[abjorn]

It's hard to shop around when you're having a heart attack.

[db48x]

You're supposed to do that _before_ you have a heart attack.

[abjorn]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the 911 operator doesn't ask your preferred doctor before sending an ambulance.

[anticensor]

Congrats. You managed make it like telco market, in that everyone will subcsribe to a group of doctor for a long-term contract.

[njarboe]

This is how a HMO works in the US and they are very popular due to lower costs than health insurance plans that allows you to go to any doctor/hospital of your choice. My experience with Kaiser in California is that they also provide better service in general, but sometimes don't have the specialty services you might need in their system.