Posted by violette on August 16, 2010, at 12:13:26
In reply to Re: Need treatment resistant deppression pro in MA/NH, posted by europerep on August 16, 2010, at 3:40:05
Europerep,
I've asked myself similar questions.
I would also question Dr. Goldberg's criteria for determining which doctors are placed on that list-is it quantitative, or are these his friends/colleagues?
If someone compiled a 'best doctor list' that was promoted by certain doctors or frequently referred to by patients with difficult treatment issues, naturally the demand for their services could be higher which would lead to the ability to charge higher fees.
I can't say whether or not some of those doctors are the best-and if I were rich and had poor treatment outcomes, I'd take the chance and go see one! However, if you are considering pawning your Grandmother's wedding ring from the 19th century to go to one of the 'best' doctors-please reconsider...
And I think it's wise to consider the outcome of those on this site who've made trips across the country to specialty centers. I'm not sure who has had better outcomes from this-or if their treatment success came from the opinions of their regular doctors after making the expensive trek? I'd go to a specialist center if I needed to myself if I could afford it. But have those who did make trips necessarily turned out better? Just wondering...
The doctors on that list from my area do not have a reputation from therapists or doctors as being the 'best'. There seems to be a consensus in the local mental health community on those considered the best. As for other cities, I could not say. One of the doctors I checked had a 25-page cirriculum vitae. I wonder if this doctor is dedicated to building that CV or is dedicated to his patients?
There are doctors on that list who have heavy links to drug companies. That's not unusual, but something to keep in mind.
I can see why some doctors run concierge practices as the insurance constraints can prevent one truly interested in looking out for the best of their patients from providing the best care.They provide good services too.But it seems invitable that no matter what profession, there is a different standards for the rich than there is for the poor.
But-there are doctors out there who choose to practice in economically distressed areas and who take Medicare insurance-but are very, very good. Those same doctors may not appear on lists.
And my psychiatrist is dedicated to his patients despite not taking Medicare insurance.He'll treat his existing clientelle for free if need be.
poster:violette
thread:958564
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100811/msgs/958816.html