Will these solutions solve the evolving physician shortage crisis?
By George Martin, MD – Senior Medical Director for Health Integrated

The current prediction from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) is that the United States will need 130,000 more physicians than will be available in 2025. One-half of these will be primary care. They further predict that the lack of access will increase the cost of care by a combination of delayed care and inappropriate access. Much of that access will fall on already overburdened emergency departments. (more…)

The Physician Shortage Crisis and My Generation
By George Martin, MD – Senior Medical Director for Health Integrated

Since World War II, the baby boom has driven the economics of the United States. We drove baby sales in furniture and then bicycles. We drove housing and cars. Now, we drive, and will continue to drive, health care demand for the next 20 years. We are aging and there are a lot of us so the needs for health care, from drugs to hospice, are a growth industry based on demand. Time to invest? Perhaps. (more…)

Patients want access to care but what do the docs need?
By George Martin, MD – Senior Medical Director for Health Integrated

I am reminded of one late night at the emergency room. I was to provide care and admit a sick child to the hospital. While finishing the paperwork, the father of another patient appeared and recognized our presence. The comment was, “Well doc, have you got this shift?” My answer easily could have been “Yes and the shift before and the shift after and the shift …” You get the picture. (more…)

Do Patients Need Disease Management?
By George Martin, MD – Senior Medical Director for Health Integrated

Disease Management (DM) programs, as currently structured, are focused on prevention of acute exacerbations of chronic conditions. NCQA has a list of the things that should be done for patients with specific diseases. Within this measurement structure it has been demonstrated that if these measurable outcomes are met, the population being treated will have better health and cost less. So far so good, but my question is “Have we improved the health of the patient?” Further, have we empowered the patient to remain well (by removing any barriers and by education, access to health resources, etc.) or are they dependent on a DM program to maintain their health?” (more…)

The value of questions and second opinions for patients
By George Martin, MD – Senior Medical Director for Health Integrated

A common commercial or public service announcement now airing starts off with a customer questioning everyone from a car salesman to a computer repair guy. He has endless questions for these people. Cut to a scene of him finishing an examination at the doctor’s office. The physician asks “Any questions?” The customer turned patient sits mute.

The reasons for this are two fold – trust and fear. (more…)