(MedPage Today). What's the biggest barrier to practicing medicine today? Hospitals employing physicians and limiting their ability to refer, says Inell Rosario, MD, an otolaryngologist in St. Paul, Minn., in response to one of 10 questions MedPage Today is asking thought leaders in medicine.
Rosario is president of Andros ENT & Sleep Center in St. Paul. She was born and raised in the Bahamas and attended medical school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She completed her ENT residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1997. Rosario is board-certified in 0tolaryngology-head and neck surgery and in sleep medicine.
1. What's the biggest barrier to practicing medicine today?
Hospitals employing physicians and severely limiting their ability to refer to whom they believe may be the best provider.
2. What is your most vivid memory involving a patient who could not afford to pay for healthcare (or meds or tests, etc.) and how did you respond?
The mom of my 10-year-old patient that was involved in the fitness program at my clinic crying in the waiting room. When asked why, she responded that her son had said: "Mom, I'll race you to the door!" He had never done that before. There was not a physical education program at his school and mom could not afford to pay for programs such as the YMCA. The trainer at our clinic is provided to patients at no cost, so he was finally able to engage in some structured physical activity.
3. What do you most often wish you could say to patients, but don't?
I wish I could explain some of the nuances of health insurance reimbursement.
4. If you could change or eliminate something about the healthcare system, what would it be?
I would eliminate the restrictions placed on physicians to refer to only certain physicians. Instead, the referral system should be based on patient and physician choice.
5. What is the most important piece of advice for med students or doctors just starting out today?
Pay attention to the business side of your practice as well as your patients. It is easy to lose sight of the day-to-day administrative aspects of your practice, but it's incredibly important.
6. What is your "elevator" pitch to persuade someone to pursue a career in medicine?
Here are the top three reasons to become a physician:
1. You will help people.
2. How well you do is judged most importantly by your individual patient.
3. Your skills are very transportable across the country and the world with reimbursement within a defined range.
7. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
The most rewarding aspect of being a doctor is knowing that in some way I've improved the quality of life for my patients.
8. What is the most memorable research published since you became a physician and why?
Research showing that treatment of sleep apnea improves control of hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and obesity. These research projects add to the urgent need to diagnose and treat patients with sleep apnea.
9. Do you have a favorite medical-themed book, movie, or TV show?
"The Doctors" show and Dr. Oz.
10. What is your advice to other physicians on how to avoid burnout?
Take the time to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.
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Posted By: Jen Fad
Monday, March 24th 2014 at 12:52PM
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