The Rationing of Medical Care

Abstract

To the Editor: Dr. Norman G Levinsky proclaims the need to do everything possible for every patient "without regard for what is best for society or what it costs" (Dec. 13 issue).* He puts the physician in the position of being total advocate for the patient against the societal good.Although Dr. Levinsky's conclusions may flow from his assumptions, there are other conclusions that can be made. First of all, if physicians ignore social responsibility in treating patients, they will continue to watch their level of societal trust be reduced as a group. They will then expose themselves to new . . .