Re: [at-l] Define Pre-Existing

["W F Thorneloe, MD" <thornel@attglobal.net>]

It is interesting to follow the changes in cars. Back in '93 the focus was 
on rich and evil docs, driving Ferrari's and soaking the public. Back then 
I drove a 90 Sable. Today I drive either an 89 Volvo or a 74 Bug (guess the 
color).

The problem is the intrusion of profit motive into my profession, and the 
corruption of all that touches. When profits belong to stock holders of 
hospital companies, insurance companies, home health care industries, 
pharmaceutical companies, et al, we start hearing of patients becoming 
"hospital days", "covered lives," "consumers," "profit centers," and 
"clients." It is a damn good reason to take to the woods, at least for this 
doc. It helps me avoid the rage I feel when a patient has to choose between 
food and medicine, or when I am accused of corruption when I accept 
medication samples and the occasional free dinner. (I've never seen the 
trips to resorts that ABC-News reported last night.)

I don't know what the solution will be, only that the easy solutions 
offered stink of someone else out to game the system. Enjoy your hikes and 
think toward the elections.

OrangeBug
Atlanta, GA


At 09:22 PM 2/17/2000 -0500, The Wizard wrote:
>....  To people who have to go to medical facilities or get prescription 
>drugs on a regular basis.  The people that run these companies wear $400 
>suits and drive Lexus's and Mercedes.  This is even more extravagant than 
>most physicians, many of whom have been reduced to driving 
>Buicks.  Three-year old Buicks in some cases.
>
>What is the solution?  The solution is to pay all medical bills in cash, 
>same as the grocery store.  Well, you can still have insurance, but the 
>insurance reimburses you directly, not dealing with the medical providers 
>as presently is done.  Get rid of the layer of functionaries that soak up 
>the funds and get back to 90% medical practitioners.  Enough for now...

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