There is nothing wrong with patients planning for contingencies through advance directives. There is also nothing wrong with doctors discussing those options with patients ahead of those decisions. As the spouse of a patient who has faced life-threatening circumstances on more than one occasion, I certainly understand why these conversations need to take place before the pressures of acute circumstances come into play. This new regulatory effort at least puts the conversation where it belongs, in routine wellness visits, rather than as a five-year set conversation. It also appears to make this a voluntary conversation (at least for now), one the patient can decline without any repercussions.
There is, however, something at least vaguely disturbing about a government incentivizing doctors to do so as part of an expansive regulatory program that has, as one of its primary goals, cost reduction.
Shorter Ed: Despite screaming about out-of-control spending every chance possible, this regulation that I think is a good thing, has been implemented well, is voluntary, and keeps things between a doctor and patient, is troubling because it might also have the benefit of saving money. Also, BIG GOVERNMENT BOOGAH BOOGAH BOOGAH!
I’ve just come to the conclusion that all Republicans are idiots.
Words Fail Me. Sadly, Ed Has Plenty of ThemPost + Comments (100)