In this NYT op-ed piece published a few weeks ago, Dr. Emanuel makes the case that the gilded, sacred tradition of the “annual physical’ is not only costly, but also lacks evidence of benefit and may be harmful in some cases. In 2009 I briefed the Air Force Surgeon General regarding this very issue. I contended then an annual requirement for a physician visit for most of the Air Force active duty force was expensive and void of benefit. Now I should be clear, I was not then, nor now, arguing that people should not have regular preventive health interventions. Far from it. Annual? Maybe for some, but not most. Does a physician visit need to be the instrument to provide preventive services? Not for all. In fact, not for most. Does a physician need to be the one make the determination a person needs an immunization, screening colonoscopy, or Pap smear? In most cases, no. Could a validated web-based health prevention survey serve to screen and identify people who warrant a physician visit and more attention? We developed that for the Air Force and it reduced costs and improved population health. Health care costs are soaring. A physician shortage is looming. We should demand value for our healthcare dollar. Check out this article.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:48:16 +0000
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