As Specialists Become ‘Entrepreneurial,’ Patients’ Costs Soar
The New York Times: Patients’ Costs Skyrocket; Specialists’ Incomes SoarMs. Little’s seemingly minor medical problem — she had the least dangerous form of skin cancer — racked up big bills because it involved three doctors from specialties that are among the highest compensated in medicine, and it was done on the grounds of a hospital. Many specialists have become particularly adept at the business of medicine by becoming more entrepreneurial, protecting their turf through aggressive lobbying by their medical societies, and most of all, increasing revenues by offering new procedures — or doing more of lucrative ones (Rosenthal, 1/18). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.