For those of you that voted in the idiot, thanks a lot. I don't take the word Stupid lightly...but now, there is a true need for its use.
Obama argues system dictates health care choices
(AP) – 1 day ago
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that under the current health care system, doctors make medical decisions based on what they would be paid for a procedure rather than the best treatment.
In trying to rally support for health care overhaul, Obama described a patient who sees a physician for a sore throat, or a parent who brings in a child with a sore throat.
"Right now, doctors a lot of times are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. ... The doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, 'You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid's tonsils out,'" Obama told a prime-time news conference.
The president added: "Now, that may be the right thing to do, but I'd rather have that doctor making those decisions just based on whether you really need your kid's tonsils out or whether it might make more sense just to change — maybe they have allergies. Maybe they have something else that would make a difference."
AAO-HNS Responds to President Obama's Comments Regarding Tonsillectomy
In response to President Barack Obama’s statements regarding tonsillectomy during a news conference on healthcare reform, the Academy issued the following response to the media and federal lawmakers:
“We, too, are in favor of evidence-based medicine that supports quality patient care. President Obama’s statement highlights the complexity of medical decisions like this. However, the AAO-HNS is disappointed by the President's portrayal of the decision making processes by the physicians who perform these surgeries. In many cases, tonsillectomy may be a more effective treatment, and less costly, than prolonged or repeated treatments for an infected throat.
“For the past several years, the Academy has been developing clinical guidelines based on evidence and outcomes research, including “Quality of Life after Tonsillectomy,” a January 2008 supplement to the journal Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. We are in agreement with the President’s statement that physicians, patients, and hospitals should make the decisions, based on the evidence, about what’s best for patient care.”
Trying to infer that doctors only have their pocketbooks in mind when coming to health care is like saying that all cops just like bullying people around. It is true that doctors have to take care of #1 because there is NO ONE out there who is willing to do it for them. And yes, despite what a huge amount of people out there think, it is not right to take advantage of doctors desire to help others. Health care is not a right. It is a buisness. Just like I have to take in my car if it breaks down. Should that be a right? Well now, I should then propose a bill that we all get free car tune ups and comprehensive coverage if my car gets a little rusty or the engine fails from a lack of care. Can Obama do that for me? Yes he can!