Welcome to Vital Signs, where we feature positive aspects of health care so we can start to paint pictures of what a new health care system could look like and work.  

Going Under the Knife:  Be Glad If You Live in Washington State

Fortunately for Washingtion state residents, we have an ally in improving health care quality at the major hospitals in the state. CodeBlueNow!'s neighbor, Foundation for Health Care Quality, is the only research foundation of it's kind in the nation.  They are leading the charge to improve patient care at 20 major hospitals in Washington state.  Read here for the full story: Going Under The Knife.

A Personal Account:  What a Patient-Centered Health Care System Could Look Like

Imagine a health care system that embraces its patients and families through difficult life passages and health changing circumstances.  Read on for Kathleen’s personal account of what a patient-centered health care system can be.

Create A Delivery System

We want to hear from you about what you think an ideal health care delivery system could look like.  These ideas came from our "Build An American Health System" Contest.  These materials include the executive summary of the proposals as well as some design points for a delivery system. 

• The solution for many of America’s healthcare challenges is the formation of community or state healthcare cooperatives.  Read more...
• State Resident-Based Health Insurance (SRHI) addresses the failures of the current US. health care system by combining features of both public and private systems.  Private insurers will continue to offer plans.  Read more...
• This system will have a national body that will define and establish basic healthcare coverage.  Read more...
• Organize health care as a public utility based on the American public education model.  Read more...
• This plan starts with the current Medicare model, covering 80% of basic health care costs, and expands it to insure all residents of the US. Read more...

 Contestant Frank Yuse with Kathleen O'Connor

We are not advocating these solutions.  These are some ideas to start the discussion.  What do you think is important to have in an effective, efficient, safe, fair and affordable system?  Let us know at info@codebluenow.org.