[justinmk]

I've begun to suspect is that "universal healthcare" means "you weren't denied, you're just on a waiting list, and every physician is an interchangeable cog".

I often wonder why health insurance companies don't use a similar tactic.

Edit: Try finding a pediatrician in Berlin. (Seriously, I would love to hear recommendations)

[dboreham]

Because doctors will happily tell you that whatever they plan to do will be covered by your insurance. So the work gets done, the money spent, before they get a chance to screw with you.

[John_KZ]

Waiting lists for doctors can be long for non-emergencies. This applies to most countries with a public health system. Typically they are prioritized based on need, not money. Also arranging regular appointments weeks/months before allows for less downtime in the doctors office thus cheaper healthcare. It's annoying but it works.

Also Germany suffers from an ageing population which is why there aren't that many experienced professionals of any kind.