In fact, studies have repeatedly shown that even very elderly patients can undergo intensive treatments, including major surgery, with only somewhat higher morbidity and mortality than younger patients. That limiting health care for the very old would save Medicare a great deal of money. In fact, limiting acute care at end of life would save about one-half of one percent of the nation's total health care costs. That America's aging population and its health care needs will bankrupt the country. In fact, studies of other countries' health care costs have shown that there is no necessary correlation between aging and the rise in these costs.
Ethicists recognize the role of the physician in limiting or denying care to the elderly patient.
Hence, the hazard entailed in making medical decisions according to patients' age groups is very great. Physicians' advice should be based on their assessment of the problems and benefits of advanced technology and intensive care for the specific patients with whom they are discussing future care. Philosophical and economic issues regarding the care of seriously ill patients must be resolved in a social or political arena, not at the bedside. 201 Walton Ferry Road, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37077-0364. Copyright 1997 by Timothy L. Takacs.