Abstract

A generation ago doctors were considered gods in white coats. Their word was accepted as law regarding how to treat disease and what a reasonable fee should be in a competitive market. Today, most medical decisions are made under government control by bureaucrats. Fees, covered procedures, medications approved, language allowed to describe medical conditions and treatments, are all are subject to governmental approval. American doctors are under siege. They are blamed for increasing costs of every area of healthcare, whether it is hospital, drug cost, medical insurance, or even non-medical insurance like auto or liability insurance. Malpractice suits may result from everything from side effects of medication to delayed healing.