Corporate Medicine

Over several years there has been a lot of discussion about socialized medicine. It is obvious that we are headed that way or maybe we are already there. But, there is an another type that is already in place - corporate medicine.

Investment groups have bought hospitals, doctors clinics, and dental offices. And, they are profit driven. Simply put, profits have priority over patients. In an effort to reduce healthcare cost, many doctors now have physician assistants or nurse practitioners. I’m not suggesting that these are bad, but they are not doctors. Basically they follow an outline/procedure for diagnosis and treatment. It’s like vaccinating cattle. One shot fits all. That means you have to fall into the herd, giving up your individuality and special needs. People aren’t made that way.

We are common only to a point, and while the basics are the same, each one of us is a little different. For example, I don’t well with most the medications I’ve been prescribed. Recently I was given an antibiotic that caused me to want to die. The nurse practitioner didn’t listen to me when I told her that I don’t tolerate drugs very well. But, I was in and out of the office in just a few minutes. That means money. The more patients you see, the more money that flows into the business.

I go to a dermatologist that has gone into a private practice because an investment group bought out the clinic where she worked. She explained the new rules were to turn out the billings and keep the cost down. No more getting calls after office hours unless you can bill them.

Investors and insurance companies think corporate medicine is a wonderful thing. And, it blends in with socialized medicine quite nicely.

Be careful what you tell the doc the next time you have to see one, or the PA or NP. If you lead them to think that you may be pregnant and you are male, you may not be happy with the outcome

However, if you are male and pregnant, you may get rich, if you make it through the delivery.

PMO
©2014