Doctors Quote by Atul Gawande
“As economists have often pointed out, we pay doctors for quantity, not quality. As they point out less often, we also pay them as individuals, rather than as members of a team working together for their patients. Both practices have made for serious problems.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Being Mortal, 2014
Healthcare rewards volume over value, and individual incentives hinder teamwork, leading to systemic issues.
In simple terms: Quantity is prioritized over quality, and solo focus hurts collaboration.
Key Takeaway
Reform incentives to reward quality and teamwork.
Themes
healthcare
incentives
teamwork
quality
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
policy
philosophical
When to use this quote
- hospital administration
- insurance policy
- clinical practice
- medical education
Key Concepts
economics
system design
patient outcomes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align doctor compensation with patient outcomes?
- What models successfully promote collaborative care?
A Different Perspective
Changing incentives can be politically difficult.
