I don't know what "#&37" was in my earlier post.
I do agree that Drs. do order extra tests to protect themselves from lawsuits. Those extra tests are a significant cost driver but the lawsuit $s aren't that high compared to total costs. Any time a Dr. owns the facility where the extra tests take place (think MRI), they order a much higher # of tests.
I read something about 6 months ago that showed that when Drs. are paid a salary the hospital costs are much lower and outcomes are better. Patients liked it better b/c Drs. spent more time with them also. And I do agree that they need to be paid well. Our Drs. are the highest paid but come out of med. school owing more $ than in other countries. That causes them to specialize where they make the big bucks vs. being a general pract. which is prob. better for the country.
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