For Better Health Care, Gold Card Only (If You Have One)

For Better Health Care, Gold Card Only (If You Have One)

Most European countries view the United States' health care system as crazy. Where most Europeans have access to health care, Americans (supposedly we're living in the land of plenty), are either paying high health care rates or forgoing treatment and medications due to their inability to afford proper care. To widen the gap between "have" and have nots," those who can afford health care are receiving extra attention from their doctors by paying for "concierge" health care. By paying a higher membership fee, affluent patients can get more of their doctors' time during the week or weekends, with more attention to their needs. Some doctors have expressed concerns that this practice could lead to "higher paying clients receiving better care." When did having your health care needs met by your physician become a VIP service? Don't we all deserve this without paying for VIP treatment, or whipping out the gold card?

To learn more, view "Patients Pay Doctors More for VIP Treatment" on KMBC.com (Kansas City, Mo.)