Opinion
Physicians must take a stand over their right to set own fees
LETTER — Posted April 9, 2007
Regarding "Calif. provider tax idea is a bad idea that could spread across the country" (Letters, Feb. 26): I wrote a letter to AMNews more than 10 years ago. I hate to paraphrase myself, but I must do so: Name one profession in which "outsiders" are permitted to alter fees of the profession. I am waiting for a reasonable response.
Hearing none, I shall provide the answer: I can think of none other than "disorganized medicine." What is the cerebral defect in doctors that permits them to be "controlled" by insurance companies (whose bottom line is more important than patient welfare) and government pencil-pushers who make decisions regarding our occupation, especially the fees? Do attorneys, plumbers, gardeners, car salespersons, carpenters, accountants, etc., have their fees under government control? Why do we permit this and even assist them in their nefarious activities?
I would suggest that this control is only possible because we do not have the courage to say to these groups that "you can make all the rules you wish, but we shall not be part of your game." After all, they are not the people who provide the care to patients. They need us! American physicians need to take a stand!
Has anyone ever heard of a government-appointed group to determine salaries for legislators returning with a recommendation that the legislators are overpaid and that their salaries should be reduced and their perks eliminated? The silence is deafening.
Daniel Gross, MD, Tarzana, Calif.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/04/09/edlt0409.htm.
