[quote=ocrenter]A few things I have observed throughout the years.

#1. This is a consumer driven society. Everyone is trained that customers are ALWAYS right. They bring that expectation to the medical world too. IF someone comes in to see the doctor, that doctor is EXPECTED to be 100% right after the first evaluation. What is the best way for a doctor to be 100% right? Order as much studies as possible. And prescribe medication as much as possible too. This is a service driven issue.

#2. There is severe and unusually harsh penalty for the physician if something was missed or if they make an error. On the other hand there is no penalty in fact there is reward for doing more than necessary. ALL physicians I know have heard stories of a doctor, rightfully or wrongfully sued. A lawsuit can mean years of entanglement with the snail paced justice system. It can also mean the end of someone’s livelihood. Essentially, a lawsuit, be it RIGHT OR WRONG, is the end of a doctor’s life as he or she knows it. THEREFORE, this is an extremely strong incentive to do as MUCH as possible.

#3. THEREFORE, because of the above two reasons, nobody want to put their neck out and anger patients or families by saying what needs to be said, which is, you or your loved one is dying, stop wasting everyone’s money and go on hospice.[/quote]

So true, OCR. Astute observation.

Make sure you do a living will and include directives for hospice care so that can’t screw you (insurance companies, doctors, OR your relatives!)