Main description:

As Dr. Cullen's chapter on information technology points out, what is required is not just a new electronic system that follows the patients, but a new language that creates and defines a system that can appropriately care for the patient. What we design for the complexities of caring for the medically underserved can serve as model for caring for everyone in this country. Many innovative, bold, and wonderful solutions have been developed as local/ regional models. As communities and states we can learn from, and support, each other. But the local models are not, by and large, self-sustaining. Ultimately, so- tions to the lack of medical insurance in this country will require a national persp- tive, and federal funding. That is part of the work we all must do, and Dr. Dalen's chapter points out some of the possibilities and pitfalls other countries have experienced. When I wonder how the system we have hasn't already collapsed from its own weight, I just need to look at the people working within it. Healthcare is a service industry, and we have been blessed with professionals who understand and live the concept of service in their daily lives, who go the extra mile for the patient despite the vagaries, the barriers, and the sometimes mean spiritedness of the organi- tional infrastructure.

Contents:

Dedication

Preface by Lane Johnson

Preface by Nancy Johnson

Introduction

Contributors

Chapter 1
Who are the Uninsured?

Chapter 2
Why are People Uninsured?

Chapter 3
Culture of Poverty and the Uninsured

Chapter 4
Health Disparities and the Uninsured

Chapter 5
Providers for the Uninsured

Chapter 6
Chronic Care and Disease Management in the Uninsured- Nancy Johnson

Chapter 7
Medical Homes and the Uninsured Nancy Johnson

Chapter 8
Medication Assistance for the Uninsured Nancy Johnson
Chapter 9
Immigrants and Refugees

Chapter 10
The Uninsured Homeless

Chapter 11
The Uninsured Mentally Ill
Chapter 12
Uninsured Older Americans
Chapter 13
The Rural Uninsured

Chapter 14
Dental Care for the Uninsured

Chapter 15
Medically Uninsured Children
Chapter 16
Building Community Collaboration Around the care of the Uninsured

Chapter 17
Information Systems to support the Care of the Uninsured

Chapter 18
Government and Policy; Other Models

Chapter 19
Think Nationally, Act Locally