[net.med] physician's union

winkler@harvard.ARPA (Dan Winkler) (01/29/85)

I understand that in California there is a very well organized and
effective physician's union and that physicians in Massachusetts are
thinking of forming one too.  Does anyone have any comment on whether a
physician's union is a necessary or beneficial thing?  Physicians say
they need a union to deal with third party payers such as Blue Cross,
the government, and other insurance companies and with employers of
salaried physicians.

mef@wucs.UUCP (Mark Frisse) (01/31/85)

> 
> I understand that in California there is a very well organized and
> effective physician's union and that physicians in Massachusetts are
> thinking of forming one too.  Does anyone have any comment on whether a
> physician's union is a necessary or beneficial thing?  Physicians say
> they need a union to deal with third party payers such as Blue Cross,
> the government, and other insurance companies and with employers of
> salaried physicians.

There are a number of active groups of physicians with great
concerns about the way medicine is changing - the Department of
General Internal Medicine at the Brigham could give you
additional details.  I wouldn't call them UNIONS though.
There are two major issues:
    1.  Is medicine a business?  If you think the answer is
        an easy YES, ask yourself if Fire Departments
        and Police protection also should be business.
        It is clear that there is a DOUBLE STANDARD
        of medical care in this country.  Just try to
        get into a good hospital without money or insurance!

     2. Are physicians reimbursed appropriately?  Probably
        not, an opthalmologist or cardiothoracic surgeon
        can make more money in a morning than a primary
        care physician can make in a week...and a lucky
        real estate salesman can make more than all three in
        just a few hours....The issue is appropriate for
        public debate.  How can the public (who pay the
        bills) help develop a reimbursement based upon
        how well a physician thinks, instead of what
        he/she does?

Personally, I don't think unions will help anyone's health
problems - I'm not sure they have done anyone much good
in England or Canada.

Mark Frisse, M.D.

andrea@hp-sdd.UUCP (andrea) (02/27/85)

As a Holistic Health Practioner, I can vouch that it really helps to be
affiliated with SOME professional group, when trying to deal with
insurance companies and third-party reimbursement.  But it doesn't have
to be a union - most good professional organizations provide the
services needed.  I would think that the AMA would provide enough clout
for anything!


Andrea Frankel, Hewlett-Packard (San Diego Division) (619) 487-4100 x4664
net:  {allegra|ihnp4|decvax|ucbvax}!hplabs!hp-sdd!andrea 

 ...searchlights casting for faults in the clouds of delusion