[Winona] Minnesota Hospital Association

[Bob Sebo]

I agree with Paul...a shocked silence ensues...kudos to Winona Health for
participating in this effort.  But I believe its impact vis a vis cost
containment is negligible.

There was a terrific story in USA Today last week about the futility of
shopping around for health care...there are too many variables...including
costs per procedure.  They are different depending on who you are.  They
also gave the example of a woman who comparison shopped her pregnancy for
months...came up with a deal...then ended up getting a c-section...there
goes that deal...and she admits she lost interest in cost as the whole
experience became more immediate (I suspect) and she liked and trusted one
place better than the others.

There is the intangible.  This is my daughter...or my husband...or me that
we are talking about...I want the best...not the cheapest.  I know it was
significantly more expensive, but I'm still glad I went to Rochester when I
needed neurosurgery last year than going to La Crosse.  Mayo is a brand I
trust...I only have one (now pain free) spine...I went to them.  Maybe
that's dumb...but that's the way I am.

The only real way for 21st century health care to compete in today's market
is through quality, I think, not price.  I am talking about competing for
folks with means (including, of course, insurance...the ultimate deep pocket
in health care).  I understand it is a different kettle of fish for our
neighbors with inadequate coverage.

I understand the Winona county uninsured numbers are significantly higher
than statewide numbers.  Does anyone know if that is true?

Bob Sebo
Winona