Code Green: How The Big Lie In Health Care Affects Us All

by John A. Kellum M.D.

Everyone in America has or will interact with our healthcare system in one way or another, and this book details the ways in which hospital systems are now working to reduce costs by reducing care--often at the expense of patient interests. New "value-based" models, widely embraced by industry and policymakers alike, actually increase this risk. Fortunately, there are ways in which patients, all of us, can reduce our risk and improve our care. The US is moving rapidly in an uncharted direction that is unlike anything we've ever seen before in the US or anywhere in the world. Code How the BIG LIE in Healthcare Affects Us All lays out the problems we are facing, the history that led us here, the reasons policymakers and hospital executives are enamored with the proposed solutions, and the reasons they are unlikely to benefit patients. Also discussed are comparisons with other systems in other countries and potential solutions both at the policy level and for individual patients who will be forced to endure the next several years of turmoil. Finally, practical advice for patients is provided throughout the book.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[J Hempel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s medical credentials are excellent both in medical practice and in research. He writes as an insider, explaining in detail how healthcare is now guided with an eye to the bottom line of the hospital in addition to the patient, viewed from every angle. Particularly revealing is how hospitals are able to maintain nonprofit status through executive compensation in addition to building new facilities.

More importantly, the book also clearly explains how physicians are sold on working for the benefit of the healthcare system as well as the patient. This is an easy but discomforting read.

[Paul Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding well written and researched book. Clearly shows the challenges faced in the USA health care system. Outlines the current conflicts that prevent patients from always receiving the best care. Doctors are often rewarded for providing less expensive care rather than the best care in order to allow providers to generate more profits. USA spends a great amount of money on heath care but provides less quality results than many countries who spend less. A must read for all in the health care sector

[Tom Rimmelé · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in a better understanding of the healthcare systems (the US one and the comparison with others), this is definitely your next book. I wish all politicians from all over the world read this book to increase their knowledge on this complex field and then make better decisions for the patients (which actually means for all of us!). Written by someone who obviously knows what he is talking about. Everyone needs to read this book, in the interest of everyone!

[Marlies Ostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

With meticulous attention to detail, in-depth analysis of the facts and uncomfortable honesty, John Kellum has produced an eye-opening account of the challenges that health systems face today. From the beginning to the end, he focusses on the implications and risks for patients and health care providers but also gives hope and offers practical solutions to improve the care. This book is a must for everybody interested or involved in health care.

[David Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Kellum, approaches the complex issue of health care, and how we got to where we are today, and makes it easy to understand. He looks at the history, and policies that have brought us to where healthcare is today, and provides us with insight, and advice that we as patients can use to improve our health care now, as well as suggested solutions to move us forward.

[Mehrnaz Hadian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all patient advocacy groups, healthcare policy decision makers and the public at large. Anyone who ever worked at the US healthcare system knows how demoralizing the system has become for doctors and nurses and it is the number one cause of the healthcare professionals’ burnout.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach a pre-med summer course and the topic of healthcare economics came up. I loaned one of my students this book and she was galvanized. She told me that this was the missing piece that allowed her to understand how American medicine "works". I recommend this for future health professionals and the general public as well.

[Janet Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eye opening must read kind of book. It's written so that the average person can understand the ins and outs of our U.S. medical system, as well as those in other countries. And it comes with suggestions about how to advocate for yourself, check bills, negotiate costs, and challenge the system. I highly recommend this book.

[Mitra Nad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book, especially if you work in healthcare. Quite an eye opening ..

[AAA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening read for a look at the backstage of healthcare of today. Coming from a very experienced physician, it is an honest critique of how health economics have evolved for the betterment of the institutions at the expense of patients and most importantly the health care team that provides the day to day service. Thought provoking must read.

[Needer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Kellum takes very complex issues and makes them understandable for those of us who are not in the medical field.
It's unlikely that anyone makes it through life without some interaction with a hospital system. He walks you through "How did this happen?" and "What can I do about it?"
This is one of those books that we all should read, discuss, and share. I think you should ask your own doctors if they have read it, especially since so many of them now work for hospital systems.