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| Misguided managed care legislation | ||
By Steven J. Brown, M.D.
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Medicine is changing, as it always has, because of its strong
underlying scientific basis. In the past two decades, medical science has advanced
exponentially, in large part due to the proliferation of information sciences and the
applications of computers, large databases, and meta-analyses. Paradoxically, as the art
and practice of medicine becomes less dependent on anecdotal evidence and based more upon
scientific evidence, the media, our elected officials, and some of our Physician
colleagues increasingly cling to the more digestible and palatable anecdote. In her recent article, “Managing Managed Care,” Ms. Albert made mention of “recent high-profile abuses by managed care companies,” noting the “conspicuous media coverage in recent months” and postulated that “there would appear to be more public support than ever to press for regulatory checks against those abuses.” Interestingly, she provides no examples of any such abuses by managed care companies. Also, while there has been plenty of media coverage, there is little evidence beyond the anecdotal that managed care is worthy of such negative press. And, while an informed public opinion may validate the proposal of appropriate regulation, a public misled by media and legislative hype will not tolerate such folly for long. Legislation to control managed care companies and protect the public may be well intentioned but let us consider the consequences. Without substantiated abuses, what can these laws accomplish? Higher costs to the purchasers of health care is certain, limited choice of health care coverage options is likely, and stifling of initiatives in health care delivery is probable. Furthermore, by legislative mandate of specific treatment, such legislation can only serve to impede the progress of medical science. This is not meant to imply that all regulation is bad. But the current wave of anti-managed care legislation is out of control and largely based on unfounded and irrational fears. Unless it has become our civic duty to protect ourselves from such fears, most of the recently proposed legislation is nothing more than a waste of time and taxpayers’ money, a basis for litigation, and a weak attempt by the many bill sponsors to further their own causes and re-election campaigns. Medical professionals have made great strides into the design and delivery of health care. Managed care companies employ thousands of these medical professionals, the majority being Physicians and Nurses, working to improve the availability, delivery, and value of health care. Let us not selectively ignore their work. Let us not allow elected officials and others without appropriate expertise dictate the practice of medicine. Let’s adhere to the scientific evidence so that we can make properly informed decisions. |
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