lung CT

[Guest guest]

Deb.

While reading your post about waving the doc off of the lung CT workup it reminded me of another factor, usually subtle, but definatly at work in today's medicine, and lots of other places. Liability. Failure to diagnose and treat are REAL issues that cost practitioners increased insurance premiums (liabilility), perhaps disciplinary action at the hospital or state level, etc. Most of this is so subttly handled the vast majority of patients don't even realize what has happened. The docs not says presented X treatment and patient refused period. Much much safer than just deciding for the patient that it really adds little value, as you point out particularly when the patient is not suffering from underinsurance. The patient that is well educated like youself, simply waves off the way over the top stuff, and we both get down to those interventions that really hold promise.

I remember once being told in a CE class that every "session" consists of a minimum of 4 parties 2 visible, the patient and provider, also 2 invisible, the patient's insurance company, and possibly their lawyer! Today, even if the provider is 110% correct, defending his rear can run in the tens of thousands in legal fees alone. We just have to remember to short circuit this circus by doing exactly what you did, recognize the fluff.

Bestjd, 45 goin to 46UC 1973, Jpouch 2000, Chronic Pouchitis 2001, PSC 2004, Stage 3Southern, IL