1. Give the patient enough time to tell him possible diagnoses and explain the tests that seem a) necessary and b) could possibly be helpful
And allow the patient to decide which he wishes to pay for.
This would mean NO FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS for malpractice — will definitely need tort reform for this.
But I’d like to see the patient in the driver’s seat, rather than the doctor’s CYA. Now you will be undergoing MRI’s for tummy aches in case it could theoretically be a tumor. Allow the patient to turn down tests if he doesn’t wish them and still be able to be seen by the doctor, as long as doc has given his advice. Doctors should be required only to INFORM and not control the decisions.
And if you can’t prove you are here in this country legally, resident, tourist, or citizen, forget it. No treatment other than immediate life saving. Die on the doorstep. You shouldn’t be here. I can’t expect Antarctica to let me live just because I want to be there in a bikini!
#27 is great! i wish someone like you was in charge.