The American College of Surgeons has a suggestion and a warning for the Obama administration and other policymakers as they seek to reform healthcare in the U.S.: Protect surgeons from the forces that threaten them, or the U.S. might face a surgical shortage, the group's leaders say.
Among other things, the ACS recommends that political leaders take steps to reduce liability costs and provide respite support for surgeons in rural and underserved areas. The ACS leadership says most of the country's problems with access to surgeons exist because these forces (liability costs and overwork) have driven surgeons out of the business.
To learn more about the policy statement:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)