In a recent study of patients in SC with lung cancer undergoing resection, the operative mortality achieved by board certified thoracic surgeons was less than that by surgeons not board certified in thoracic surgery. This study indicates that generalists have significant misperception of cardiovascular risk, its prevention and treatment. The thesis that a single physician directing the overall care of a patient has merit. It can avoid potentially conflicting advice, which may be confusing to patients. Fragmented care delivered by focusing on a single system or disease process to the exclusion of its effect upon the whole patient should be avoided.
Specialists are capable of delivering organized compassionate care.
Logically, prevention should reduce the cost of health care, but some advocates of prevention programs acknowledge that the financial benefits may be overrated. Control or elimination of risk factors such as lowering cholesterol or cessation of smoking should be important components in the overall management of patients, but specialty care will still be needed for those who develop serious illness. The emergence of alternative care as a force has occurred because conventional medical care has failed to satisfy patients needs, be they real or perceived. As we have learned through the Internet and its chat rooms, patients and their families are becoming more knowledgeable. They are eager for education and explanations of their problems.