Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, a reputable health firm did a survey that they announced this month. Jackson Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, surveyed 1,400 physicians on the practice of defensive medicine. Their survey found that the vast majority--83 percent--of physicians between ages 25 and 34 reported being taught to practice defensive medicine. The survey defined defensive medication as medically unnecessary tests and treatments physicians ordered to avoid lawsuits. Only 19 percent of physicians over 65 were taught defensive medicine in medical school or during their residencies. The conclusion of the Jackson Healthcare survey was that defensive medicine is negatively impacting physicians and patients beyond just costs. It is limiting patient access and quality, slowing the adoption of medical innovations, and discouraging future generations from pursuing the practice of medicine. Jackson CEO Richard Jackson said, ``The U.S. is the only major country in the world where physicians are personally financially liable for mistakes.'' He said, ``This is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed at State and national levels.'' Republicans proposed to do that with medical liability reform, but the new health care law did not address it. That is too bad for all of us. ____________________”