In the U.S., the hospitals are only obligated to treat people (for free) in the ER if it’s a life-or-death situation, or if they are seriously injured or sick; they only have to “stabilize” them. Trying to get follow-up care is the tricky part, and if an expensive procedure or treatment is needed, good luck with that.[/quote]
this is a system that emphasize emergent heroics, but let millions lapse in fundamental preventives. in essence, we won’t let you die, but we’ll make you live in misery.
I wonder what your friend’s take is in regard to Big Pharma’s ability to lobby doctors relentlessly on the latest (therefore most expensive) treatments available, and the full force of sharply dressed and fully “enhanced” drug reps that can follow up their lobbying efforts with full data regarding targeted doctor’s prescribing habits. (yes, I’m referring to D-cupped drug reps sitting next to nerdy docs asking, “But Dr. Smith, why didn’t you prescribe more Lipitor last month??? You Promised!!!”)
