Adam et al,
I share your fear of getting sick/old and that extends to having considerable angst about sending patients off to the hospital.
The medical industrial complex is not a safe haven for the sick!
A recent experience with a family member reenforced my feelings; was in ICU for 3 weeks and never saw the same Dr. twice (nor had the same nurse ). Everyone on rotating schedules - no one took an interest in the patient and had I and other family not been there 24/7, the patient would not have made it out alive.
Not sure what the answer is. I can't imagine that PCP's will ever again be paid to round on their hospitalized patients unless acting as 'attending'. And there simply is no other person that even makes an attempt to 'pull it all together'
