Health care reform means that you can't choose your own doctor?

Question

I've seen this mentioned several times and I don't understand.  It is being presented in a way as if to say that should the US go to universal health care (or something like it) then you won't get to go to the doctor of your choice.

Now (please correct me if I'm wrong but) with your standard insurance policy, there can be a list of approved doctors and facilities where you may go to have your medical treatment covered by your insurance provider.

Now, as a Canadian, I can go to any doctor and any facility to receive medical treatment.  If I am not happy with my care, then I may get another opinion or go to a different doctor for treatment until I am satisfied with my level of care.

So with these understandings, it would seem to me that Americans currently have LESS choice than Canadians.

Now, if you are not happy with your insurance provider, you may switch, so you do have that choice (unless of course you have a pre-existing condition in which case you're lucky you have any insurance at all).  If I'm not happy with my treatment, I can contact my elected official (my MLA) and if they don't fix it, and it goes wrong for enough people, they could lose their job by not being re-elected.

Now, an employee at an HMO who doesn't decline enough claims may lose his job so he would be more inclined to deny coverage and then by denying enough coverage, may earn himself a bonus.

Am I missing something?  Because from where I'm sitting, it would seem that universal health care = more choices and more coverage.  Or have I totally missed the boat on this whole "doctor of choice" thing?

Effect · Accepted Answer

First of all, I'm very envious of Canada's healthcare system. You lucky sod.

The reform here wouldn't limit choice on doctors. That's just another lie that the right wing are pushing in their fight to squash the inevitable. 

You're right about the current system here limiting people. When I joined the very, very meager coverage provided by my last employer (which one provider referred to as "a joke") my pool of doctors was ridiculous. The closest guy was some schlub 45 min. away. Every time I went to his office, I was the only patient in the waiting room. The other 2-3 people waiting were always pharmaceutical reps trying to push some drug. (The shop talk between pharma reps is interesting to eavesdrop on.)

Anonymous · Answer

I'm not going to have a go at any one group or nation here but here is my opinion after a few years observing: America is a 100% Capitalist country, every thing/person makes money for some one some where. Think about this if you will... The health care system demands you pay for treatment if you are injured or take ill... America and it's people are a never ending circle of profit for the rich of the country... The people that lobby for the right -for everyone to own a gun (with very little restrictions) -to sell food with ingredients that are banned in every other country -for unregulated pharmaceutical/medical pricing -to have you working three jobs to PAY the bill when you get sick because you work three jobs !! -pay doctors to come up with new mental diseases when they create new drugs for younger and younger people to be put on. The truth is that right now the American people are being poisoned, shot at and diagnosed on the behest of of a few rich share holders that will loose the billions when universal health care comes along. Sometimes one cannot see the bigger picture unless you are outside looking at it.

Sarah · Answer

That's a complete lie. You can keep your doctor or change doctors. Health care reform isn't remotely about your options for doctors, but your ability to access and afford health insurance. Currently, EVERY HMO limits your options when it comes to doctors, drugs, pharmacies, and even states and locations where you can be treated.

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Health care reform means that you can't choose your own doctor?

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