Physicians who work for HMOs also are looking to collective action to prevent their jobs from being cut indiscriminately and their decisions second-guessed. For example, physicians at Medalia HealthCare, a network of 43 primary care clinics in Washington state, voted 104 to 75 to join the United Salaried Physicians and Dentists Union this June. For more than 20 years, ANA has supported the rights of all health care professionals, including house staff, to engage in collective bargaining. Physician organizing cannot be characterized as an explosive trend yet, but it is growing. Some estimate the total number of physician union members at more than 30,000.
Doctors are tired of being told how to practice medicine by bean counters.
Physicians often can't prescribe a medication that is more expensive, even when it's proven to be more effective. Managed care rewards doctors who are good economic performers as opposed to good doctors. For more than 20 years, ANA has supported the rights of all health care professionals, including house staff, to engage in collective bargaining. In addition to a voice in local policy, Lawlor listed other reasons why physicians are drawn to collective bargaining. It offers physicians due process rights and wage and benefit protections.