Letter: Better doctor-patient talks help
Iconic art for Spin Cycle article on Physicians Reciprocal Insurance political contributions. Credit: iStock
I am a physician who has practiced general medicine for 24 years. Your analysis of the current escalation of health care costs does touch upon some key issues ["Just too much to bear," Editorial, Aug. 7].
Our health care system is complex and fragmented. I am using an electronic medical record, one of the issues that you discussed, and yes, it looks neater, but does it prevent errors? We are far from the day when there will be true integration of the current health care record, and by the way, how will we pay for the associated costs? Can we be sure that an electronic record will necessarily ensure better outcomes?
A focus on outcomes is what truly contributes to an escalating cost system. An outcome that leaves all content, no matter what the cost, one that doesn't invite litigation, does make for unnecessary testing. The trial lawyers measure this as an absolute percentage of health care expenditure: malpractice insurance. What can't be measured is how much defensive medicine drives up health care costs. To my knowledge, there is no study that addresses this subject.
There is much to be done. Communication between doctor and patient can always improve. We have a long way to go.
Dr. Reno DiScala, Glen Cove
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
