Reactionary

From the New York Times:

To the Editor:

Paul Krugman describes many reasons we should refute those who state that universal health care is not a wise choice for this country. I have no disagreement with his view. But as a physician who has many colleagues working in other systems, I am aware of other obstacles that must be considered in reworking our system.

First, all of the other systems have some form of rationing. This may come about in ways that are subtle and may not affect the larger statistics to which Mr. Krugman refers.

Second, the issues of malpractice liability that exist in this country do not burden other systems. Fear of malpractice certainly adds cost to care, as tests and treatments are ordered that may be of little or no value to the patient. Moreover, the cost of malpractice insurance is borne by all of us as a pass-through.

Until we are willing to accept rationing of care at some level, and some level of tort reform, it may be difficult to provide universal health coverage in the United States.

Mark P. Solomon, M.D.
Bala Cynwyd, Pa., Nov. 10, 2007

He’s absolutely right.

Posted on November 13th, 2007 under News •  Print •  Email • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback