Edmond B. Cabbabe

The doctor /patient relationship is built on mutual respect, utmost trust, and dedication of the parties involved. This relationship allows both parties to engage in a frank and open professional interaction that best serves the patient health care needs. Such a relationship must not be affected by an outside pressure, on either side, to force a different choice of care nor be affected by any monetary gain or loss. The proliferation of managed care, Medicare advantage plans, hospital ownership of practicing physicians, and other care delivery models has weakened this special relationship. From withholding or delaying care to increase year-end bonus, to ordering more tests or unnecessary services to boost the RVUs score, the patients’ health shifted to the accounting department. Employed physicians are losing their own ties with the patients to the institution that owns the practice. I believe the traditional doctor/patient relationship is better maintained in the private practice setting given that the doctor provides the unbiased advice but the ultimate choice belongs to the patient. 
Source: PHRMA - Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Source Type: news