I believe America to be one of the most humane societies in the world.


against frivolous lawsuits except in the circumstance of criminal negligence. The NHC will consist of volunteer physicians, retired physicians, prac- ticing nurses, retired nurses, and nonmedical citizens such as physi- cian support staff. Volunteer time should be tax deductible. Care of the poor and unfortunate should not be free, and in turn, they also must pay forward, if possible. Pharmaceutical companies will be expected to donate medications free of charge to NHC patients. All of this should be coupled with


a broader agenda of national tort reform and simplification of medical recordkeeping and billing. The purpose of a medical record should be for the doctor’s use to take care of patients, not to satisfy arcane billing systems devised by insurance bureaucrats. If we do this, we will be able to save about 40 percent of expenses. The bond between a physician


and a patient is indeed sacred. To put it simply, it arises out of the pain of one human being and an offer of hope by another. This is my attempt to strengthen that spiritual bond. I need these structural changes to ACA so I can continue to take care of my patients.


ANAND MEHENDALE, MD, is a Kerrville neurologist.


14 TEXAS MEDICINE March 2017


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