Overview

Physician David Meltzer of the University of Chicago talked about the power of the doctor-patient relationship with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Meltzer, who also has a Ph.D. in economics, discussed a controlled experiment he has overseen to measure the importance of maintaining the continuity of doctor-patient relationships. Meltzer argued that the increasing use of hospitalists--specialists who take over a patient from the patient's regular doctor once the patient is hospitalized--has raised costs and hurt patients. The initial results from his study showed that patients who stay with their doctors have fewer subsequent hospitalizations and have better mental health. The conversation closed with a discussion of the challenges facing the current medical system to adopt cost-saving or life-improving technology or techniques.

Details

Project: The Comprehensive Care, Community, and Culture Program
Person Interviewed: Meltzer D
Interview date: 08/13/2018
Resource: Listen
Authors: Roberts R
Date: 08/13/2018