A basic concept in a fee-market economy is that parties are allowed to enter into agreements consensually. In essence each party to a contract voluntarily enters.

The current physician dysphoria seems to turn this principle on its head. A recent survey indicates that a huge number of primary care physicians would leave practice or reduce their workload if they could. That’s the part I don’t understand. If they really hate practing that much why don’t they quit? Could it be that the pay is too good? Could it be that they are financially over-extended and can’t quit because the pay is too good? Virtually every physician in the US earns income at the 95 percentile or higher.

Many readers are wondering why I bring this issue up. It’s simple. If your physician is one of those who hates what he is doing for a living how much can he actually care about you? If you are little more than a burdensome revenue-generating unit to your doctor how will you be treated by him?

So what should you do? Ask questions? Ask him “Do you enjoy your work?” be direct “What’s more important to you my myocardial infaction or your kids soccer game?” You deserve to know if you have one of the thousands of physicians on the verge of throwing in the towel and walking away- possibly when you need him most.

It’s your health. Take charge and take care.