MANAGED CARE: Shouldn’t Put Profits Ahead Of Patients, Says Self
Dr. Thomas Self, the San Diego pediatrician who was fired by his medical group for refusing to limit care for HMO patients, is profiled in this month's California Physician. In a "landmark" case that "reminded everyone in the health system that doctors have a legal right to advocate for their patients," a jury awarded Self $1.75 million, but he later settled with the medical group for $2.5 million. Self said winning the case has prompted many doctors to come up to him and say, "There is hope. I can stand up and say, 'This is what my patient needs.'" For his part, Self said, "I think this verdict enables doctors to be more effective patient advocates." He said that medical groups should take the case "as a warning that the pressures from managed care should not dictate to the group, the medical director or the medical group board" (1/99 issue).
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