US capitalist healthcare system compared to socialized medicine systems

Medicare in its current form is highly dependent on the private industry to operate. Eliminating that private industry would cause a massive overhaul in the current system. Likely on the same scale as Obamacare did to the private system when it came into full effect.

 

Killing off Grandma instead of treating her during her final years in order to save money is a funny way to "push for better health habits".

 

Let me help you out there, Ritz

1) No one waits for essential treatment. Not even 5 minutes. Doctors appointments are just that, appointments. If you book 4pm, that's when you see the doctor. All hospital visits to A & E are triaged and prioritised. Life-threatening are seen immediately. A sprained ankle? Look forward to several hours in the waiting room.

2) The SAME doctors treat you, regardless of whether you're public or private. All doctors have to work somewhere, and the really good ones will ALWAYS prefer public hospitals (they're much better funded and up to date). They work their standard roster as the consulting specialist for 20 hours a week or whatever, and consult privately in their rooms the rest of the week. So you'd see that same orthopaedic guy for your hip replacement, regardless of whether or not you pay through the nose to do so.

 

To what dependence on private industry do you refer?

 

Medicare contracts with private insurers for administration of the plans and for the use of their networks.

Underpayment of doctors for services is made up by increased rates on private insurers.