In the article on price gouging of prescription drugs at Mercy Hospital (“
I disagree. We don’t have capitalism in the health care industry. Name any other industry or consumer service where you can’t say “How much?” and get an answer.
The health care industry has used every bit of supposed legislative health care reform to obfuscate the cost and description of services. It is by far the most financially corrupt industry in existence.
Mercy hospital and Centura Health epitomize this. As the dominant hospital in the region, they have used the monopolistic position and government subsidies to take over competing practices and price-gouge local consumers.
Capitalism works, but it requires that consumers can ask “How much?” and get an answer. When I take my car to a shop for repairs, I get a good faith estimate. Why can’t I get the same from health care providers?
The simple answer is because it’s not in their best interest. They much prefer being provided a blank check.
I will support any candidate or party that promotes price transparency for consumers in the health care industry. Until consumers demand transparency, both major parties will take turns passing supposed reform that favors the health care industry over health care consumers. It’s simple to remember that if the American Medical Association is in favor of it, it’s good for doctors and bad for patients.
John Purser
Durango
