Healthcare, or the lack of it, has been a growing issue for years. Take the documentary Sicko for example.
While Michael Moore showed us the insanity of the insurance business and made us angry and frightened, Hammergren
takes us back to the beginnings of healthcare and how we got to this point in a detailed look at the industry and
what drove it.
We all know that the healthcare system in America needs to be addressed and revised. Skin in the Game
gives us ideas on how to best serve the public's needs. Hammergren doesn't see our government taking over the
healthcare system but insists that private business could do a much better job by getting together and unifying the
system.
And he has a lot of credibility. He is CEO of McKesson Corporation, a leader in the health care industry. Under
his tenure as a successful leader for McKesson, it has seen high profits and renewed performance. With his kind of
credentials, the reader cannot help but take notice as he guides one through an in-depth historical overview that
begins with "witch oils" and ends with our medical technology today. Phil Harkins, a successful CEO himself and
recognized leader in his field, does much to provide strategies in the book for successful management in healthcare.
But, with all of our technology, we are still decades behind in administration. Hammergren shows you how to
navigate the system by putting yourself first and getting the most from the system. The Appendix is most helpful
in addressing the major "Resources, Web Sites, Tips, and Guidelines for Educating Yourself". While he notes that
he doesn't necessarily condone it, healthcare is a business and needs to be run like one. You will enjoy his
persuasive, clear cut report and his five step systematic approach for the government to align itself for success.
The authors did a good job of presenting the material in a way that kept it fresh and interesting with real
insight into the problems, without being preachy. I rate it a must read for everyone.