Win-Win-Win

I am happy to report that I have rescinded my resignation from CareFirst.  CareFirst was happy to accept me back into the network on the terms previously agreed upon; although, there may be a few snafus with respect to the CareFirst Maryland products which were slated to phase out this Friday.  This is what was to have been:

"3-11-11 Out-of-network takes effect with:  NASCO, Bluecard, CareFirst of Maryland  (provider # 2228)

4-11-11 Out-of-network takes effect with:  Bluechoice, FEP R prefix, XIC, XIK, XWR, XIA, XIJ, KWY, XIP, XIL, XWP, MHIP, FEP Maryland providers (provider # 4108-0001)"

Carefirst representatives informed me that they expect the CareFirst of Maryland plans to be integrated into the regional plans (that are listed as those affected by the 4-11-11 date).  Because this change in plans is at the 11th hour, there may be a few hold-ups in the process.  It is possible, for example, that my BlueChoice patients may receive a letter of notification of my resignation.  Hopefully, that won't happen.

In this case, I believe it is not just a win-win situation (i,e the Maryland Health Care Commission Pilot program bringing about acceptable terms of business between Green Spring Internal Medicine and CareFirst).  I believe it is a win-win-win situation, because hundreds of my patients will now not have to go scrambling for a new doctor.

It is possible, through the Patient-Centered Medical Home, that internal medicine doctors and other primary care providers will be able to convince insurance companies to join us in the common goal of keeping patients healthy: lowering costs, while still valuing the frontline of healthcare providers as professionals.  Keeping patients healthy and helping sick people stay out of the hospital by managing their conditions proactively - shouldn't that be our common goal?  It costs less and is the right thing to do.  Wouldn't that be amazing?  That doing what is good would be rewarded, who could argue against it?

The bottom line issue in the primary care workforce shortage is that the doctors who practice as generalists must be valued as professionals through fair compensation, recognition of the value of our services, and acknowledgment of the fact that those of us who promote our patients' best health must also achieve a reasonable work-life balance and financial security for the sake of our own health.  Otherwise, we would be hypocrites who should be disregarded, whose message becomes discredited by our actions.