Yes, sadly, fully trained, certified (and re-certified) doctors, licensed to practice the full spectrum of medicine, are still second guessed it would seem almost every step of the way by insurance companies.  Even the smallest decision, such as knowing a patient and the drugs he or she really needs, is questioned with demands for justification of the choice (read the COST to the insurer since that is really the ONLY major concern the health insurers have)  . . . let our doctors practice medicine ! . . . obi jo

Waging Health Battles by Fax

Benjamin Brewer, M.D., writes, “There is a battle that goes on behind the walls of the family doctor’s office every day. We try to get the medications and tests and referrals that our patients need, while also seeing patients who require care.” Health “insurance companies don’t mind me taking heat from the patients when they don’t get the medication I recommend. And, they don’t have to worry about the liability that I, as a doctor, face for using cheaper drugs that may put the patient at higher risk of complications.” Insurers “want me to incur the overhead and frustration that comes with trying to prove to a non-doctor that I know my patient and what I’m talking about.” Dr. Brewer notes that a 2001 study found that “a doctor seeing 22 patients a day averaged one insurance hassle lasting for every four or five patients. More than 40 percent of hassles were reported as interfering with quality of care, the doctor-patient relationship, or both.” . . . link to  more info on this article @ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122281241415292049.html?mod=rss_Health