The New York Times is concerned that there aren't enough doctors for Obama's nationalized medicine plan.
To cope with the growing shortage, federal officials are considering several proposals. One would increase enrollment in medical schools and residency training programs. Another would encourage greater use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. A third would expand the National Health Service Corps, which deploys doctors and nurses in rural areas and poor neighborhoods.
Here's a novel idea: make the medical profession more attractive through less red tape.
I've been to three different doctors this year for different things, but the conversations I've had with them all included concern for Obama's nationalized health care program. One doctor is thinking about cutting back his practice. Another is looking at retiring in the next couple of years. And the third said, simply, "By the time we're 80, health care is gonna suck. Hopefully, it won't be before then."
What is driving this concern? Terms like best practice, which can limit the options doctors have for treating illnesses. Best practice is just another term for "cheap," preventing doctors from exploring a variety of treatments. It means you could end up with an old drug because it's cost effective, as opposed to a new drug that treats your ailment better. You could have a cane instead of a knee replacement. Or a wheelchair instead of a hip replacement.
Americans expect more from their health care than this, which is why it is so expensive. But Obama's plans will limit what you can get. And what will happen when fewer and fewer people are interested in becoming doctors? Can you say "rationing"?
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