Let's say the government decided to stop meddling in health care, and actually did something about tort reform. Now it's twenty years later and I need a new knee....
(cue dreamy harp music)
Personally, I really like the tough titanium metal alloys they've come up with, and their projected durability, but they're still a bit pricey for my budget. I've found a pretty good middle-tier model that will serve me well for the way I walk and run. I'll spring a little extra for the model that wirelessly uploads pedometer information and a calorie count. Sure, it's a little gimicky, but it's not that much more and it might be handy!
Do I want the extra MRI "super customized fitting option" for just $499? Nah, that's for suckers with money to burn.
Fortunately, my most local hospital has several fine doctors who do joint replacements, so I won't have to travel far. Oh cool! Since they're my contracted emergency care facility, I get a free room upgrade. The view from the balcony is very nice indeed. And they're adding a spa. I'll be sure to check those out.
Now, which surgeon should I pick? I see that Dr. Raj has okay outcome stats to his credit, and he offers a voucher for three free physical therapy sessions, but my friend Bob just raves about Dr. Washington. Tough call, but I'm going for the cheaper, and still good, option.
Anesthesia, regular or lemon-scented? Seriously, do people care about this? I guess they do or it wouldn't be offered.
Transportation services, seven different providers. Home nursing services, five different providers. Some have teamed up to offer a package discount.
"Check box to donate $5 for medical services to the poor, or input a amount you're willing to contribute." Sure, why not?
That about covers it. How soon can I do this? There's the "weekend special" slot for Thursday afternoon, but if I wait until Monday I get five percent shaved off of my stay. Sold.
So, what's the total?
$5000.
I like that. I like it a lot.
(end dreamy harp music)
Think this scenario is unrealistic? Did you know that space tourism has just dropped in price from $10+ million (in socialist Russia) to $200,000 (in the U.S.)? And that a $200 iPhone has more computing power than what took man to the moon? And that even food went from expensive and labor-intensive to cheap and plentiful in market-driven economies... but not in state-run economies.
Let capitalism back into the healthcare system. It's what brought us innovation, better quality and more availability for a cheaper price in the past. So, why did we give up on it?
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Award-winning author Elise Cooke writes books on how to meet modern challenges head-on to achieve independent wealth. Visit her website at SimpletonSolutions.com.
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