Patients still trust their doctors, and how that can influence health reform

I’ve always maintained that patients will make or break health reform plans.

And with no shortage of advocacy groups wanting a seat at the health reform table, the one that connects best with the public will have the most influence.

Doctors, despite being under continual criticism from progressive and health policy circles, still have the confidence of most patients.

According to a recent poll, despite acknowledging that tests are over-utilized, “82% of respondents said that they hadn’t received an unnecessary medical test or treatment over the past two years. And 87% said their doctor during that time hadn’t recommended an expensive test or treatment when a cheaper alternative would work just as well.”

So, patients still trust their doctors. And we best not squander that as contentious health reform negotiations soon begin in earnest.

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