quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Where are all the US docs - born and educated in the US (race/ethnicity agnostic)?

But what about, in the PCP case, referrals to a specialist? I don't want a referral to a specialist just because he's of the same culture (for whatever reason). I want a referral to a specialist based on merit and competency. This is not a behavior I've seen demonstrated in my experience with those foreign born/educated and not assimilating into America.

I think part of the answer/question would be are you looking at doctors in private practice or with large providers...like Kaiser or Sutter?

I think you'll find that regardless of their training or culture, most doctors in private practice refer to specialist who they are familiar with...either from med school or during their residency/internship...folks they have a relationship with.

Kaiser and Sutter doctors refer you to in-house specialist. I've run across superior doctors in that system because they are great at their specialty but had little skill/interest at running their own business