Michael Kirsch is a gastroenterologist.

Does the tort-based medical malpractice system improve patient care?

Physician
November 2, 2009

by Michael Kirsch, MD

Physicians and plaintiff attorneys have philosophically divergent views on our tort system. I know the attorneys’ views on this issue well. There are lawyers in my family who have prosecuted physicians for alleged medical malpractice. Sometimes, there hasn’t been enough antacids in our house to douse my flaming heartburn after some of our discussions.

Obviously, one reason that lawyers support the current system is because it enriches them. …

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Does the tort-based medical malpractice system improve patient care?

Should doctors be paid to e-mail their patients?

Physician
October 11, 2009

by Michael Kirsch, MD

This is a less controversial issue than patients ‘friending’ their doctors on Facebook, which I oppose. Although most physicians’ offices are not e-mailing with patients, perhaps they should. There are several obvious advantages.

* Decompress phone lines, which are suffocating nearly every medical practice in America.

* Relieve patients of the cruel and unusual punishment of languishing on ‘hold’ listening to elevator music or dead air.

* Allow office staff …

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Should doctors be paid to e-mail their patients?

Does the bulk of excessive medical care happen in the ER?

Physician
September 25, 2009

by Michael Kirsch, MD

The concept of medical excess is very difficult for ordinary patients to grasp. The medical community has worked hard for decades teaching them that more medicine meant better medical care. The public has learned these lessons well. Physicians who sent their patients for various diagnostic tests or specialty consultations were regarded as conscientious and thorough. Patients approved of doctors who prescribed antibiotics regularly for colds and other …

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Does the bulk of excessive medical care happen in the ER?

What does Tiger Woods have to do with medical futility and end-of-life care?

Conditions and Diseases
September 14, 2009

by Michael Kirsch, MD

Consider this hypothetical vignette. Tiger Woods accepts my challenge to play 18 holes. Obviously, the gallery would be packed with golf enthusiasts who would cancel job interviews, vacations and even worship services in order to witness this historic competition. Spectators would be permitted to place bets at even money. Perhaps, my mother would bet on me, but no other sane person would. They would properly conclude that …

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What does Tiger Woods have to do with medical futility and end-of-life care?

Do drug companies and the pharma industry deserve to be villains?

Medications
August 28, 2009

by Michael Kirsch, MD

Demonizing the pharmaceutical industry has become a parlor game for many who enjoy the challenge of shooting at an oversized target. Scapegoating Big Pharma? Now, that takes guts.

Never mind the gazillions they spend on research and development to create tomorrow’s treatments for cancer, arthritis, depression, infectious diseases, heart attacks and strokes. I know that drug industry executives are not all eagle scouts whose mission …

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Do drug companies and the pharma industry deserve to be villains?

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