Are we changing the basic definition of  “practicing medicine” ?

Historically the practice of medicine is the interactions between a patient and another person that has a license to practice medicine/dentistry etc.

Physicians have had their licenses suspended, revoked or sanctioned because it was believed or proven that that they prescribed medication without physically examining the patient.

In the modern day..  that basic definition of practicing medicine is starting to warp or evolve..

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/01/13/doctor-medicine-internet-visit/1830743/

Column: The doctor will see you now — on the Internet

From the article:

Currently, only 13 states allow doctors to prescribe drugs and treat patients online without actually meeting in person first. With the zeal to cut costs and maximize convenience to patients, there will be tremendous pressure to expand that number. Please remember, though, that what is cheapest for insurers, and easiest for patients, isn’t necessarily what is best.

So currently in 37 states it is ILLEGAL to prescribe medication without doing a physical exam on the person.

So.. some entities.. like the Medical Licensing Board in Indiana , the legislature in Washington state and some insurance companies are imposing limits on the amount of pain management anyone under their authority can receive… WITHOUT EVEN EXAMINING THE PERSON..

The question has to be asked.. if prescribing is the providing medication to a patient.. is the limiting the amount of medication that can be provided a patient – PRACTICING MEDICINE ?

If so, is the members of the Indiana Medical Licensing Board.. practicing medicine.. without seeing the patient?

Is the legislature in the state of Washington.. practicing medicine WITHOUT A LICENSE. ?

Is the medical director(s) of the various insurance companies … that are imposing limits on pain management – practicing medicine .. without seeing the patient  or is the insurance company practicing medicine without a license ?

 

Filed under: General Problems