Fueled by either fear or ego, many in the medical community, physicians and other providers, often engage in medical turf wars, which may deter from quality patient care, according to Physician's Money Digest.
Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA, explained he played a part several years ago in filing a suit against the Colorado State Board of Medical Examiners to defend his right to be listed as a "facial plastic surgeon" in the Yellow Pages. At the time, otolaryngologists were working to be classified as facial plastic surgery experts in the medical field. Dr. Meyers and others involved in the case won after receiving support from various specialty societies.
Dr. Meyers' battle has been fought for years, with many physicians and non-physician providers at odds. Interventionalists are working to see patients that were historically reserved for other specialists, and this trend seems to be going nowhere. However, in the battle over turf, who is working toward the ultimate goal to improve patient care?
Patients seeking care are often confused by various marketing messages from different types of providers. While some in the medical community maintain turf wars are part of a the free market, others claim they fail to put the patients' best interests at heart and only serve as a market need. Additionally, others see this battle as a way to generate the most revenue, and whoever has the most efficient marketing strategy will accrue the most patients.
Dr. Meyers said because turfs show no sign of dissipating for now, patients need to be aware of them and do their research.
More articles on quality & infection control:
Why technological advancements may not be advancing the healthcare field: 4 things to know
5 strategies for managing ASC quality measures
Legislators voice concern over 'unstoppable superbug' making its way into US: 5 notes
