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CAN PATIENTS HANDLE ALL THIS UNACCUSTOMED POWER?''A cyber revolt in health care'' (Information Technology, Oct. 19) is misleading. After more than 25 years of medical practice, I remain unaware of any shifting power balance between myself and my patients. I think of the health-care professions as dedicated to teaching and healing, not to exercising power. Power shifts will not measurably improve public health. What will patients gain from their newfound power? The examples cited are of uncommon diseases and novel treatments. Aside from the question of the appropriateness of seeking unproven treatments, this approach ignores major U.S. public-health problems. Will the Web eliminate poverty and limited access to health care for tens of millions? Will it eliminate teen pregnancies? Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use? Not likely.
Arthur G. Robins M.D.
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Updated Oct. 29, 1998 by bwwebmaster
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