That was extremely well put. I think your point about cost shifting is exactly what I was referring to. And, while I agree with David, I still don't think it is the drug companies' duty to fix the system or sell their drugs at a certain price. Although I do agree with his main point, which is they have a captive audience.
Exxon sells gas way over the price they need to. But, like us physicians who continue to agree to take $42.00 plus for Medicaid, people continue to buy gas from them. I would think that three months of EVERYONE buying gas from Citgo would start a price war. But, I REALLY digress.
I had a mother and a 22 year old patient come in whose sister has mitochondrial disease. He just finished college and is going into law school. He has an IQ in the 160s, can play chess blindfolded and talks faster than anyone I have ever heard. He is extremely liberal. He has nothing to do with healthcare, but BLEW me out of the water in the debate. His mother continued to point out the experience vs his looking at it intellectually.
But that is why we need to look at healthcare from a pragmatic point of view with a large group of very intelligent, objective people.
And, just like the story above, I couldn't begin to argue with Wendell as he is much smarter than I on these topics. Yes, I can out debate him, MAYBE, on some motherboard issues. But, this is why I have such high regard for him.
I will say that the drug companies operate in a capitalistic fashion in as much as they can.
And, I realize this post adds nothing to the overall topic other than to acknowledge that I would never engage in a debate with Wendell.
