Obama’s Former Personal Physician Opines on His Plans for Reform

[This article posted on July 30, 2009. It is posted within the following categories: Corporate, Diversions, Healthcare Policy & The Media, Pharma & Devices, Politics & The Law, via Michael Douglas, MD, MBA.]

While most certainly fodder for the Right and Republicans on the issue of health reform, this story speaks to just how difficult it is to overcome the power of the private interests in the healthcare financing equation — even if you are the single most powerful man in the world.

David Scheiner, a Chicago, Illinois-based doctor, has taken a hard look at the president’s prescription for health care reform and sees bad medicine.

“This isn’t that kind of health care program that I think is going to work,” he said.

So what makes Scheiner so special? He was Obama’s personal physician for 22 years, and voted for the former Illinois senator in the 2008 presidential election.

Could this be the kernel in this entire debate in which Obama’s plan jumps the shark?

3 Responses to “Obama’s Former Personal Physician Opines on His Plans for Reform”

Guy says:

July 30, 2009 at 6:22 PM

I really think D Scheiner is right and has the courage to say and defend it.
The reason we will get a biased solution is because of the power of insurances, pharmaceutical companies other doctors and the still existing active lobbyists.
The Canadian, French and other systems works pretty well compared to the existing US “best in the world”…
They do not have all the fancy offices and administration personal, but the quality is better than here and you don’t get the feeling that the doctor is after your money thru the insurance.
Between 20 and 40 Euros for a primary family doctor compares to 320 USD charged by my primary Yes it is Florida)
Unfortunately the House and Senate nor Obama will never have the gust to put it open and really work for the people.
The GOP and others will continue to scare the people by lying about the real world. There is plenty of money in these commercials to find a couple of angry people (Canadians who invade the US system I understand) that could not wait like others.
To base its decision of the US policy on the friend of the friend of the GOP leader is a scam and a joke
MD says:

July 30, 2009 at 8:35 PM

Guy, interesting perspective. I think that the public, for better or worse, at this point in the healthcare debate — are starting to realize that Obama’s lofty goals for health reform were simply that — goals without substance. And it’s starting to show in his slipping poll numbers.
Was the hard sell for something like this a political risk for Obama? During the campaign, probably not.

Now, however, the critics seem to be circling, be they in Obama’s camp or those of the traditional naysayers he’s always encountered across the aisle. I think that’s what this cnn.com article was trying to articulate.

–MD
will says:

July 31, 2009 at 3:27 AM

Guy persepctive is biased. I can charge a million dollars for a visit but no matter what i will get close to the medicare rate. So a level 4 established patient visits gets me about $68 regardless if I charge 1 million or 70 i will still get the prevailing rate. Doctors cant balance bill. about 5-8% is spent on billing and another 30-50% on overhead minimum. I will take 40 euros cash anyday!