October

 Financial consequences of the Reference Drug Program

Previous estimates of savings from the Reference Drug Program (RDP) range from $20 to $44 million annually.

Moral hazard is a trite topic among insurers and economists, but the concept is not commonly known in the medical profession.[1] The concept of moral hazard suggests that the simple act of obtaining insurance inexorably leads to increased insurance claims. Restaurant kitchen fires are rare until insurance is offered; burglary claims increase after burglary insurance is sold.

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I am writing in response to the series of articles you have on the subject of whiplash [2002;44(5):236-263 and 2002;44(6):296-321].

It is quite apparent that the conventional approach to this common and costly condition is both inadequate and unsatisfactory. The physician feels frustrated for not being more helpful in alleviating the pain and sufferings of his or her patients. The patient feels he or she is poorly served, not listened to or understood, or worse yet, being labeled a “crying baby” or even a “malingerer” when compensation is involved.

The recent June and July/August 2002 whiplash injury articles in the [BCMJ 2002;44(5):236-263 and 2002;44(6):296-321] interested me as I spent some 30 years treating MVA musculoligamentous neck sprains[1] as one would other sprains, and researching this common problem.

Why does whiplash injury incidence vary so much worldwide and why is it so high here in BC?[2]

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