[NPInfo] Jeff's answer to doctor attacks

[Jeffrey Hazzard]

    Steve,  
        
     [  Here's what I'd say. I tried to prioritize, so that if you can only say some of it, the points are in descending order of importance.  The last tag line in the last paragraph should be said last in any interview.  This is the written form.  If it is spoken in a soundbite, it should be said a lot less formally, or it will come out sounding as though it is being read aloud.  ]
   
        "The doctors are running scared.  Their fear, however, is for their pocketbooks, not their patients.  ALL evidence, including a large study by the Federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) and another head to head prospective, randomized clinical trial published in ____________(either JAMA?? or NEJM??) each strongly concluded that NPs and PAs provide safe, comprehensive care comparable to that of a doctor, and at lower cost.  For doctors to say that patients are placed at risk when they are cared for by a NP or PA is not accurate and smacks of turf protection and scare-mongering, not scientific reality.
   
        "In more than 15 states NPs practice INDEPENDENTLY (no relationship to a doctor at all) providing all aspects of primary care.  Most rural NPs and PAs function autonomously in clinics without a physician present.  Both professionals are usually the only one in a patient room synthesizing myriad data and health parameters to diagnose and prescribe diagnostic tests and medications INDEPENDENTLY.  Rates of patient satisfaction, health statistics, and malpractice rates in primary care are at least as good, and sometimes BETTER, for NPs and PAs when compared to doctors.
   
    "Doctors pride themselves at employing scientific method in an evidenced-based practice.  All evidence would show that spokesperson doctors representing professional organizations are willing to part from scientific data when their long-held monopoly on power and money are at risk.  

     "We are now hearing a lot about NPs and PAs because they are individually visible, employed in places like retail clinics and community-based offices.  Doctors never objected to NPs and PAs working in clinics by themselves at health departments, migrant health clinics, urban ghetto outreach clinics for the poor, or in public school systems.  Doctors only started thinking about 'patient safety' when those patients had health insurance and the ability to pay."
   
    "When doctors try to limit the medical practice of NPs and PAs they are directly hurting the public.  One out of six Americans has no health insurance.  We have a shortage of health care providers that is rapidly growing worse.  It is time for doctors to put the American public ahead of their own interests.  It is time for them to back off and realize that NPs and PAs are not nearly as large a threat to their incomes and power as having all Americans realize trust placed in doctors has been violated by the doctors themselves."
   
      Jeff
   
  
SGrtWhite at aol.com wrote:
      Jeff, 
   
  Thanks for your thoughtful response. How do you suggest going about a reply? To my knowledge, the interview that he talks about being quoted for hasn't aired yet. Do you think that we should be prepared for a response once this piece airs? Obviously, we can expect what his comments will be like since he has already showed us his hand. 
   
  I'd appreciate your insight, 
Steve
   
   
   
   
  Steve,
       thanks for leading the way for our good name.  I agree.
   
       There is another concern.  Political campaigns have shown that only countering falsehoods directly, and with "calling it as it is" will be effective.  I really think the power of the press is called for.  Being meek and "making nice" will not help our cause.  The response must be potent and directed at calling the Goldberg and his posse for the economic protectionism they are employing.  I concur that me must make a reply, and we should not denigrate doctors, but we MUST NOT let reckless allegations and inuendos go unanswered.  And, unfortunately, this must boldly tell the truth about the physicians, not only tout the value and competence of NPs and PAs.  Smiling and trying to appeal to the higher intellect will not cut it.

        Jeff, NP , Tampa




    
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