Antitrust Implications of Medical Technology Assessment

Document Type

Letter

Publication Date

4-2-1987

Description

To the Editor: Two recent analyses in the Journal (June 5 and June 12 issues)1,2 have decried various facets involved in promoting invasive ophthalmologic intervention to the detriment of less invasive and less remunerative actions, such as patient education. An omitted aspect follows. An analysis of our present fee structure reveals that, in general, physicians are paid much more per unit of time for invasive but easily documented procedures (e.g., operations) than for exercising proper judgment, providing patient education, or otherwise showing wisdom and restraint.345 The effects on hard-pressed private practitioners are apparent.6 Is it not time for the call…, No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.

Share

COinS