Market-based Solution #2

Here is an example of another affordable, convenient market-based solution to rising health care costs and an alternative to a government overhaul of the health care system - Retail labs with FULL TRANSPARENT PRICING, including 22 tests available for $49.00

"A growing number of Americans are bypassing doctors and going directly to online and storefront labs for diagnostic testing. Most often they pay for these tests out of their own pocket. The results may persuade the consumer to pursue the matter further with a personal physician but, in any case, the consumer is in charge of who sees the results.

The name of one fast-growing chain of walk-in labs encapsulates the field's business model, Any Lab Test Now. The company says it can generally have testing results within 24 hours and at a cost that is as much as 80% less than going through a doctor. The lab franchises offer up to 1,500 tests, from a simple cholesterol check to more sophisticated packages of tests that address complex medical issues.

There is no federal oversight over medical testing, other than requiring that the labs that do the actual testing for the storefronts be properly certified. State regulations vary widely. As so often happens, the consumers seem to be far out in front of the lawmakers and regulators." NewsChief.com

According to the website of Any Lab Test Now, they offer these advantages:

• No Insurance Needed.
• Doctor's Order Provided.
• No Appointment Necessary.
• Confidential and Anonymous.
• Most Results in 24-48 Hours.

We acknowledge there are limits to which non-medical professionals should be analyzing certain test results. But certainly there are many 'routine' tests that if taken correctly, the results can be used effectively by non-medical professionals. They could also be used to start a conversation with your physician about the need for further testing and treatment - that you otherwise would not have gotten because of the 'hassle-factor?