Re: [WW] (PPML) Warren Buffet's Treatment Decision

April 22, 2012

Hi Chuck,

I don't know where you derive a 30% fatality rate from prostate cancer for

untested men 70 and older.

Seems rather a rather extreme over reaction.

Nor do I buy the allegation of " government directed euthanasia " , which seems

to resemble the unfounded political cry of 'death panels' rather than

objective medical science.

The medical science panels are made up of independent doctors and

researchers doing their best to rationally balance issues of containing the

public cost of what many feel is unnecessary health care.

" The government " is not directing " no treatment " , but rather addressing the

issue of tax dollars paying for treatment that may have debatable value.

For-profit insurance companies do the same sorts of analyses. Are they

" directing euthanasia? "

IF the recommendations for not covering PSAs for men over 70 were to result

in Medicare not paying for those tests, the tests still would be available.

Currently most insurance covers at least one PSA test annually irrespective

of age. I pay for another three out of pocket. My choice, my money.

I don't really have a strong opinion on whether or not to screen men over

70; I'll leave that debate to the several reputable and sincere doctors on

both sides of the question. Personally, I don't see that such screening has

much scientifically supported benefit, but, it should be an individual

decision between a man and his doctor. The cost and who pays, however, is

an appropriate public-interest issue to debate.

The real issue is how the screening results are used. Warren Buffet is

welcome to spend as much of his money as he deems appropriate for his

health. However, his cost/benefit analysis probably is founded on very

different principles than would be used by non-profit or for-profit

insurers.

Best Wishes!

Jon

RE: [WW] (PPML) Warren Buffet's Treatment Decision

My concern, Jon, are those 30% of 70 years old and over who very well may

die of prostate cancer if not provided PSA, DRE, and if warranted, biopsy,

and subsequently treated when biopsy results indicate an advanced and

aggressive presence of PC. I am 100% against government directed

euthanasia, and that is exactly what it would be if the government directed

no treatment coverage for men over 70 years of age.

Chuck

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