An Inside Look at Health Care for the Elderly and Medicare

I spent last weekend at the Lown Conference in Chicago. For those who do not know about Lown, it would be wise to find out more (www.lowninstitute.org) and to sign their Right Care Alliance declaration. The group is relatively young, and this was my second trip to their annual conference. Just as it was last year, the conference was an enlightening and energizing affair. Being with several hundred people who actually get it—from distinguished academics, to regular docs/np

Nothing is more pervasive in our medical consciousness than the idea that seeing a doctor, getting regular tests and cancer screens, and treating/fixing problems will keep us healthier. Up to a point this is correct; if we have symptoms of illness or are impaired medically there are certain tests and treatments that can help. But we have taken this notion too far, with the result being a financial collapse of our Medicare system, harm needlessly inflicted on older people, a