ACA Repeal/Replace: Progressives Face Moral Dilemma

[Warren Dew]

(01-29-2017, 12:11 PM)David Horn Wrote:

(01-28-2017, 02:03 PM)SomeGuy Wrote:

David Horn Wrote:The argument that there is a direct correlation between untested dietary supplements and FDA approved drugs is obviously not true.  The same can be said for the relationship of a customer to a mechanic correlating directly to the relationship between a patient and his doctor.  If it hadn't been detailed earlier (and completely ignored), I might not have been as strident ... nor would Tim.

A correlation in what?  Their efficacy?  Their sales?  Don't use words if you don't know what they mean.

An analogy is not a fact.

If you intend to only use the scientific meaning of the term 'fact', then nothing will measure-up and all discussion will hedged to the point of bland incoherence.  But you asked, so I'll answer:

• Drugs v Dietary Supplements: Testing and approvals for use are required of drugs.  That guarantees noting, but it does force an evidence trail that can be used to sue. Even Big Pharma hates law suits, so there is some degree of self regulation of both efficacy and quality control.  None of that applies to dietary supplements, which are offered for sale as commercial, not medical, items.
  
• Mechanic v. Physician:  The physician has to pass medical boards to practice, and has responsibilities that are enforceable.  That's why they have malpractice insurance.  The same self regulation argument applies here.  A mechanic has none of those.
  

Actually, dietary supplements are also regulated, and their manufacturers can be sued every bit as much as pharmaceutical firms can be sued.  Obviously the fact is that regulated products can still be handled effectively by free market mechanisms.

Likewise, mechanics and their employers have liability insurance, of which malpractice insurance is just one form.  You can always be sued if you are negligent in providing paid services; that's true whether you are a physician or a mechanic.  The fact is, both types of services can be adequately handled by free market mechanisms.

None of this dictates third party payer mechanisms.  That's just a political preference on your part.