All weekend, there was talk and analysis of the new recommendations put out by the CDC, which state that tests such as mammograms and pap smears should be delayed and done less frequently. The GOP is pointing out that this should be a warning about the kind of rationing that will come with socialized medicine. I agree, but as always, the politicians have selective reasoning; this is no more dangerous than the previous recommendations of more screening, which could be turned into totalitarian mandates.
It is noteworthy that radiologists oppose the mammogram recommendation. So, on the one hand, the old schedule was supported by a group that stands to profit directly. On the other hand, the new schedule would cut healthcare costs and was announced at a time when the GAO is crunching numbers for public plans backed by the current administration. That the White House denies any such connection only lends credibility to the GOP’s theory in my eyes.
Both the old and new recommendations are suspect, and this is the inherent problem with centralized anything—including the mere existence of the CDC. Remember that the CDC’s stated goal is to protect public health first, not individual health. Even if the CDC was immune to politics and corruption, it would still be unwise to follow its recommendations blindly. Only you are concerned about your own individual health as a first priority.
12:15 pm on November 23, 2009
