Primary Care Near Collapse in US
The
above statement sums up the headlines of a Reuters article by Maggie Fox
appearing January 30, 2006. The article is based on a statement by the
American College of Physicians (ACP) who warn that, "Primary
care is on the verge of collapse." In a statement by that organization they
continue, "Very few young physicians are going into primary care and those
already in practice are under such stress that they are looking for an exit
strategy."
Dr. Bob Doherty, senior vice
president for the American College of Physicians wants more focus on health
instead of what they call, "just-in-time" care. He highlighted the problems
with an example, "Medicare will pay tens of thousands of dollars...for a
limb amputation on a diabetic patient, but virtually nothing to the primary
care physician for keeping the patient's diabetes under control."
Income also plays a part in
the decline of Primary Care physicians. The ACP statement noted that,
"Primary care physicians -- the bedrock of medical care for today and the
future -- are at the bottom of the list of all medical specialties in median
income compensation."
The ACP is calling for a
number of reforms. One of those reforms includes using e-mail to
consult on minor and routine matters. This would free up more expensive
office visit time for when it is needed. The group is then suggesting that
doctors be compensated for any e-mail consultations.
Many believe that the
chiropractic profession has offered an avenue of wellness care long sought
after in medical primary care. In
response to these articles International Chiropractors Association Executive Director Ronald M.
Hendrickson stated, "The massive decline in the
availability of primary care medical physicians will force the system, and
encourage the consumer, to look at other approaches to health and other care
pathways.” The ICA
Executive continues, “The chiropractic profession
offers a powerful, proven and highly cost-effective resource, since doctors
of chiropractic are well-trained and exceptionally well equipped to provide
drugless, non-surgical care that can contribute significantly to the
prevention, early intervention and the natural resolution of the health care
needs of millions.” |