by Dianna M. Burns-Banks, MD
“We must maintain the strides we have made with tort reform. Scope of practice and balance billing will continue
to provide opportunities for non-physicians
to determine the future of medicine.”
On a recent visit to Washington, D.C. and the Holocaust museum, I was reminded how precious is the right to choose, especially the right to choose our leaders.
It is just as important that our leaders listen and respect the varying views of the people. It is the blending of many cultures, the freedom to disagree and the healthy acceptance of our differences that make this country great.
Adolph Hitler emerged from complete anonymity as a corporal in the army to political power as chancellor of Germany. He manipulated the political system in a democracy to obtain autocratic power.
In only five years, he transformed the philosophy of a country and forever changed the lives of millions of people. His ideals of Arian superiority, German world dominance and intolerance of anyone who did not share his beliefs formed the basis for his cruel and infamous reign that led to world war and the annihilation of two-thirds of European Jews.
Because we are afforded the opportunity to participate in the political process, we determine our medical society leaders, our local, state and national leaders – we must take advantage of that opportunity and vote. As Texas approaches a new legislative session, it is imperative that we remain active participants in the political process.
As the government becomes more involved in the day-to-day practice of medicine, apathy and political inertia are luxuries that the physician community can no longer afford.
With the prospects of cuts in Medicare, the restructuring of the Medicaid program and the development of alternative plans by private employers to more directly involve their employees in the purchase and payment of their medical care, physicians must be vigilant and involved.
Proposed policy changes not only provide opportunities to educate legislators on the feasibility and consequences of the anticipated legislation, they also provide us an opportunity to educate patients on the implication of the choices they make.
The increasing call for transparency in medicine is an important part of the current trend in health care: to elicit personal involvement of the patient in determining a medical provider and appropriate use of their medical care dollars.
Fee schedules for hospitals and physicians will be easily accessible by the consumer on the internet. The patient can then shop to determine which healthcare provider delivers the most cost effective care.
Cost comparison of cardiovascular surgeries is quite a bit more complicated than just merely determining the lowest price. Competition to provide a less expensive service must not be at the expense of quality.
With Texas legislators returning to Austin in January, healthcare must be on their agenda. There continue to be significant issues with access to care for Medicaid and Chip patients, the decreasing number of providers to see these patients and decreasing reimbursement.
Legislators must provide the necessary funding for graduate medical education to ensure a physician pool ample enough to meet the future medical needs of the citizens of Texas. With more than 2 percent of Texans uninsured, our legislators must begin to look at innovative ways to provide some form of insurance for these patients. This is no longer just the moral obligation of a few, it has potential for significant financial impact on the businesses of Texas.
We must maintain the strides we have made with tort reform. Scope of practice and balance billing will continue to provide opportunities for non-physicians to determine the future
of medicine.
First they came for the Jews, but I am not a Jew so I said nothing.
Then they came for the Catholics, but I am not Catholic
so I said nothing.
Then they came for the Unionists and Industrialists, but I am
neither so I said nothing.
Now they are coming for me and there is no one left
to say anything.
No single physician is affected by all of the issues confronting the practice of medicine. However, apathy and indifference by any one physician is detrimental to all physicians. Let there always be someone left to speak for the house of medicine and the needs of the patient.
