Fixing American Healthcare: Wonkonians, Gekkonians, and the Grand Unification Theory of Healthcare

Richard N. Fogoros, MD
Publish or Perish DBS (2007)
ISBN 9780979697906
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/07)


In “Fixing American Healthcare” Dr. Richard N. Fogoros provides important insight into the truth about American healthcare.  Part I of the book provides a quick overview of grand unification theory of health care (GUTH), a conceptual model that describes the universe of possible healthcare systems. Part II applies the GUTH in an analysis of the current American healthcare system. Part III uses GUTH to develop a solution to the American healthcare crisis.

I found the graphics and the highlighted sidebars, consistent throughout the book, to be extremely helpful to my understanding of the quadrants of the decision-making process in healthcare today.

I was shocked and concerned when I read rationing in healthcare, the fairness argument, the cost of healthcare, fraud, and the demographics of an aging population.  The chapter on “Covert Rationing and Managed Care” is alarming and should be a wakeup call to every American to the state of our healthcare system.  Dr. Fogoros reveals how some health care plans have corrupted the ethical standards of the medical profession, and the introduction of antifraud measures have been instituted through government intervention. Dr. Rich, often thought to be a radical, speaks out about the impact covert rationing has had on medical science through the use of randomized trials, and end of life medicine.

On a positive note Dr. Fogoros offers a plan that moves toward the upper quadrant of healthcare system.  His plan incorporates: individual autonomy and empowerment, open competition, and universal coverage.  He maintains rationing must be decided in an open forum, and healthcare services must be prioritized according to clear ethical standards.

I personally found the chapter summaries helpful in reviewing and assimilating the wealth of information presented. The magnitude of information is daunting, however Dr. Rich has a unique communication approach that reaches down to the layman, while addressing the professionals directly involved in the process evolving in American healthcare today.

“Fixing American Healthcare” is a book that should be read by everyone enrolled in an HMO, or other healthcare plan, as well as every plan provider or professional involved in healthcare.  Dr. Fogoros, M.D., has come up with priorities that every citizen needs to take to heart, to protect themselves and their loved ones in a time when they will need healthcare.

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