Misplaced Priority Over Health Profits

Last December, Blue Cross cut physician fees an average of 6%, the fourth fee cut in five years.

Last month, Blue Cross, or WellPoint Health Networks Inc., announced an increase in third-quarter profit [“WellPoint Profit Rises 20% on Cost Control,” Oct. 29]. Share prices rose $9.69. An owner of 215 shares of WellPoint stock made as much in a single day ($2,075) as Blue Cross determines an obstetrician is worth for caring for a pregnant woman and her baby for 10 months (prenatal, delivery and postpartum).

DR. NANETTE WUCHENICH

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Redlands