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Blogs by David W. Page
Can You Find a Doctor? 9/15/2009 9:45:09 AM
When the dust settles after the health care debate is determined there remains an important question: can you find a doctor even if you can afford one? Shortages exist or are projected for virtually all states. And there's a real surgeon shortage as well. At a recent meeting, surgeons debated the value of starting a new surgical specialty called 'acute care surgery'. It means that some general surgeons would only do emergency operations. They would also help with trauma cases in some scenarios. But, we're short on trauma surgeons as well. Bottom line? Not only is there a shortage of surgical specialists, the young'uns just don't want to work the way we old dinosaurs did. And that is creating another problem in the area of access to surgical care because nights and weekends must be covered and the 'lifestyle lovers want o be home with their kids. Besidess, with 80% of graduating surgeons entering sub-specialty fellowship training, they are beginnig to express their discomfort in covering 'routine emergencies' outside of their specialty area. So, be aware of these issues if you suddenly develop belly pain and have to go the the ED.
