[An.American.Expatriate]

So let me see if I have this right:

The medical profession, by prescribing unnecessary treatments, tests, hospital stays, etc ... in a bid to lengthen a life “for another day” (but not actually treat the problem!) cash in for a nice payday

Thus - MEANINGFUL treatment will be denied to those who need it?

[BykrBayb]

By law, Medicare cannot reject any treatment based upon cost. It will pay $55,000 for patients with advanced breast cancer to receive the chemotherapy drug Avastin, even though it extends life only an average of a month and a half

So let me see if I have this right:

If that was your month and a half of life we were talking about, you'd take a dive for your fellow man? Give up the ghost to save us a few bucks? How noble!

[GnuHere]

Let me see if *I* have this right:

The medical profession is obliged to do appropriate work-up and care of a patient who is capable of making decisions and wants everything possible done, regardless of the “payday”.

Get the difference??