Joshua M. Sharfstein

In the following viewpoint Joshua M. Sharfstein argues that doctors only want to unionize so that they can bargain with HMOs for higher fees. Sharfstein insists that patients will be caught in the middle as physicians and insurers negotiate union contracts. Ultimately, he maintains, patients will pay the price in increased costs and diminished quality of care. Joshua M. Sharfstein is a fellow in general pediatrics at Boston Medical Center.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Sharfstein, which physicians’ organization is in favor of unionization?
2. What happened when physicians collectively controlled the supply of medical services, in the author’s opinion?
3. What does Sharfstein argue is the fundamental problem with the health care system?

It wasn’t particularly surprising that the American Medical...