Howdy,
Today I would like to discuss a controversial topic in healthcare reform; mammograms. As things are, it is suggested that women, especially over the age of 50, receive annual mammograms. However, recently the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggested that "women in their 40s should no longer get annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer."
This statement sparked an outcry leading many to believe that the government was more concerned with saving money than "improving women's health." Republicans saw this decision as the precursor to more decisions like it. Representative Phil Gingrey even goes so far as to call it "the first step toward that business of rationing care based on cost."
Proponents of the reform, however, state that changes made in medical procedures, no matter how well supported by scientific evidence will meet opposition. Also, they make a point that healthcare left up to the market, as is common in the US, "has not produced very good results, even for patients."
In summary, opponents say that healthcare reform will begin the budgeting of healthcare, whereas proponents of reform say some treatments are extraneous, and end up costing more than necessary. Though this may be true, some will say they would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. This mindset may work for some, but what about those who cannot afford to have these tests done?
As always, Thanks for reading
Sources:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/mammograms
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/18/nation/na-health-evidence18
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