Random Thoughts

Medicine in the United States was not always the trillion dollar, out-of-control 'pick the pockets of the poor and middle class' monstrosity it has become. Prior to the advent of the HMO 'money machines' in the 70's, patient care and patient fees were pretty much dictated by local market forces and determined by what the provider (doctor and hospital) and the consumer (patient) agreed upon. There are still folks today who can remember the 1950's when it was common for doctors to make 'house calls' upon sick patients, sometimes in the middle of the night, to dispense care, medication and advice. With the advent of the HMO's that ALL changed. The accumulation of profits and MONEY, NOT patient care, became the 'bottom line' in the...