Published
Basically, I really love my Spanish speaking patients in every way. I'm talking about people born and raised outside of the United States. They have Old World manners, respect for elders, I love their family values. They really are great, and Americans can learn a lot from their old fashioned ways. I love the way they roll up their sleeves and care for their hospitalized family member.
I had a gentleman in his 50s, totally Spanish speaking, had been a farm worker but with too many health problems to work, most of which resulting from IDDM non-compliance leading to heart problems and renal insufficiency. Most of his family was back in Mexico, including his 7 (grown) children. He spoke very little English.
His nephew came in, he spoke English, he was nice as can be. He wanted to know more about what was going on, he gave me more background info. His Uncle had a greencard, wasn't able to work, had wanted to go back to Mexico but was only staying for the free medical care.
Ha ha, 'free medical care', I thought. . I think most Americans would disagree with that statement. I guess it is free for non-citizens with no means, and for other dirt poor people, but it's not really free, is it? It's really, actually, expensive.
Meanwhile, his uncle, who was very polite, appreciative, nice, was also irresponsible. According to the H&P he had been mostly non-compliant with his meds and treatment plan.
I think there is a disconnect in our system. There is very little personal accountablity. There is lots of talk about Patient Rights, and very little talk about Responsibilty. I'm not just talking about non-citizens who consider the U.S. the land of free medical care, but I'm talking about a system that rewards irresponsiblity.
If we ever get socialized medicine, I seriously doubt if the government will have the backbone to build in any system for accountability into it. I see people abuse their bodies to the point that they are unable to work, then expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for their medical care, for life, while they sit back and complain what victims they are. I see this over and over again. It's a huge problem in America today, with no solution in sight.