2001

The importance of case-mix adjustment to practitioner profiles in British Columbia

References

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The Annals, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 2001;34(3), has reached a new editorial low in its article “A Point of View/Laser Eye Surgery” by Gordon H. Guyatt, professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatics, McMaster University. It is obvious he belongs to the University milieu and knows little about private practice when he makes a statement, correctly, that medicine and medicare impose a stronger obligation for public service than any other profession.

I would like to comment on Dr B. Toews (Coquitlam) letter published in the May BCMJ (2001;43[4]:195) and also correct an inaccuracy in his letter.

The concerns of Drs Purkis [BCMJ 2001;43(2):71] and Toewes [BCMJ 2001;43(4):195] are certainly not exaggerated and I would not like to see them go unheeded. A little elaboration may be of help.

Urban general practice is now very rapidly coming to crisis stage. This may sound jaded in view of all the other daily cliches about “health care crisis” in the daily news, but it is now an absolute fact.

Dr Shearer’s editorial (BCMJ; 2001;43[4]:193) immediately grips the reader by describing the anxiety, defensiveness, and anger we feel when the quality of care we provide our patients is challenged by our College. He also expresses a concern I share over what seems to be a growing tendency for people to blame others when calamity strikes rather than take responsibility for their own role in their misfortune.