Duncan,
You wrote: "You have convinced me that greedy, unethical doctors need to be reined in and that only the government can do so."
I'm surprised that you have so much faith in the government. Do you believe that the government should also control attorneys and the legal system? National Legal Insurance?
RE: greedy and unethical doctors, I'm sure there are some, but I know of only a few who are might be considered to be either greedy or unethical. Most doctors work very hard and take their responsibility very seriously. Their "greed" perhaps consists of griping about being forced into a position where they must give marginal care at markedly reduced compensation. You can argue that they got paid too much before, but that's a different issue.
I am bitter about managed care not because of its effects on doctors (sorry, providers) but because of its effects on patients. Socialized medicine won't be great, but you can make a case that it would be better than HMO medicine, where only profit seems to count. And yes, the threat of litigation does help to avoid gross negligence, but at a cost which is very high, especially with regard to unnecessary tests.
I am on record about the type of system I favor: A basic government plan for everybody with no frills, and choice of whatever non-government plan you wish to pay for yourself. This would be a real free market choice, not special favors for HMOs and false claims that everyone will get great care at bargain basement prices.
Jack |
