Aaron Carroll Endorses Concierge Medicine – Sort Of.
Moreover, I’ve been thinking about my parents. They live thousands of miles away, and I can’t do for them what I could do if they lived close by. But since they’ve paid for concierge care, I know they can get a same day appointment when they need to. I know their doctor answers their phone calls quickly. I know that if they need something, they will get it.
I wish everyone could have such service, but it’s not possible in today’s health care system. We don’t have enough doctors. It’s why we are seeing retail clinics pop up. And it’s why concierge medicine is gaining steam.
We have two choices. We can make it so that everyone can get really timely care, or we can expect the market to find ways for those who can pay extra to get it preferentially. And while I find the latter less preferable, as long as I continue to help those closest to me get better access, I can’t fault others for trying to do the same.
Full post here. Exercise for the reader: Show that if prices are allowed to clear markets, we don’t have shortages of any good.
Good for Aaron.
Not the sort of thing you expect to see at the Incidental Economist.
I would count it as a begrudging endorsement.
Exercise for other readers. Show under what circumstances many people will no longer be able to afford care.
Steve
Concierge physician care is the quality of care everyone — and every doctor — believes patients should receive. The problem arises when it is understood that it is a statistical fact that not everyone can receive care that is above average (unless you live in Lake Wobegon). Moreover, since there are statistical limits to how many people can receive care that is above average, it is further bothersome to progressives that wealthier people are the ones who can afford the above average care.