‘Medicar’– shared decision making? part III

Until such time as these changes come about a physician should always use the devices that are most trustworthy despite financial constraints. Where appropriate we should educate patients as to the reasons that one device was selected over another. More importantly we should inform them as to why current reimbursement practices have excluded them from decisions that could potentially save their life or limbs. Change will occur only when our educated, concerned patients pressure their legislators and complain that current reimbursement practices are forcing them to travel the road to health in an unsafe vehicle.

Dr. Samson is a clinical professor of surgery (vascular) at Florida State University Medical School, is president, Mote Vascular Foundation, and is an attending vascular surgeon, Sarasota (Fla.) Vascular Specialists. Dr. Samson also considers himself a member of his proposed American College of Vascular Surgery.