Rise in Insurance Forces Hospitals to Shutter Wards

NY TIMES ^ | 8/25/02 | JOSEPH B. TREASTER

[arkfreepdom]

The British system is loser pays and the others do not have the huge awards given out by juries and in most cases have judges making decisions. Also, many are gubment employees and can't be sued...try suing a VA doc or the VA.....it ain't easy.
As far as more dedicated, I haven't practiced in Europe to know for sure, but if it is like other areas of the economy I would be surprised if they are more productive. Remember we are talking about countries with 32 hr work weeks.
So women are the only ones that go into medicine for the love of the work, huh? Are you aware that 17% of women grads quit medicine and a higher number do not work full time than their male colleagues. By the way my wife is a physician (who works fulltime) and she thinks many of the women who quit medicine went into medicine to prove a point and not for "love of the profession.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

It doesn't make sense to compare socialized medicine and I'm not about to start. All of those who are upset with the costs and quality of our system I urge you to compare Canada or Europe. The problems with health care today are a result of politics, but what isn't? Like you said, we are open 24/7, many don't comprehend the idea of closed on weekends let alone the extended waits for operations...

[liberallarry]

As far as women doctors are concerned, I'm only repeating what I was told about the French system. I'm attempting to get verification (or at least second opinions :)).

Tort reform is certainly important. So is changing patients' attitudes - they must take far more responsibility for maintaining their own health and stop treating health care as a "right". But how to make these changes? And will they be enough? Modern machines and specialists' salaries are very costly and there's the problem of doctors and hospitals who take short-cuts to pay for them.

[liberallarry]

Look at the covers of your telephone directory for the ambulance chasers. (PLEASE, take a minute to read their ads.)

I must live in an uncorrupted part of the country. No ads for ambulance chasers. Just for snowboards, Indian casinos, computers, and massage therapy. Hmmm.... I always thought I did a pretty good job of choosing my place to retire.

[doug from upland]

When trial attorneys succeed in shutting down all business, who will they be able to sue?