Ballenger says:

If medical price gouging was seen with a similar perspective as how we have historically (at least pre-2000)viewed “war profiteering”, at least some of the pressure on the health-care system in the US would be relieved. The artificial controls placed on the number of medical students cranked out each year is another major part of the problem. Sure reasonable standards should apply, but the current model, particularly in the area of medical specializations is more about controlling supply than meeting demand.

I agree with the idea of some sort of national health-care program is badly needed. But, so is less bureaucracy. My Grandfather, a country doctor, owned a lot of chickens. Not because he liked chickens, but because many of his patients were poor farmers and he prioritized patient access to care ahead of the “how are you going to pay” aspect of practice management. Obviously today, two hens and a cantaloupe aren’t going to cover the overhead of an maintaining an MRI machine. So, what’s the solution? Who knows. But, when things get this FUBAR, a good start would be making the financials of every aspect of medical care completely transparent. Doing this will be major battle, since most prices in health-care are reverse engineered with target income and profit being objective one. It’s not just doctors doing this, it’s the entire medical services supply chain. Anyone who thinks there isn’t an S-Class factored into that $17.00 latex glove charge for your prostate exam, will need to remove your head so the doctor can finish his work.

Thomas says:

#102
The reason country doctors no longer exist is malpractice. Malpractice insurance is so high now that there are doctors that are starting to provide health care by requiring patients to sign a “do not sue me” letter which says that they will file for bankruptcy if someone files a malpractice suit. Medical schools are naturally competitive and universities have limited resources. In other words, only so many people can graduate from Harvard or UCLA medical schools and thus the supply is naturally limited.

bugeyemonster says:

This video is propaganda. The real issue is not that some old people with brain tumors might die its that insurance companies and pharmacuticals stand to loose billions in profits if the US went to single payer system. This vid sights one example that may or may not be true. But what about the 10s of thousands of americans that get their scripts from Canadian Sources because pharm. companies jack up the US prices 10 to 50 times what they sell the same exact drug to Canadians for. Then they try to convince the government to make it illegal for us to get these drugs because they are dangerous, even though they are the same exact drugs sold in the US for 50 times the money.

Its all about profit for big companies. Once you remove the profit motive from health care the majority of people will be better off. It is not the states concern to make sure we do not die from tumors, it is the states concern that the majority of its citizens be in good health.

Thomas says:

#108
Furthering your moniker again I see. Have you asked your physician friends lately about how much they pay in malpractice insurance? Whether they have been sued is far different than whether they are required to pay enormous sums in insurance to protect against being sued.

You need to learn to read the *entire* post. The “don’t sue me letters” state that if you do sue them for malpractice, that they will simply declare bankruptcy and this scenario has already happened.

Mister Catshit says:

First,
Canadian medical care is not free. The money comes from taxes. Most Canadians would much prefer to see their taxes going to the good of the citizens then to pay off Blackwater or support a giant aircraft carrier fleet in some far distant land.

Second,
Brain tumors are very slow growing. Almost all are rather benign and can last for years with no ill effects. Fast growing, malignant tumors, exhibit far different symptoms than do benign tumors. This type is easily identifiable without MRIs.

Third,
Any emergency will be treated right away in Canada. If the condition does not require immediate care, then it is put down the list of priorities. This allows greater utilization of medical equipment, especially the very expensive type.

Fourth,
Canadian medical schools and hospitals don’t take a back seat to any American hospital as far as care is concerned. Many techniques were developed there and physicians from around the world attend post graduate classes for the latest information. Of coarse, many Canadian physicians also travel to American hospitals for seminars too.

Fifth,
A local physician recently returned to Canada after several years here in the US. He grossed more money here in the US but had to pay out much more for insurance. He also needed a full time person to handle the insurance companies. He also never knew if or when he would be paid by the insurance company and could end up spending hours a day on the phone arguing with a paper pusher over whether a procedure was necessary.

Six,
Several posts suggest Health Care is not a right. Gee, what does the Constitution say about the “right” to breath clean air? Does it make any comment about the “right” to eat? Is there any mention of the “right” to even live? If we lose our ability to function because of illness then we have lost our liberty. If we are allowed to be sick, we lose our happiness.

I guess all these morans haven’t even read the Constitution. So, for the ignorant, stupid, lazy, and those that are not American and thus be excused for not knowing,:
Amendment IX: Existence of other rights for the people.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Mister Catshit says:

#108, Tommy,

Foolish little boy. Guess what. It is fucking insurance !!! It is run on a “for profit” basis. First it is not competitive and second it is not very risk orientated.

The “don’t sue me letters” state that if you do sue them for malpractice, that they will simply declare bankruptcy and this scenario has already happened.

Maybe it has. A person does not get to just decide to “declare bankruptcy” just on a whim. Their obligations must exceed their assets with little chance of meeting the obligations.

Of coarse, since you know that this has “already happened”, you wouldn’t mind posting some links.

(where oh where do these effen morans come from?)

TomB says:

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA.

‘We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.’

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone — not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing.
Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes .

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we’re just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people.
If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don’t be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don’t be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won’t have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job.. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don’t care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly….)

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country’s history or heritage This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

Mister Catshit says:

Thomas,

The “don’t sue me letters” state that if you do sue them for malpractice, that they will simply declare bankruptcy and this scenario has already happened.

Where? You didn’t post an example. You point out that some physicians have abused the bankruptcy courts. So what the eff does that have to do with the “don’t sue me letters”?

Neither of the first two links mention “don’t sue me letters”. In fact, both of them are truncated so if they did later I neither know nor intend to subscribe to view them.

Then, as your third link points out, the courts are pushing the “bankrupt” physicians into Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7. What many courts didn’t do was allow for the business asset dispersal. That means the Doctor’s office is now property of the court for disposal. That includes the furniture and records.

What you have missed is malpractice insurance premiums are NOT a mirror of risk. States with caps had higher premiums than did States without caps.
In 19 states that implemented caps during the 12-year period, physicians suffered a 48.2 percent jump in median premiums, from $20,414 in 1991 to $30,246 in 2002. However, surprisingly, in 32 states without caps, the pace of increase was actually somewhat slower, as premiums rose by only 35.9 percent, from $22,118 to $30,056.

***

The study, released Thursday by the Center for Justice & Democracy, found that malpractice rates increased by 120 percent from 2000 through 2004, while the amount of money paid in claims went up by 5.7 percent.

***

[A] study, found that from 1986 to 1994 the industry reported to regulators losses of $39.6 billion but actually paid only $26.7 billion, 31 percent less. The losses were overstated in each of the nine years.

Mister Catshit says:

113, Thomas

Either way, it is hard to argue that malpractice has not radically changed how health care is provided in the US.

No, it is hard to argue. It is very easy to come up with bullshit and say “well this is the way it is”. That does not make it true.

Earlier I mentioned I do not know of any physician who has ever been sued. Yes they are mostly family physicians. The point there is that they meet up with more risky situations than do the specialists simply because they are often in situations they are not expert at. They see dozens of patients a day, over a hundred a week, thousands a year. And they are not unique. Most physicians never get sued. As in most businesses, it is that small minority of generally incompetent practitioners that cause the vast majority of malpractice suits.

Health care has changed because technology has changed. No longer is the physician handicapped by a procedure only being available in a far off city. Operations at birth can save many babies that died 50 years ago. Cataract operations allow the elderly to retain their sight. Drugs, specifically antibiotics, are available to everyone. Modern imaging techniques can see things that only coroners saw before.

Physicians don’t treat a patient as if they will sue. They treat a patient to get well. They know there is a wealth of tools out there that may be used. And they will use those tools. Anyone who goes about his activities as if he will be sued if he errs should quit right now. They have no business being in business.

Five years ago my nephew had some brain surgery in Canada. As his was a very novel situation, experts from several disciplines, from the US and Canada, became involved. Sure, he contributed to medical knowledge with his condition. His outcome though contributed even more and gave physicians more information on similar procedures. They learned from him as well as helped him and similar operations have been performed in several other centers.

Thomas says:

#116, #117
Welp, that was the bozo bit. I try not to flip the bozo bit on people, but some people are persistent. As Steve Martin said in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, “Here’s an idea. Have a point to what you are saying.” Catshit even when your nose is shoved into the evidence, you still do not get it. As I have said before, you chose (or was chosen) your moniker well. Rationality and logic enter nowhere into your thought process. The lesson to be learned here is that you are clearly an irrational, crazy person and should be treated as such. Moving on…