Dr. Marty Solomon's dilemma is simple: how does a medical doctor, bound by the Hippocratic oath, reconcile his/her professional ethics with the financial mandates established by his/her umbrella managed care organization? In short, with the process of medical care in the United States becoming increasingly controlled by "bean counters" whose main raison d'être is cost-containment for medical care, the result has fast become a "a war between caring and costs." This brilliant PBS Frontline examination of the issues surrounding an excruciatingly difficult topic focuses on a frightening concept that seems to be endemic within the HMO/insurance industry: "capitation of costs." Simply stated, the insurance industry sets limits on the amount they will pay for any particular medical treatment, and expenses above these "caps" are not reimbursed. The discussion is couched in terms of "cost per unit [unit = patient]," with cost-awareness given primary importance at the expense of the doctor-patient relationship. Here, the debate ultimately emerges as a series of indictments of the healthcare system in the U.S. as it is presently configured, with one doctor summarizing: "We've gone from a Mecca of medicine to a Beirut." Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Rechel)
Dr. Solomon's Dilemma
(2000) 60 min. $69.95. PBS Video. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 15, Issue 6
Dr. Solomon's Dilemma
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