The Dark Side of Medicine: Profits... their Bottomline

            In recent years, a new phenomenon known as assembly-line medicine seems to have spread throughout an entire industry in a very short time. But more significantly (IMHO), from what I’ve seen, heard, and/or read this new practice mindset can be one of the biggest root causes leading to the demise of Primary care as a specialty. The complaints, frustrations, and/or disappointments of primary care providers seem to have reached an all-time new-level highs given the massive exodus of healthcare givers into medical/surgical specialties.

            The old nice, relaxed pace of practicing the medicine of years gone by are now just a distant memory for many. Back then student graduates were guided and nurtured. They were transitioned easily into their roles by more senior peers or employing supervising physicians. Today  & sadly, that’s not the case nor the reality of this business; everyone is now required to see a higher number of patients regardless of the acuity listed for that encounter visit.

            The pressure to see increased patient numbers (i.e., 10-minute time slots for patient encounters) has not only strained working relationships but also compromised patient care in so many instances. Moreover, is no surprise why many veteran providers retire early, others simply burn out, and others move on to other specialties and/or careers as well. This new practice mindset is not what many students expected nor were they prepared for during their training. Similarly, this very same situation raises another ugly question: are we sacrificing guided professional development with this fast-paced reality? (a topic of discussion for another time)

            Sure, I realize we live & practice in a different economic world order where “lean” operational practices supposedly enhance work productivity & safeguard the (financial) bottom line. I for one, have nothing against this reasoning or belief, yet what I truly oppose is the element of dehumanization this industry philosophy brings to the patient-provider delicate relationship: a mixed message at its core… if not a conflicting one. Isn’t somewhat hypocritical when we try to come across as a very patient-centric industry but all we truly worry/care is about the “numbers” we can keep up, or dare I say it… profits?