My April newsletter (see: Monthly Musings on American Healthcare) led with an article about the role of regulators in healthcare. The April reader survey asked you to weigh in on (a) the industries most in need of tighter regulations and (b) the sectors of healthcare that would benefit from tighter regulations. Here are the results:
My thoughts: The two big takeaways from this survey are (a) we want regulators to step in and protect us when we perceive ourselves to be at risk, and (b) we want regulators to butt out when we feel safe. Clearly, Musings readers worry about their security and safety when it comes to their finances, medical care and technology—but comfortable and unconcerned about food, product or airline safety.
Specific to healthcare, it’s unsurprising that readers want additional restrictions placed on insurers, drug companies and hospitals, but not on medical professionals. Polling has shown that two-thirds of Americans trust the doctors and nurses who care for them, but only 1 in 3 have the same level of confidence in medicine’s institutions.
Thanks to all who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
