Healthy competition, and other letters

Regarding the story “Highmark completes West Penn deal, announces new system,” hurrah for this action. Competition is healthy in healthcare, and Pittsburgh needs another viable hospital-care system. UPMC has been for too long a threat to Western Pennsylvania as it monopolized and arrogantly controlled healthcare delivery.

Patricia M. Coghlan

In response to your recent article, “Analysis: Slow growth in health spending largely due to recession, weak economy,” a real paradox is upon us. On one hand, we must rein in this out-of-control medical spending. Cost containment is the order of the day. But we cannot slow the growth in healthcare spending because it may have economic effects. Therefore, cost should increase. And keep healthcare a political football for Washington bozos and incompetents to fumble repeatedly while buying votes.

Ignore reality and blame someone else for the failure while claiming we have the best medical care in the world. And the madness continues.

Dr. James W. Davis

As your recent article accurately points out (“Patient engagement's obstacle: human nature”), it is the “relationship” or lack thereof that is going to be the linchpin in patient engagement. Until healthcare organizations understand this and invest in ways to foster the relationships with their patients outside of the walls of the hospital, patient engagement—and therefore loyalty—will never grow to the depth they desire.

Dave Smedley,