Thoughts on a new health care paradigm.

Abstract

The insurance industry has removed the joy from health care delivery with authorizations, documentation, guidelines for evaluation and treatment, diminished reimbursement, reimbursement delays, and denied payments. Physicians are now paid for what they write on the chart, not for what they do for the patient. Failure to document may mean fines or criminal charges. The legal system has rendered the medical record an abomination by requiring every piece of paper to be saved. We, as physicians, have lost control of our profession. Patients are demanding quality health care. Health care practitioners need stability. If we allow the situation to go on, our government is sure to increase industry regulations. This may mean legislation expanding the scope of practice for allied health care providers, thereby circumventing physicians and undermining our control. If we do not want to become regulated government employees, we should initiate a major overhaul of health care delivery. Physicians must band together to recommend an improved health care paradigm. Medicine is a unique profession. Supply, demand, and competition run counterproductive to cost-effective quality health care. Individuals, groups, and medical organizations must stop lobbying for their own special interests, and present a single voice.