An Agenda for Improving Physician Reimbursement
R. Don Blim MD1
1 Kansas City, MO
In his commentary, "The Pediatrician as a Wage Earner," Dr Nazarian has expressed a concern well-known to all pediatricians. And, although most of us were aware of the economic facts of life before entering pediatrics, we were idealistic and/or altruistic enough that we ignored or at least minimized those facts. Subsequently, with long hours and hard work, most of us have managed to receive adequate monetary compensation, as well as extraordinary personal satisfaction—so much so that, if we had it to do over again, we would make the same choices.
Having said this, I would hasten to add that I think many physicians, particularly those dealing with procedural specialties, although equally dedicated, talented, and altruistic, receive an unconscionable income as a result of excessive charges.
