When EHR systems aren't speaking . . .

 

Failing to plan is--you know how it goes.

 

"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you."

 

Two minute read: Simple steps reaping huge rewards.

If you're not yet familiar with health care's newest neologism, you're gonna luv this one: "bedlocked." 

How about some super simple life-extending action steps that just might come in handy in an emergency?

Get a PCP while the getting is good.

This time around: A 15-minute listen on what threatens health care access in Iowa

Whether or not you live in Iowa, your health care world is about to be rocked. The demographics of aging and chronic illness are straining a system where needs were already unmet. 

I recently joined John Busbee of The Culture Buzz for a conversation on what's happening in Iowa and how 2025 legislation may--or may not--make a positive impact on Iowans' survival. And I included a life-extending tip for accessing health care when, where and how you need it! 

Jo Kline on The Culture Buzz

Two-minute read - Lawmakers' at-bat for health care access in Iowa

A third of Iowa's rural hospitals are operating in the red, and we can expect to be short tens of thousands of physicians, nurses and direct care workers by 2030. 

Did Iowa lawmakers just improve our odds for access? 

The 2025 Iowa Legislature - A swing and a miss

Two-minute read - Iowa lawmakers tackle health care access. Not.

Iowa's census of physicians has shrunk by 500 over the past ten years, when it needed to grow by 300. Today, the top three employers for job vacancies at IWD are all health care providers.

How did health care access for Iowans fare this legislative session?

Did lawmakers improve health care access for Iowans?

Two-minute read: Is Iowa keeping up with its neighbors?

Is there value in comparing oneself to others? Yes, when we're talking about how a state fares in the battle for workers. I dug into health care-related stats for Iowa and its "Upper Midwest" neighbors, now and in 2030. See for yourself. It’s not looking good for Iowans. 

How tough will the competition for workers get?

Where's a funnel when you need one?

I was thinking of posting about some of the legislation currently being proposed to address Iowa's crisis of health care worker shortages. In the past, they've given us laws to limit malpractice claims and discourage nurses from being "travelers," which have had zero positive impact. So what's next in leadership's bag of tricks?

Instead, I've decided to wait until the field is narrowed with the first funnel. (No point getting our hopes up for no good reason.) In the meantime, I can only hope and pray that some of these pointless--albeit very expensive--"solutions" will die a natural death and never see the legislative light of day. 

Quack quack quack

No argument, the failure of leadership to assure safe and accessible health care for every Iowan is epic. But what rule says the minority party is not allowed to hold its own public hearings on the shameful state of affairs in our nursing homes? Rural health care? Worker shortages? 

Pointing the finger at Republicans is great sport for Democrats and the stuff of headlines, but passing more laws is NOT the answer to every problem.

Care for a little cheese with that whine? DMR 2/2/2025

Two minute read: New Year's Resolutions for Iowa's leadership

I'm pretty sure Iowa is approaching that "fish or cut bait" moment in its evolution. The escalating crisis of health care access has highlighted labor shortages in an industry where a break in the supply chain causes more than just inconvenience or higher prices--it  endangers lives. But to be honest, the dearth of potential workers plaguing health care is a burden in every employment sector.  

In 2025, I would wish for my state that leadership, both private and governmental, would acknowledge the perfect storm that quickly approaches and prioritize finding solutions that will enable Iowans to achieve best health outcomes--all Iowans. 

The first step to recovery is to acknowledge the problem.

A New Year, a new chance to schedule an interesting program!

Are you that person who pledged to find more interesting, relevant and informative speakers for your organization in 2025? Well, it's time to do just that.

Jo's keynote presentations for 2025

An epidemic of medical errors

 

See? It's not just me.

You know I love a good fact-based rant, which is why I hope Dave Elbert of the Business Record never stops writing. He just shared one of my own tirades and I thank him for the early Christmas present. 

Dave and I come from two very different angles on the "health care" failures of Iowa's leadership. Together, they paint the picture of a future that does not bode well for Iowans' health and well-being. 

Here's to a New Year we hope will bring awakening. 

The Elbert Files: December 6, 2024

Sorry to be saying "Told you so."