Rationing Stimulus

Dr. Right makes great points about the stimulus package.

I would add (on the clinical side) ... the new research about BP control... The ACCOMPLISH trial (which was stopped early) demonstrated at only 36 months a clear advantage of ACE/CCB (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/ calcium channel blocker) combination drugs. There was a 20% risk reduction in the primary endpoint (which included MI, stroke, hospitalization for angina, sudden death, or the need for revascularization).

I would also add that the Women's Health Initiative (hormone replacement theory) was almost entirely retracted. The study was HORRIBLE... and most of their conclusions have had to be entirely revised.

OUCH ! It is one thing to have studies that are not relevant or helpful. It is yet another when the studies are BAD and their conclusions WRONG.

The government has no business in the intimate lives of its citizens. Doctors spend years in post graduate education and decades in the "practice of medicine" in order to help our patients with their health care choices.

Healthcare decisions are not the business of government. Should Barney Frank have any part of a women's decision about the delivery of her child? Should Harry Reid be able to decide the drugs a person uses to treat their cancer?

We MUST work together to put healthcare back into the hands of our patients and the doctors that serve them diligently and faithfully.

Marcy Zwelling, MD FACEP
Long Beach California

Oh ... help us...