Declining support was mentioned for reduction in paperwork, medical research, and universal coverage. The new for profit health care marketplace has different and conflicting priorities from those identified by physicians. Cost containment and the ability to restrict choice of physicians are part of managed care's top priorities. Malpractice reform is not a market priority. Both the market and physicians claim quality as a priority, but differ in the price which should be paid for this quality.
Physicians are even more confused than ever about what to do.
Unable to unite behind a plan, physicians have been rendered impotent as the changes whirl around them. The market loves forcing discipline on this impotence. A major disappointment is the tepid embracement of universal coverage. Physicians as healthcare leaders should recognize this as the ultimate failure of the marketplace. It is time for physicians to educate themselves in an honest, open dialogue on solutions, not just complaints.