Physicians should help patients resolve the issue of medical debt by advocating for change in the health care system on a local and national level and implementing charity care within their offices.

A physician outlines strategies to help reduce a patient's out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses.

Consumer-directed health plans will result in a more responsive and sustainable health care system in which patients will take more responsibility for management of their chronic conditions.

Physicians can help reduce the large number of patients who do not take their prescription drugs due to the high cost by proactively discussing the topic of drug costs during the clinical encounter and developing a plan for assistance.

A physicians urges the support of consumer-driven health care plans that are designed to contribute to better patient outcomes at a lower cost.

Physicians should understand the relationship between clinical expertise and cost consciousness in making their diagnoses.

Physicians are held legally responsible if patients are harmed by not receiving the care that is required, even when the restriction of that care is imposed by a third-party payor.

The Canadian Supreme Court has determined that the ban imposed by Quebec on the use of private medical insurance violated the province's Charter of Rights.

Physicians should understand the ethical issues surrounding assisting patients who receive Medicare- and Medicaid-funded health care.

Patients whose incomes and assets place them just above the threshold for the low-income subsidies and those who received prescription drug coverage prior to the availability Medicare Part D are not likely to benefit from the new coverage plan.