As a seasoned internal medicine physician, the author reflects on the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare delivery. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, electronic medical records and hospitalists were not yet widespread, and the author was initially ambivalent about the value of electronic health records.
The author's concerns about the use of electronic health records were valid, but he eventually acknowledged their benefits. However, he remained skeptical about the ability of external physicians to provide the same level of care as those who knew their patients' unique circumstances.
The concept of managed care had a significant impact on healthcare delivery, but it ultimately led to a backlash from patients and physicians. The author was leading a large independent physician network that was taking on risk-based contracts during this time, and he notes that his synapses were firing rapidly as he navigated the complexities of the healthcare system.
The author's network attorney, Mark, invited him and his wife to dinner and introduced him to his elderly father, a retired physician who was well-groomed and mentally sharp. The author was impressed by the father's ability to stay up-to-date with medical literature and his keen interest in staying current with the latest research.
The author's experience with Mark's father has given him a new perspective on the importance of staying informed about medical advances. He reflects on how his adult children navigate the sea of healthcare misinformation and considers what he can do to help them make informed decisions about their health.
Physicians, like the author, are data-hungry individuals who rely on evidence-based information to make decisions. However, many patients rely on online advice from alternative health influencers and ads, which can be misleading and lack scientific backing.
The author has compiled a list of topics that he believes are important for his children to consider, including genetic testing, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, and the importance of physical activity and sleep. He also advises them to be cautious of certain medications and treatments that may have negative effects on their health.
As a father, the author hopes to provide his children with a practical, evidence-based roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern medicine. He realizes that his list is not exhaustive and that his colleagues may have additional suggestions, but he believes that it is a good starting point for helping his children make informed decisions about their health.
The author concludes that equipping his children to be informed, empowered stewards of their own health is the most important house call he will ever make. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to pass the lantern of information forward and help his children navigate the challenges of the healthcare system.
