Public Healthcare

This thought was posted on Thinkaloo on 25 February 2008 by member smartypants

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H. Clinton and Obama are advocating more requirements to own/provide health insurance. As a teacher, public healthcare seems very reasonable and humane. As an economist, I question if we are prepared for the changes in the supply and demand of doctors?

Just thinking ahead to the future. . . If more people own health insurance, I expect there will be an increase in doctor visits due to accessibility. There is already a shortage of doctors in the US. In 2010, doctors will be required to have computerized records of all patients. These new mandates will probably drive doctors (not ready for change) into early retirement.


We will need to prepare for these changes by 1) Increasing the supply of doctors 2)Decreasing the demand for doctors.

My ideas:
1)Provide incentives or money refunds to people who do not frequent the doctor's office.

2)Allow doctor's assistants (nurses) to prescribe antibiotics for more common illnesses (flu, cold, strep). I'm not sure how practical or safe this would be, but would be interested to hear a professional's response.

3)Shorten the length of medical school for doctors who specialize in more common illnesses.

4) Government funding for students in med school.