On 2/4/2014 10:02 AM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
On 2/4/2014 9:22 AM, Peter wrote:
I prefer capitalism over socialism. But both are known to bias
the thinking of physicians. I'd rather have doctors carrying
pocket full of Metamucil tongue depressors, opposed to having to
phone a bureaucrat in Washington every time the MD wants to
prescribe acetaminophen.


Bogus assertion. Never happened. Regardless of the system of
practice, physician choices may be constrained by logistical and
financial issues (either the patient's or the medical care system).
How about the common problem of a private physician believing that
a certain med is most appropriate for a specific private patient,
but that patient's insurance won't cover the cost of that med and
it costs far more than the patient can afford out of pocket?

I'd rather have an insurance company be unable to pay for the med (or
the patient) rather than a bureaucrat in Washington denying
permission for the med.


As someone who falls squarely into the category of "Washington
bureaucrat" for the final 14 years of my military medical career, I very
strongly resent the implication of your statement.