FREE GOVERNMENT CHEESE and MEDICAL CARE

WALKING EAGLE receives a welcome from Native Americans. He was given that "Indian" name because it means "A bird so full of crap it can no longer fly." I promised a few friends that I would discuss healthcare, or lack of it as the case may be. Americans seem to coming to their senses a little on the bill of goods that was sold to them by the present administration. While everyone wants something for nothing, they realize that you usually get what you pay for, just like public school, and non-cable TV channels. You folks out there who want the attention of a doctor will get it... about a minute's worth. That's all he/she will be able to afford to spend with you without losing money. Perhaps a brief lesson in medical economics 101 would help. An orthopedic surgeon who following college spent 4 years in medical school and another 5 years or more in internship and residency at slave-labor wages, is reimbursed $1,100 for a total joint replacement of the hip or knee. This includes admitting the patient to the hospital, doing the several hour surgery, following the patient in the hospital for a few days, and then in the office for several months, all included. The overhead just to keep an office open is more than 50%. The doctor pays income tax, social security and Medicare tax which adds up to 50% of the remainder. So at "the end of the day" he/she gets 1/4 of $1,100 to spend on himself and his family. Quick math reveals that this is about $275. These fees are constantly being reduced by Medicare.

When all medical care in America is run by the government and they pay even less, not only will smart people who could choose to do something else in life NOT go into medicine, but those in the profession will leave in droves to do something that pays better like, landscaping, or designing women's shoes where a single pair of Jimmy Choos or Manolos cost more than a hip replacement. Hey, there's an idea... free shoes! Maybe I should write to WALKING EAGLE and suggest this. We may be sick because we can't get to see a doctor immediately, but at least we'll be "looookin' good" while we stand in line. Alternatively, you might consider learning to speak Hindi so you can understand your doctor when you finally get your "minute" in the examination room.