Are Cardiologist Reports Harming Patients?

Several states mandate that public "report cards" be published listing mortality rates achieved by individual doctors for particular medical procedures. These report cards are widely hailed (by most non-doctors) as a major boon to the advancement of quality health care. But now a new study suggests that, in states where report cards are mandated, doctors may be withholding potentially lifesaving cardiac therapy for the highest risk patients, so as not to risk their report card ratings. Read about how cardiology report cards may be affecting patient care here.