jketterer [at] nbme [dot] org

Hope you get this - I don\'t see your email! Thanks, Jillian

I like your suggestion! I think pharmacies and insurance companies probably do have standards and consistency (from their own standpoint.) However, from a patient's usability standpoint, there are clearly major gaps. I wonder who these systems are really designed for? ;-)

I got two's in both categories - I'm a bad listener too, apparently! Also, I apparently can't do simple math. I think we can all agree I'm bad for patients.

I agree that simply making more docs won't fix the problem. The natural task-shifting that is occurring (e.g., Doctors of Nursing Practice prescribing meds) is not going to just stop; and the problem of medical school taking a long time to complete (and being very expensive) won't be addressed by adding medical schools. What we will likely see is more competition for the money-making specialties (as you point out) and, potentially, a bigger turf war between primary care docs and other primary care health professionals. We need more reform!