HMOs

Re “GOP Pushing HMOs as Key to Curbing Medicare Costs,” Nov. 24:

I find the article informative but take issue with the statement, “fee-for-service providers typically try to maximize income by ordering more tests and performing more procedures.” As a physician, one of thousands who tries hard to practice cost-conscious medicine, I find this statement without basis and totally gratuitous. All of us, under the scrutiny of Medicare officials--omnipresent as they are--strive to keep costs down, knowing full well that many of our patients are paying high premiums for medical insurance; perhaps the fault lies with the insurance companies.

ROBERT A. GERBER MD

North Hollywood

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* Hurrah for the doctors and hospitals seeking to run HMOs themselves, thereby eliminating the greedy insurance middlemen. I would prefer that a doctor decide what treatment is necessary, rather than a “businessman” hired by an insurance company.

Go for it, doctors: “regain clinical control”! Profit at the expense of the patient’s health is disgusting. After all, doctors do take an oath, and I respect that.

SALLY FRIDAY

North Hollywood