February 5, 1999

I read with frustration the article in the December 4, 1998, issue describing the Assembly's backing of dues amnesty for members in arrears.

As an APA member for nearly 25 years, I reflect with pride on the fact that I have maintained fiscal integrity regarding my national professional organization. In more years than I would like to count, finding the money to meet that obligation was difficult, but I viewed dues as a responsibility.

In this era with myriad inroads to the patient-physician relationship, am I wrong to view the Assembly's action as one more example of compromise in our own ranks? Daily we face discounting in a world of "alphabet soup," an attitude of demanding entitlement from our patients spurred by third-party contractors, and a challenge to our expertise by low bidders as other "providers" hypothetically seek to offer more for less. The reason our membership ranks are dwindling is because many members feel that our professional identity has eroded. How many members in recent months have been asked whether they are qualified to provide psychotherapy to clients, customers, or consumers?

Perhaps it would be easier to simply prescribe psychotropic medications and review treatment plans, as some of our mental health colleagues would wish. I think not, and I do not support dues amnesty. What is the message we are sending?

Roger Jay Pentzien, M.D.
Avon, Ind.