My daughter just changed doctors to someone who happens to be one of the greatest primary care physicians in the world:  Dr. Robert D’Agostino of Canton, MA.  His patients love him. It’s funny, no matter what patient you talk to – the big strapping welder or the great-grandmother - they always use the word “love” in describing him. Bob was born to be a doctor.  Medicine is in his mind, heart and deep in his bones. 

      Like millions of doctors today, he, too, is disheartened by the needless paperwork that he drags home every night in a heavy duffel bag. It is stuffed with insurance forms/ extensions/checklists/please complete this section and refer back to line 56, blah, blah, blah.

      Why??? Because bureaucrats sit deep inside the conference rooms of insurance companies, the Joint Commission, administration meetings, etc. It’s all very hush-hush because they know  the only way they can keep their doors open is to conjure up more needless requirements. They’ve got it all down to a science:  just draft a new form using any or all of the following words: “safety…confidentiality…accountability…compliance…regulation…we care…”.  

      Hmmmm…… wonder what would happen if healthcare was run by the largest bureacracy of all? Let's see, ONE department would handle all of the incoming calls. Appointments could be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 2:15pm. No exceptions. And if that happens, you better hope some administrative assistant named Tina is not busy planning her honeymoon.