In Reply. —
Validation of peer review of patients' records to determine compliance with guidelines developed by the pertinent medical specialty societies demonstrates that the process is feasible. Further, the method not only detects substandard practice patterns but identifies deficiencies that, when corrected, will improve the general quality of care and encourage change of physician behavior. The Physician Enhancement Program mentioned by Drs Sherman and Farnsworth, which may be developed in New York, is a model for correction of deficiencies.
It is interesting that Dr Suter, a specialist in aviation medicine, takes such violent exception to recredentialing but presumably approves that airplane pilots must undergo periodic physical and skill recertification.
Dr Thomas should know that the requirement of standard procedures for monitoring intraoperative anesthesia has led to a reduction in malpractice premiums for many anesthesiologists in many states. Tort reform is unlikely without strong public support based on assurance that
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