate doctors and fund their educations. Currently once you finish med school, it is a race to find a residency in the field you want to practice. There are only X amount of slots, and the best hospitals get the cream of the crop, but personally I had some doctors that graduated at the top of the class that had off-putting personalities. I need a doctor who is willing to answer my questions and suggest alternatives that are available. There is a need for more doctors especially in rural and poorer areas. Teaching hospitals often recruit doctors from other countries when there is a need to fill slots in certain specialties at the hospital.

[djAdvocate]

Jan 3, 2017 19:37:41 GMT -5 Ryan said:

Dec 31, 2016 17:48:08 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

this is a full 20% ahead of W and Carter, even with GHW, and about 10% below Reagan and Clinton, with one month to go.

www.gallup.com/interactives/185273/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx

doesn't really matter any more, but i am kinda astounded how high these numbers are.

on the other hand, given what just happened, i am not that astounded.  a can of rotten pork would look good compared to "incoming"., 

I'm not that surprised.  Obama has been able to take a backseat and just observe over the last year as Clinton/Trump battled.  As long as the economy isn't tanking, I would think most presidents would be viewed pretty favorably as the criticism dies down.  If Bush didn't have the Iraq war, I think he would have been in pretty good shape when he left.  I chalk the 2008 meltdown down to bad timing, not necessarily anything GWB did.

it was mostly bad timing, but the fact that he only booked 1M jobs in (8) years, the worst job growth since Hoover, is telling.  especially when you consider that more jobs were lost under Obama's first year than Bush's last.  he was truly a miserable failure, at pretty much every level, other than selling the Iraq War, which he did perfectly.