One inescapable constant is change!  During my 25+ years practicing medicine, scientific advancements have been dramatic and spectacular.  We now do procedures in our office in minutes that just a few years ago would have required an overnight (or longer) hospital stay.  Another major change is the easy access that both physicians and patients have to an overload of information about every perceived or real medical malady

Another significant transformation in medicine is the health care reform bill which was signed into law in March 2010.  Attempting to analyze this law in a non-partisan way is still a slippery slope.  Some of the new provisions are, in theory, being activated now, and others will be phased in over the next four years. 

Most of the immediate changes apply to those individuals already covered by private health insurance plans.  Insurers can no longer charge co-payments, deductibles, or co-insurance for immunizations and preventive services that are supported by the best scientific evidence.

As a gynecologist specializing in women’s health, I know that women sometimes delay mammograms and other testing because of the expense.  With implementation of the new law, insurance plans will now cover mammograms for women over age 40 with no out-of-pocket costs.  Additional covered preventive services without co-pays include osteoporosis screening for women over age 60 and screenings for women at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

Another change effective now allows parents to keep adult children on their health plan until age 26.  Also, insurance companies are prohibited from rescission, which is cancelling coverage for sick patients or those who have reached lifetime or annual coverage limits.

If your health plan existed before the law was enacted on March 23, 2010, these changes go into effect when your insurance plan year starts.  Ask your employer or your insurance company representative for specific information.

No one understands completely all the ramifications of future “reforms” to health care.  Many rules and regulations are yet to be written.  In fact, changes in the composition of the legislature and recent lawsuits filed by various states make it likely that this bill will be significantly revised. 

For the 28% of Texas women under 65 who have no health insurance, their options remain limited until the most sweeping changes take place in 2014.  In theory, the new purchasing pools and the requirement for everyone to carry insurance will begin and insurance companies will not be allowed to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy, domestic violence, medical history, health status, genetic information and disability.  Furthermore, waiting periods for insurance must be no longer than 90 days. 

While the politicians and insurance companies debate the ratios of taxes versus insurance premiums to pay for health care, I would ask everyone to take charge of their own health and institute appropriate preventive measures.  Talk with your health care provider and decide which tools are best for you.

Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. William Perryman began practicing at Huguley when the hospital opened its doors in 1977.  Dr. Perryman currently practices gynecology in Suite 136 of the medical offices at Huguley and may be reached at 817-293-4833.