Many people now equate a doctor with a health care provider. Indeed, bureaucracy has forced most doctors to function as health care providers even though they were trained to be doctors. The following points help remind everyone of the difference.
1. A doctor has a name.
.. A health care provider has a number.
2. A doctor makes decisions based on years of training and experience.
.. A health care provider must call for authorization and approval.
3. A doctor attends those in need.
.. A health care provider requires a valid insurance card.
4. A doctor prescribes the best drug available.
.. A health care provider must use the insurance company formulary.
5. A doctor brings comfort to the patient and family.
.. A health care provider cannot bill for these services.
6. A doctor does what’s best for the patient.
.. A health care provider must follow insurance company guidelines.
7. A doctor delivers care exceeding expectations.
.. A health care provider delivers the services specified in the
.. contract.
8. A doctor is rewarded by the patient.
.. A health care provider is reimbursed by the fee schedule.
9. A doctor is chosen.
.. A health care provider is assigned.
———— The Editor
