You know, Bert, as a primary care physician (Internist) in a metropolitan area, I found it harder and harder to actually define my role in the hospital. The lawyers essentially forced us to use the specialists even though we felt capable of managing most hospital patients. So, over the years my rounding consisted of asking patients things like "Have you pooped yet?" or "Have you considered a stop-smoking class"? But my liability never diminished, nor did my paperwork or midnight calls for Tylenol or Colace. I got stuck with the H&P and DC summaries, signing the Home Health orders and writing the scripts, taking ER call and sitting on the stupid do-nothing committees. The only time I was ever ( so far)sued was because a specialist failed to manage a complication he caused and the review board said I should have jumped in and taken over...yea right. So nope, it was no longer worth it to me. I am so glad I am out.
Leslie
