I woke up pretty early this morning. Who needs an alarm clock when you've got a sunrise over the mesas?
I got in the car around 7:30, and started my 20 minute commute to the health center. Along the way, I scanned the dial to find the only radio station available (88.1 KUYI, my second favorite community radio station). The morning radio show is normally traditional Hopi music, but today's guest hosts were a group of Native Hawaiians in town for a cultural exchange. They were playing their traditional music, and said some nice words in support of another group of people that are working hard to preserve their heritage. It was surprisingly moving. (Charmingly, when I got back in the car at the end of the day, it was a Beatles/James Brown mix.)
But before we get any further, let me show you what I will be starting my days with for the next five weeks.
Better than coffee.
The next shots are of the exterior of the center and the adjacent government housing complex. This complex is much newer than mine, and it appears to be for some of the IHS higher-ups.
Speaking of electronic medical records, I had my first peek at the start-to-finish model of the IHS. And, holy crap, it's enough to turn George Bush into a socialist. By housing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment arms of the healthcare system within the same agency (and more importantly, within the same bank account), the Indian Health Service is able to do a whole lot more than you'd expect with their perenially-underfunded budget. For instance, the IHS is happy to spend some money on diabetes education, because they know that it'll save them lots on the back end.
There is a lot of Hopi art lining the health center's hallways, but this one is--by far--my favorite. Click the picture for a bigger view, and look closely.
And here's a little video panorama from the front of the hospital.
And here's a little video panorama from the front of the hospital.
I'll take some photos of the inside of the building in the next few days. I'm trying to space them out, so that I don't look like too much of a tourist. But it's hard!
I spent my day going through the hospital orientation, and taking the security classes that are necessary before using a government computer. It was a little on the thorough side, but I understand the need to protect their data.
Speaking of electronic medical records, I had my first peek at the start-to-finish model of the IHS. And, holy crap, it's enough to turn George Bush into a socialist. By housing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment arms of the healthcare system within the same agency (and more importantly, within the same bank account), the Indian Health Service is able to do a whole lot more than you'd expect with their perenially-underfunded budget. For instance, the IHS is happy to spend some money on diabetes education, because they know that it'll save them lots on the back end.
Similarly, when a doctor enters a prescription into the computer during a patient visit, it automatically pops up on the pharmacist's screen (with no chance for misinterpreted prescriptions). The medication is then waiting for the patient when he or she walks out of the doctor's office. No need to drive to Walgreen's, or to see if the drug is covered by your insurance. The incredible level of integration and efficiency makes the mainstream American health care system look like a duct-taped Yugo. It's embarrassing.
Anyone who says that the government has no place in healthcare clearly isn't a Hopi (or for that matter, a veteran, or a citizen of nearly any other developed country). But I shouldn't digress; I'll save politics for another time.
I want to quickly post some photos of my commute, but after that, it's definitely time for bed.
I want to quickly post some photos of my commute, but after that, it's definitely time for bed.
-M
