The insurance company blues

Journal of Family Practice, Feb, 2006 by Jeff Susman

Dr Susman is in Antarctica this month, but do not despair: the Management found this mysterious missive stuffed between two ancient issues of JFP. We take no responsibility for its content.

   Those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.
   From North to South, from East to West,
   Preventin' us from doing our best
   They manage my care, while they trim and pare.
   Downcoded my bills, changed my pills,
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.

   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues
   Whoever I see, they're watchin' me,
   Order a test? They say, "surely you jest."
   You gotta toe the line, before you image that spine.
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.

   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.
   They carved out depression, surely we're regressing.
   Hassle my staff, it ain't no laugh.
   Pay for performance, sure no romance.
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.

   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.
   Managed my 'Caid, rained on my parade.
   Slashed my fees, brought me to my knees.
   Now they blended my codes--we're at the crossroads.
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.

   I tell ya, got those down-and-out, Honky-Tonk Insurance Company
   Blues!
   They audit my charts, redirect my hearts.
   I'm losing my mind, they ain't very kind.
   In the end it's a shame, but who is to blame?
   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.

   I got those Honky-Tonk Insurance Company Blues.
   I say, I got those Down-and-Out, Out-of-Control,
   Honky Tonky Insurance Company Blues.

Jeff Susman MD Editor, JFP