[dwolfson]

I agree, the financial incentives must be repaired. I just think it is odd that the malpractice angle wasn't mentioned. Dr. Gawande is surely aware of it.

And yes, I'm sure doctors and patients would both agree that docs need to slow down and spend more time listening to patients. As a solution, Dr. Gawande proposes compensation based on quality of care (rather than production). In theory, this seems to make most sense - but I have yet to see a practical way of assessing "quality." What stops doctors from refusing to see sicker patients? Is a doctor at fault if the patient doesn't follow his advice?