Defensive Medicine Drives Wedge Between Patients/Physicians
4/26/2010
According to a new national survey of physicians by Jackson Healthcare, 72 percent of physicians report that the practice of defensive medicine negatively impacts patient care.
According to a new national survey of physicians by Jackson Healthcare, 72 percent of physicians report that the practice of defensive medicine negatively impacts patient care. Sixty-seven percent report that defensive medicine comes between the doctor and patient. This survey is the third in a series of physician surveys by Jackson Healthcare to qualify and quantify the impact lawsuits have on medical care in the U.S. It follows Jackson’s recent quantifying the cost of defensive medicine, in which physicians estimate $650 billion to $850 billion is spent each year on defensive medicine. Defensive medicine refers to the unnecessary tests and treatments that physicians order to avoid lawsuits. “Nothing should come between physicians and patients, especially third parties like government bureaucrats and attorneys who have no medical training,” said Richard Jackson, chairman and chief executive officer of Jackson Healthcare. “The physician/patient relationship is sacred and must be protected to the benefit of our physicians and us, their patients.” Additionally, 75 percent of respondents believe defensive medicine will decrease the number of physicians in the U.S., perpetuating an existing physician shortage, and 87 percent of current residents and fellows reported that they were taught to practice defensive medicine. This has implications for the next generation of physicians, the future cost of healthcare and patient access to the care they need. According to Jackson, “Without radical medical malpractice reform that gets at the root problem, not only will costs continue to climb, but our survey suggests that access, quality and innovation will continue to be limited to certain patients. We need a balanced, common sense approach that guarantees patients their rights without undermining their care.” A summary of the new survey findings can be found in Jackson Healthcare’s online media room at http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com/media-room/healthcare-research/.
For more information contact Bob Schlotman at 770-643-5697 at Jackson Healthcare. TheRecruiter.com. Practice opportunities for physicians and surgeons. Careers in nursing, allied health, administration, sales & marketing and other healthcare specialties. www.CPRclassifieds.com. Practice opportunities for physicians, surgeons, dentists and nurses with Christian organizations. Back Link Pages: http://www.therecruiter.com/Employment/Links.asp
|
