[quote=livinincali]
Why not focus of the problem of cost by encouraging more supply of medical services via competition. Why not force users of medical services to shop around for better prices and/or decide that some test/treatment isn’t worth it. That’s the way you address the cost problem.[/quote]
The first part is being done. There were 5 new medical schools in the US between 1980 and 2000. There have been around 30 since then. (more than half DO schools.) Another 15 to 20 could be in operation within 5 years (mostly MD schools.)
I’m not sure what mechanisms can be put in place to “force” shopping around. The shift towards higher deductible plans along with both private and public insurance paying negotiated rates moves us in that direction.
