8/25/2011 10:11:33 AM #

Dear Dr. Lewin, Waites and Holmes.

I am sure many members were insulted by the recent Newsweek cover story depicting a patient being 'attacked' by physicians ordering tests. Actually, all physicians should be insulted by such media antics.

It would seem fitting that the ACC, AMA, etc. should write a 'letter to the editor' regarding such sensationalism.

It appears that this is a part of the media blitz that is preparing the American public for socialized medicine.

All physicians should read this article as it portrays how the owners and writers or Newsweek would like to portray the physician. Think about it.

The phone depicting 'money hungry doctors' who are 'grabbing' at the patient...is missing something.

Did you notice that?

Where are the lawyers? Shouldn't the attorneys be shown as pushing the doctors to order these tests?

If this type of article is not challenged, then the public will assume 'it must be true'. Rather than the typical medical society response of 'yes...you caught us...we'll do a better job of monitoring ourselves', why doesn't the ACC take this article to the mat?

This is where the ACC comes in.

Thank you.

KF

Kevin Finan

9/1/2011 4:14:40 AM #

Hi Mr. Finan,

Thanks for your feedback. I think many cardiologists feel the same way you do about cardiology's portrayal in the media. ACC's President David Holmes, MD, FACC, did submit a letter-to-the-editor following the publication of the Newsweek article; however, Newsweek chose not to publish it. Although we are disappointed in Newsweek’s decision, we were able to leave the text as a comment on the Newsweek site: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/08/14/some-medical-tests-procedures-do-more-harm-than-good.html#comments. The text is below for your convenience:

“We agree that doctors and patients should consider whether available medical tests and procedures are appropriate for the individual patient. We believe in the right tests and the right treatments at the right time. This is why the American College of Cardiology has established Appropriate Use Criteria for a variety of tests and procedures that provide clear guidelines based on experience and data. Our fear is that articles like yours will alarm patients and prompt them to refuse tests and procedures that could be beneficial. We see the ideal as shared decision making, where the patient and physician discuss and deliberate potential consequences and benefits of a variety of options. The problem is we live with a medical payment system that rewards volume over patient-centered care. Overhauling the payment system to reward positive outcomes and the use of evidence-based treatment is the best way to get the best results for the most patients with the resources available.”

Please know that the ACC monitors our news coverage closely and frequently submits letters-to-the-editor in response. We also work proactively with the media when possible to ensure that cardiology is portrayed fairly.

Thanks again. ~Thad Waites, MD, FACC

Thad Waites, MD, FACC