[didibus]

> the more patient visits and treatments a doctor bills to insurance, the more that doctor and the hospital earn. Weiner described this system, which is common in American medicine, as “eat what you kill.”

This is often what people are scared about with US doctors, that the financial incentive will have them over-prescribe and tell you that treatments are needed that aren't.

Crazy Story!

Edit: I think one conclusion to take away, always get a second opinion, don't rely on just a single doctor/hospital's diagnosis.

[jdenning]

I don’t think this is a viable option anymore. Most new patients are scheduled 3-9 months out in my experience. It’s particularly bad trying to see a specialist (I’ve been trying to get a spinal consultation for 10 months now, and I still need one more approval before they will actually put me on the schedule.