|
Octogenarian
Physician Prescribes
Just One Medication
Uses only Aldomet and chicken soup to treat patients
NEW YORK,
NY--More and more, physicans are faced with difficult decisions when prescribing
medications, as "cost-effective" care becomes increasingly emphasized
in today's managed care environment.
One physican
who's never had trouble keeping treatment costs down, though, is Dr. Sidney
Steinherz, of Manhattan's prestigious New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
 |
|
Dr.
Sidney Steinherz
|
Steinherz,
86, is a popular cardiologist who has treated New Yorkers with heart failure
and hypertension for over 55 years. But what sets him apart from most
of his colleagues is the fact that he uses just two simple treatments,
for all of his patients.
"When
some poor soul gets a little congestion, I jus' give 'em a little chicken
soup," he says. "Millie [Steinherz' wife of 58 years] makes
the best mahtzo balls you ever tasted, and if that don't work, nothing
will - you got that right!"
Regarding
cardiac conditions, Steinherz says "every one of them danged house
officers gives me trouble 'bout how I treat the heart. I'm tellin' you,
the best thing for the heart is Aldomet, and if anyone forgets, I just
remind 'em to 'Use Methyl, You-Dopa' and they sure's remember fast!"
As for other,
newer medications, Steinherz remains steadfast. "Take them new-fangled
calcium channel blockers. Why mess with calcium when you, me, and we all
need it for givin' our bones strength, vim, and vigor?"
"And
don't you get me started with them ACE inhibitors. ACE is a bandage to
put on an elbow or an ankle, by Jiminy!"
Notably,
Steinherz' patients live 12 years longer, on average, than those of other
cardiologists, and the costs of their hospitalizations are up to 40% less.
The American
Heart Association declined comment.
|
