New York Physicians Agree to Free Propaganda TV in Patient Waiting Rooms

The costs associated with medical malpractice continue to rise and doctors are none too happy about it. According to an article in The New York Sun, "Captive Audience: MDs Fighting Back on Malpractice," physicians will use big-screen TVs in their waiting rooms to warn and educate patients on the impending physician shortage, as well as educate the public on the malpractice crisis leading to higher doctors' fees.

"I don't think it's going to keep anyone from suing, but I think the public has to know where the health care dollars are going," a Manhattan internist, Dr. Margaret Lewin, said. "My objective is to educate the patient as to what's going on politically, so if they can join us in making some changes that would be terrific," Dr. Lewin, who is president of the New York County Medical Society, said.

So far, more than 100 offices in Manhattan and in the Bronx have been outfitted with $4,000, 40-inch television sets that were donated to members of New York's medical societies by a Long Island company, MedLink International. MedLink is a healthcare IT company which sells products such as electronic health record technology.

Forget the idea of malpractice for just a moment. Why is a healthcare IT company donating large flat-screen TVs for use in physicians' waiting rooms?

On December 6, 2007, MedLink International, Inc. announced that the Bronx County Medical Society (BCMS) officially endorsed MedLink International and its products and services, including MedLink TV. More than 800 physician members of BCMS will be offered MedLink TV as a benefit of membership with the New York County Medical Society.

BCMS members receive the 40" flat-screen MedLink TV for free, as long as they are in good standing with the BCMS. Physicians can sign up for the service at http://www.medlinktv.com/, in addition to finding out more information about the program.