Here is my concern with the whole issue of government "comply or be penalized" regulations. Do any of you really believe it will stop there? Do you really in your hearts and from what you have seen happen in the last 10-15 years think that not complying and being simply monetarily penalized is all that will happen? If so, think again. Trust me, this is just one of many steps that are in the works. No, I am not claiming to be psychic (psychotic maybe) but my predictions have all pretty much come true these last 25 years. Sooner or later it will not be a simple monetary penalty for not complying it will be the issuance of your license to practice medicine. Don't have a teaching license, go to jail for educating children in public. Don't have a driver's license, better park that Model T. Shoot an injured deer out of season, better be ready to hand over your shotgun. Don't meet MU guidelines...turn in your medical license. Throughout our entire society it does not matter that you are doing good deeds or that you are performing safely....ain't got the sheepskin....better hope you can throw the pigskin.
And, sure, it is now only Medicare demanding this but, come on people, commercial insurances are not going to be outdone in having to reimburse you less for doing more work. My God, who of you ever dreamed 10 years ago there would be something called ObamaCare? And, sadly, these changes are not only rolling out on the health care carpet, they are rolling out in every aspect of our society. Does anybody think Sheriff Andy Griffith would be hired anywhere in this country today? Would Marcus Welby be revered or deterred?
Ok, enough. I hate MU, I detest what is happening in our profession and in our society as a whole but I for one feel powerless and as one will be powerless. If we want things to change we have to make it happen....just wish I knew how. Wish I would not have had to be one of many who just rolled over and gave up. But I am old and tired.
