I responded to the Times editorial, not because it criticized doctors, but because I agree to some extent. Many of my colleagues do most tests and more referrals than are actually necessary. This practice started years ago, when the malpractice lawyers were doctors for the least of reasons. In those days the malpractice insurance carriers and doctors would rather settle out of court than go through the expensive, time consuming court case. This often happened even though many court cases would have found that the doctor did no harm. Malpractice suits have not "practically disappeared." I don't fault doctors who overutilize for fear of being sued. I do believe that doctors should not do procedures and tests just to enrich themselves.
The June 14 Times editorial “Doctors and the Cost of Care” cites “evidence that many doctors do a lot more than is medically useful,” but “no doubt a vast majority of doctors strive to do the best for their patients.”
As a family doctor who practiced for 47 years, I reluctantly agree with the Times’ analysis. However, the Times report that “malpractice suits have practically disappeared” is somewhat of an overstatement. For most doctors, the memory lingers on.
I prefer not to point a finger at my fellow physicians, but I do agree, “Medicare should be able to coax or push physicians to behave more prudently”
Melvin H Kirschner, MPH, MD
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