Posted by Roni on April 15, 1998 at 12:51:36:
TOPICS SESSION 13
1. I think the greatest advance in the health care field has been that of prescription medication. If not for the advances of these medications, we would still have epidemics of TB, polio, MI victims would not live as long and as well, etc . . .
2. There are positive and negative sides of this. Duplication of prior knowledge keeps an edge on one company having a monopoly of the product and will induce competition and keep prices down. However, if companies are using their funds on duplications, there is not as much leftover to use to find new and innovative products that may solve additional health problems. Maybe a law placing some restrictions would be good, but not one that would disallow it all together.
3. I think I would be willing to pay more to have it available locally if the care is as good because it would keep me closer to more members of my family and I think having that kind of support helps a pt heal faster. Also, depending on my condition, it may be very hard on me to make the trip or place a burden on my loved one to get me there and have somewhere to stay while I am incapacitated. The costs of travel compared to the higher cost of local care may even equal out.