Health care costs – the big problems

Physicians often wonder in what reality we have the current health care cost problem.  Contrast physician payments with the pharmaceutical industry. As an internist with over 35 years experience, my payment schedule is exactly the same as a newly minted internist.  Can anyone think of another profession that does not get some credit for experience and reputation? Can anyone imagine a payment system that encourages you to spend less time with your patient, because you payment for a 15 minute visit is likely the same as a 20 minute visit?  Can you consider the implications of a system that encourages volume rather than an appropriate consideration of what the patient needs?  Too often physicians do not take the time to really connect with their patients (at least that is what many patients tell me), and these behaviors are driven by the payment system (and the administrators who are running the practice).  Physicians get RVU reports.  If you do not know what RVU means – I can only say that it is a ridiculous metric. Contrast this with the pharmaceutical industry.  The latest example of their lack of regulation is the Epi-Pen pricing abomination.  Read this article, but take some anti-nausea medication first – Painted as EpiPen Villain, Mylan’s Chief Says She’s No Such Thing  Her defense – she is running a business. Too many drugs have ridiculous price increases, while physicians generally stay flat or have less than cost of living increases.  ...
Source: DB's Medical Rants - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Medical Rants Source Type: blogs