Herb Ruhs wrote: > Jim Hightower writes a colum entitled "Concierge Doctors" that examines > the phenomena of "boutique" practices, what I used to hear called "the > carriage trade," and raises important questions about the social > responsibilities of physicians. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with it. There will always be luxuries that the wealthy can afford and that the not so wealthy may "splurg" on by sacrificing something else. I don't think anyone can make a case that these VIP practices are leaving some without care. There are plenty of doctors around, and if some people are willing to pay more to a particular doctor--well, it's a free country. Remember the days before managed care? Didn't we all come up with our own cost for an office visit? My first partner and I used to try to charge $5 or $10 more than the rest of the guys in the neighborhood. If people didn't think that we were worth it, they would go somewhere else. It's ludicrous to think that every doctor is worth the same $10 copayment. And some may be worth a hell of a lot more than that. I think that it's important that we preserve the financial incentives to encourage young, intelligent, skilled and dedicated individuals to devote themselves to a rewarding career. Paying every doctor the same --regardless of experience, skill, etc.-- results in a truly mediocre profession. It's all part of managed care's grand design to change us from physicians into providers. -- Gary M. on LI Volunteer Your PC for Cancer Research @ http://members.ud.com/services/teams/team.htm?id=6065F531-AD68-47F5-938D-F95F5CDFC284