DR. RIVIERA MEETS THE JIGSAW KILLER
One could discern from recent statements that it seems that the President fosters an opinion of our nation’s medical profession that is a cross between Dr. Nick Riviera from the Simpsons and the Jigsaw Killer from the Saw movies. Should we give the Commander in Chief the benefit of the doubt on this debacle? Should we chalk it up to an idiot speechwriter or a teleprompter that caught some sort of idiot computer virus? I know many physicians that would disagree with either assessment. So…I will leave it up to you to decide…
Example #1
“You come in and you’ve got a bad sore throat, or your child has a bad sore throat or has repeated sore throats. The doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, you know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid’s tonsils out.”
Example #2
The president states that doctors would rather cut off a diabetic’s foot than treat the patient because of higher fee revenue for amputations. “Family care physicians collect $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 for amputations while the reimbursement for helping patients lose weight, watch their diets and monitor their medication is a pittance.”
This is wrong on so many levels.
My son had his tonsils taken out, and our pediatrician most certainly didn’t order the surgery for a kick back from the surgeon. The decision was not taken lightly and was decided upon after all other options were exhausted. As for those saw-crazy doctors…The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons noted that “surgeons are neither reimbursed by Medicare, nor any provider for that matter, for foot amputations at rates anywhere close to $50,000, $40,000 or even $30,000.” The reality lies between $700-$1,200, including follow-up care for 90 days.
The idea that physicians will perform tonsillectomies, amputations or any other procedure so they can purchase a new Mercedes S-Class is insane. Demonizing physicians in Saul Alinsky fashion to push ones agenda is beyond reproach.
Source Material:
Staff Dr. Obama’s Tonsillectomy Wall Street Journal 07/26/09
Staff Greedy Sawbones Investor’s Business Daily 08/17/09
