Physicians: Let us rise. Let us lead.

As has been much discussed in the last few years, our health care system is in crisis. We spend $3 trillion a year on Medicare. MRIs bill out at $5,000. My recent bilateral mastectomy totaled $33,000 with $800 of that actually going to my surgeon. I left my role as an employed physician in the traditional insurance-based fee-for-service structure because I spent 80 or more hours a week typing, collecting data, coding, answering to documentation requirements and saying, “I’m sorry.” “I’m sorry I’m late.” “I’m sorry we can’t address this now.” “I’m sorry they couldn’t get you in.” “I’m sorry that other doctor made you feel like less than you are.” “I’m sorry!” Over and over and over again. Less than 40 percent of a traditional physician’s day is spent in direct clinical care. The rest is spent, often at night, on weekends and while on vacation … typing. Documenting. Recording what happened instead of being present while it is happening. The beauty of doctoring is that, regardless of requirements, codes, systems, legislation — our profession has stood for millennia in service of our fellow humans. The word physician takes its origins from healer and the word doctor from “teaching.” So we, by choice, by training and by the legacy of our profession are “teachers” and “healers.” Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out h...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Primary Care Public Health & Policy Source Type: blogs