Physicians should lead for patients

Physicians should lead for patients

As physicians, we are grateful for the contributions of physician assistants and nurse practitioners to help patients get the care they need, but they are not a substitute for a physician with rigorous training — including four years of medical school and three to seven years of residency and fellowship training [“Health care roles on LI evolving,” News, Feb. 5].

Studies show that patients are best served by a team-based care model with the physician as the team head. As a neurologist, I find that when I see patients in the hospital, those whose cases are overseen by nurse practitioners or physician assistants have many more tests ordered, consults called, and often stay in the hospital longer.

A recent American Medical Association study found that when non-physicians are permitted to practice independently, the difference in training results in increased health care costs and patient safety risks. The data also showed that physicians performed better on nearly all quality measures.

And patients agree that physician-led care is optimal. Surveys on patient sentiment report that 95% of patients believe it is important that a physician be involved with their diagnosis and treatment decisions, and 91% say that a physician’s education and training are vital for optimal care.

Our patients deserve to have a physician oversee their care.

— Dr. David Podwall, Great Neck

The writer is president of the Nassau County Medical Society.

Surrogacy a gift for many families

Wow. I wonder if a reader would have been so quick to refer to surrogacy as “evil” if she had been unable to conceive, carry or adopt her seven children [“Surrogacy should be banned in all forms,” Letters, Feb. 5]. It’s been a blessing for many parents.

Most families who have resorted to surrogacy cherish their children as the precious gifts they are.

— Jane Garven, East Setauket