Value of family physicians

Yesterday we were in need of a professional gas fitter to make a house call to fix a problem with a gas line in our home. It was a simple problem for him, requiring about 10 minutes. His fee was $156 plus tax for a basic house call. I contrast that with a basic house call that I make as a physician. The last time I looked, the fee was about $110. I am thankful that none of my five children have chosen family medicine as a career. They are all in technical trades or engineering. It is interesting that I am to conclude that the services of a gas fitter are about 50% more valuable to society than the services of a family physician based on the fees paid to these two respective professions.
—Robert H. Brown, MD, CCFP
North Saanich

Robert H. Brown, MD, CCFP. Value of family physicians. BCMJ, Vol. 63, No. 5, June, 2021, Page(s) 198 - Letters.



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