I found this discussion fascinating.
PJTV interview of Ronald Leuchter, MD
(esteemed GYN specialist) link to his bio:
http://www.gynoncology.com/Physicians/Dr_Leuchter.htm
Here’s the video:
http://www.pjtv.com/v/2577
The points that I personally found most interesting and discussion worthy:
The Canadian options when the $$$ runs out (or low) are:
- Increase premiums (not done)
- Increase taxes (unpopular, therefore also not done)
- Decrease services (see below)
Rationing of Canadian healthcare (when $$$ runs low) goes in one of two ways:
- Deny care
- Create wait list
Primary care MDs function as “gatekeepers”
Differences in malpractice options Canadian vs US:
- Both systems, patients can can sue for malpractice
- Canadian system, the losing party pays all the legal costs of the case
Both Canadian and US healthcare greatly and permanently altered by the internet information explosion:
- Patients are now “consumers”
- Physicians are becoming “providers of a product”
- New and future physicians will have dramatically different career paths
Discussion about sliding the meaning of the physician’s “hippocratic oath” sideways - toward the physician’s concern ought to be “greater good for society” rather than the good of the individual patient. This is truly debate worthy
EMR (electronic medical records) being touted as a great cost savings. I have been working with EMR for 2 years, and it is a mixed blessing. My overall opinion of EMR is “thumbs up” for accountability of the “provider” and prevention of human clerical errors. Huge privacy and “big brother” concerns if EMR becomes governmentally managed.
I agree with Dr Leuchter’s opinion that there needs to be government oversight but NOT direct control of healthcare decisions because that will politicalize decisions of heath “providers” and physicians.
Please limit your comments to this video only and not PJTV in general.