Reply #61: I don't know where this question belongs....

[Kanary]

Not knowing the future topics you are planning, I don't know where to insert this question. However, it is something that is on my mind, so I'm putting it in here. If it belongs later, in another topic in your series, please let me know, or please save it. (Not sure I'll know where to store it for later...._

While engaged in a discussion about Socialized Medicine in another forum, a person brought up this issue. since I was not familiar with the incident reported, I had no answer for it. I'd appreciate your input. So, here is what was said..

"Many years ago (I know that many of you do not like historical references but, sometimes a historical prospective clarifies a point), General Motors instituted health insurance whereby every employee was covered for every medical visit or procedure. Do you know what happened? The number of visits to doctors multiplied dramatically as did the number of tests per person and the number of invasive medical operations. Why? If it's free with no strings attached, the majority of people have no compunction about using the service/money freely; they have nothing to lose and no interest in saving money. The doctors, being financially motivated, realize that they can make a greater profit by ordering more tests, surgical procedures, return visits, etc.; they have nothing to lose by this either. Hence, the managed care system can into vogue.

My first point, we (the USA) cannot give carte blanche health care coverage to every single person. Yes, money is a factor. But, everyone must realize that health care is not endless and there must be some personal feedback to people that abuse and over use of the medical system has a direct negative consequence to themselves. Health care cannot be free and endless."

I, personally, cannot imagine people who would keep going to drs for fun and games, since I try to stay away from drs, but since this was brought up, I'd like some input about it.

Thanks for whatever you can add to this, and again... this is great work you're doing with this! I'm learning a lot!

Kanary