Capitol Report for May 7th, 2008

The Future of Rural Healthcare
Many of Missouri’s rural citizens do not live near a medical facility that houses a full time doctor. However, the medical needs of Missouri’s rural population continues to grow even though access to primary care physicians continues to decline. The only way Missouri’s medical personnel will be able to meet the medical needs of the future is if we, as consumers, begin to utilize our healthcare resources in a more efficient and effective manner.
One way in which we can begin utilizing the healthcare system in a more efficient manner is through the use of nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants. These individuals work under the guidelines of a collaborative practice agreement that exist between themselves and a geographically close physician. These healthcare professionals are able to offer preventative services that can help improve a patient’s health so that a visit to the hospital or emergency room does not become necessary. Additionally, these individuals are able to work with patients to promote healthy lifestyle choices that will reduce the need for medical visits.
For the first time, we as a state are beginning to focus on the prevention of illness rather than just paying for reactionary medical expenditures. This principle is a cornerstone of the Healthcare Transformation Act of 2008 that was passed out of the Senate last week. By promoting preventative care and working to provide coverage to the uninsured, I believe we have an opportunity to empower patients to demand more affordable and personalized care.
I remain committed to transforming the inefficient and ineffective healthcare system of today into a system that puts the consumer in charge and ensures a reliable and affordable healthcare system for all Missourians. I believe that affordable quality healthcare is fundamental to a civilized society and is vital if Missouri is going to thrive and prosper. We have made great strides in recent years, but we must continue working to promote preventative care and consumer driven initiatives. As Missourians, we deserve it and as consumers, we must demand it.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.