Sarah and the Death Panels

As primary care internists we always have end of life discussions with all of our patients but especially our elderly patients as part of regular ongoing care, irrespective of compensation. As primary care doctors we have the privelege of getting to know our patients in all aspects of not only their health concerns but also family dynamics and therefore it is imperative that we understand the patients wishes. As their health needs evolve so do our discussions including when they face a terminal illness or unexpected downturn in their health. No government bureaucrat should ever be in the position to dictate what is or isn't acceptable cost effective treatment of anyone given the power of political interest groups and the weak moral...