Government Hospitals Are Failing Native Americans

We occasionally handle claims arising from medical care provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS).  The legal procedures are the same as with cases involving the VA or military facilities so it is not surprising that we get an IHS case now and then.  This recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal discusses the quality of care issues that are seen in the IHS.  Having spent many years dealing with the VA, the tale is a familiar one indeed.  Maybe even worse.  One can argue about whether or not the government should be in the business of providing direct health care, whether to veterans, native Americans or whoever.  There are certainly reasonable arguments favoring privatization - and there are valid arguments to the contrary.  However, I think we can all agree that if the government is going to take on the task of being a direct healthcare provider, it should do it right.  There is no just excuse for providing poor care.