Opinion
As nationalized care eyed, a strong statement is needed from medicine
LETTER — Posted April 20, 2009
Daily the press carries stories about the "failed American health care system." Statistics are promulgated comparing us unfavorably with other countries, even Third World countries.
It is time for us to refute these statements with accurate data (many countries keep suspect records) and strongly show the dangers of a national health care system.
Using Medicare as an example, price-fixing is lessening seniors' access to care. The productivity of American physicians remains high, while seeing Medicare patients often at a loss. That won't last.
Consider the disaster of mandating guidelines that are often out of date and which are usually accompanied by a statement that individual patients may require varying from them. And the requirements to provide pay-for-performance data that are usually irrelevant.
With decreased financial incentives, including higher taxes, will come fewer of the best American students entering the profession, less work output and shorter careers.
In short, I believe we need to make a strong statement as a profession that interference by those not trained in medicine will not be tolerated and that our goal is to preserve the best aspects of our noble profession. We will continue to provide care to those who may not be able to afford it, as we do every day.
Don't ever forget that physicians are the only essential part of the health care system. We can train nurses and run hospitals and manage practices.
We have a responsibility to assure our patients that they will continue to receive the best care we know how to give, the best in the world. On that we may not compromise.
Ronald E. Feldman, MD, Escondido, Calif.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/04/20/edlt0420.htm.
