(Snippets from the frontline)
COVID-19/BLM: Rationing healthcare
The pandemic has brought a surge of COVID-19 cases to California, and might escalate in other parts of the country. With zero ICU beds and potential stress on medical resources, Crisis Care decision-making (a polite name for rationing) could be implemented affecting vulnerable patients especially older adults.
For years as a geriatric physician, I have gotten into the weeds providing evidence-based options for my patients. Now, it’s your turn.
Here is a link that takes you to other informative sites:
Take a second now to learn about Crisis Care in case an emergency impacts you or a loved one, as there might not be time in a crisis.
A medical decision could be made despite what you want, or what legal paperwork is presented. Your personal physician might not be able to provide input, and there may not be a chance to appeal.
A “triage team”, which may include hospital administrators, could decide your fate by a point system. Finally, those on the team making decisions would not be held liable.
Get into the weeds…now!
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
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