Well.....the Holidays are here, as well as bringing in another new year, 2014!  ....and it's the year of Obama-Care.

So far, the start has not been auspicious,  what with all of the problems they have had with the website.   Those are slowly being fixed and I think that will be but a minor issue with the implementation of this vast and sweeping program.

Like most people in this country, my ability to predict what will happen with 'Obama-care' is hard to say.  For that matter, I don't even know that the experts really know how this will change things for better or worse, but there is no question that things are changing in healthcare.  It was inevitable that change would come given the demographics of the aging population and the ongoing cost-structure of our medical-industrial complex, but the best manner of that change is educated guess-work at best, and possible governmental folly at worse.

Either way, I don't foresee any major changes taking place immediately.   Yes.....this process will be a huge change, but it will come slowly....and inexorably over the next decade or two.   We will see government control grow in the health-care sector.  Many have 'sold out' to the process.....thinking they can control it or get special treatment.  The only ones getting such will be the insurance companies I suspect.

We will see a two or three tier system.........but it will take some time.

As for my position, I'm not about to compromise on quality and personal attention, as that is what our patients want, expect, and deserve...and it's actually the most  cost efficient at the end of the day (no matter what the egg-heads might say to the contrary).   Look.....it's like Oscar Wilde said....." My tastes are simple....I like the best."    So...in the coming years....don't expect us to waver from our very simple principle that is captured in our watchword:  The secret in the care of the patient is caring for the patient.

I feel strongly that is what we provide....'the best' in medical care.   How else could it be, what with a father who was an outstanding internist and well-respected physician here in Scottsdale, two uncles who were outstanding medical specialists, a father-in-law who was a scion of urology in Baltimore at Hopkins, a brother-in-law who is likewise highly respected specialist, and with training from the very best medical institution in the world.  I have a tradition to uphold!

This coming year is something I look forward to and embrace....changes and all.  Fear not...join us....Avanti!

                                                                   Yours in good health,
                                                                            

                                                                              - Dr. Douglas Lakin