Bert,
Unfortunately for all you solos (my wife included), there is first an economy of scale for shared items and services. And sometimes those large ugly factories actually get better contracts and better fees for their inferior services and care. But that is just what our lovely Federal Trade Commission wants. Their tilted, un-balanced, delussion of a freemarket. Free for who? Doctors? I laugh at just the thought. Free for the carriers to pick you docs down to the bone. Factory care for everyone.
I seem to remember reading recently that the average visit with a PCP today is down to 7 1/2 minutes!!! Talk about drive by care. The local factories in our area are proud of it, they almost flaunt it. Yet some how these guys are getting away with billing the same level 3's and 4's that you more ethical solo docs spend 2 to 4 times as much time, actually talking with, examining and treating your patients.
For those of you who have not yet read your newest copy of "Family Practice Managment"; read 'em and weep, page 19. The FTC just reached a "settlement" with the AFL-CIO physicians union. Settlement, right? You accept our terms or you are all going to jail for many, many years (I believe I was told it's about 10 years for FTC freetrade violations!). The union can not assist or even educate it's members about contract negotiating! No less organize and negotiate fees as a group of only 120 GYN's from one city!!! If a union can not represent it's members in contract matters in terms of, fees, wages and benefits, just what can it actually do for it's members? Get them some group discounts to the local water park thru the AAA?
You are all being lead to slaughter my friends, care of your bought and paid for friends in gov't. This is a very sad day in deed. Well, on that pleasant note... in the words of both Keith Oberman and Edward R Murrow, "Good Night and Good Luck".
Paul
