Healthcare Part VIII – Drop that Twinkie or I’ll Shoot!

A big problem in health care is the non-compliant patient. Non-compliance can be in the form of disobeying orders or advice, or simply by blowing off doctor visits (if you don’t hear the bad news it isn’t news, right?).

Well, maybe there is a solution.

Presidential candidate John Edwards says that under his universal health care program everyone WILL see the doctor for preventive care. Women WILL have mammograms.

No word on the enforcement mechanism.

In the UK, a panel of Conservative MPs have a recommendation that Brits who live an unhealthy lifestyle should not receive certain types of care. The healthy lifestyle initiative would also be tied to health care service reforms and various social initiatives including housing and schooling reforms.

Brits who live healthy lifestyles would be rewarded by receving points to be used for vegetables and gym memberships.

Is this the future of health care? Slightly Orwellian?

No word if Edwards will give us veggies.

Seriously, is this the way to deal with non-compliance? Is there a better way?