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