“Most important is not the practical effects this will have on health care delivery, but instead on the philosophical effect that one person’s wealth (viz. life) can be appropriated for another’s benefit under the threat of law (viz. violence).”

I agree, and intend to write a full blog specifically about this (well, sort of) tentatively called “When and Where do We Draw the Line?”.

I for one, refuse to buy government mandated and approved health insurance. Even if it was somehow beneficial, it’s wrong on principle to the core.

thanks again for your comment

-Anthony

When is this documentary going to be released!? Whenever it is I can’t wait.

Dr. Mcgruff,

Thanks for the valuable insight into our modern health care system. I, like many others, are oblivious to the truths that encircle the medical world. It is nice to hear a realistic voice on these issues.

Ryan

What most don’t realize is that Emergency Physicians have been under a unfunded socialist mandate since 1986. We are subject to a law called EMTALA (emergency medical treatment and active labor act). This was passed by “reconciliation” all the way back in 1986 under COBRA (congressional omnibus RECONCILIATION act). The point here is that reconciliation has long been a way of sneaking in socialist legislation.

EMTALA basically says that an emergency department must see EVERY patient that presents regardless of their ability (or intent) to pay for services rendered. At the very least we must provide a “screening exam”, but the law’s definition of this includes a complete evaluation including labs, CT scans etc. The fine for a doctor that fails to meet this requirement is $50,000.00 per instance. Hospitals are fined $500,000.00 and lose their Medicare funding. Since this is a Federal law, it does not fall to the civil courts, so it is not covered by malpractice. If for some reason the goverment thinks you failed in your “duty” it can destroy your finances and career. As a result of this law, I have provided over $300,000.00 of uncompensated care per year every year I have been in practice since 1989.
This law has created a huge burden on doctors and hospitals. Some of this is mitigated by cost-shifting to the paying class. This is why you pay $200.00 for a Tylenol on your hospital bill.

The current “Health Care Crisis” is entirely because of the existence of Medicare and Medicaid. These Ponzi schemes have overpromised and are bankrupt. They have kept surviving through cost controls, especially on the inpatient side of medicine (called DRG’s or diagnosis-related groups). DRG’s are basically price-fixing that insures massive losses on inpatient care. This creates a shortage of inpatient beds which is a major cause of ER crowding…once sick patients need admission, there are no beds to put them in and we end up holding them in the ER. These price controls have created a lop-sided medical market. You see overcrowded dilapidated hospitals with palacial outpatient surgery centers next to them. These ridiculous market distortions were created by the existence of government medical programs (Medicare/Medicaid) and then the statists blame the free market for the very condition they created.

Now that the ability for cost-shifting is shut down, the only way for the system to compensate will be through shortages. There won’t be a need for “rationing”, you will simply be directed to get in the queue…which will be quite wrong. If you don’t believe me, visit the Canadian Govt website. http://www.wcwl.org (western canada waiting list). Medicine as we have known it is about to implode. Stay Healthy, stay out of the belly of this beast.

Most important is not the practical effects this will have on health care delivery, but instead on the philosophical effect that one person’s wealth (viz. life) can be appropriated for another’s benefit under the threat of law (viz. violence). Thanks for your blog and your insights.

Doug McGuff, MD

Actually, I believe that’s an excellent habit. Worrying about problems outside our sphere of influence can knock us off course quite easily… and I have been guilty of it myself in years gone by.

I suppose the question is, how far does our sphere of influence reach? Something each of us has to decide.

“But in your case, I can see how it’ll affect you more than just some raised taxes or longer waiting room times. This shit is challenging your core beliefs and principals…”

I can not tell you enough how right you are. I was actually just writing late last night about this specifically. I may still post it, but it’s been difficult to clearly articulate myself as of late.

“Any way you cut it, it’s a f*cked up situation”

Word. I think my default reaction to global injustices and corruption is to evade it and focus on problems in my immediate surrounding. Its a bad habit I know, but sometimes its overwhelming so it feels like its futile to bother trying.

But in your case, I can see how it’ll affect you more than just some raised taxes or longer waiting room times. This shit is challenging your core beliefs and principals…

I really don’t know what to say but, good luck with everything buddy…