Often an adversarial system has been created between patients and physicians on one side and the HMO on the other. In some cases there is even conflict between patients who are trying to get the care they want and physicians who are being allowed only certain fixed funds per patient, regardless of the care they require. Twenty-five years ago, when I practiced in Hawaii, there was time to chat with each patient, to inquire about their families, and to share a story or a laugh or two. Patients often brought small gifts and they paid their bills willingly. Now, I barely have time to discuss the key points of a patient's illness and treatment before moving on to the next patient.
Many people feel that even their small insurance co-pay is too much.
With all these changes in our health care system, it is little wonder that people on all sides are becoming disenchanted. More and more insurance companies are quitting the medical care field. More and more physicians are retiring early or changing careers. More and more patients are turning to other types of healing. In the midst of this trend, I believe it is important to remember what incredible advances western medicine has given us.