In response to the president’s insinuation that doctors have an incentive to perform unnecessary tonsillectomies, the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery states:

We, too, are in favor of evidence-based medicine that supports quality patient care. President Obama’s statement highlights the complexity of medical decisions like this. However, the AAO-HNS is disappointed by the President’s portrayal of the decision making processes by the physicians who perform these surgeries. In many cases, tonsillectomy may be a more effective treatment, and less costly, than prolonged or repeated treatments for an infected throat.

Maybe, maybe not — the new federal ear, nose and throat czar should really be the one who makes that call.