That is good information, Kent, but in some areas, such as western Colorado, some specialists are few and far between. For instance, there is now only one nephrologist to serve all of western Colorado. That is a vast area. He had a partner, they both worked through the largest hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City. His partner quit to save her life; she had no time for anything but rushing around. They BOTH are fantastic about giving a patient as much time as they'd like to ask all of the questions, etc. They are both wonderful doctors and truly thorough, understanding, and compassionate. I know if there were an urgent need they could get me in, but usually it takes 6-8 months to get in, esp. now there is only the one. It is an insane way to live and I totally understand the one quitting.

I know of a doctor on Cape Cod who stopped taking ay insurance at all. She notified all of her patients and helped them find other docs who could take them if they just could not pay for her services. She did so because the paperwork was too much. Now, when someone goes to her and pays $100 for an hour, or whatever she is charging, they know they will get to talk to her for an entire hour with no pressure to move along, etc. much the same as I do when I go to my acupuncturist. I know I have a solid hour of treatment and consultation with him.

I know we could never expect all docs to to the same as her, but it sure seems to work for her and those patients who like to work on a cash basis. I respect her for saying "no" to the insanity and scaling back to what she knows she can handle with integrity intact.

IMO, the biggest stumbling block to any kind of universal healthcare in the US is the insurance companies and drug companies. They are in bed together, have incredible profits, and are not going to give any of that power up willingly.