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So I'm pointing the finger, at least in part, at the regulations here in the USA. By artificially controlling the number of doctors, and/or constraining our access to pharmaceuticals, we're creating the situation where I am unable to get the treatment I need. This has nothing to do with economics or even insurance company policies, really. It's all to do with nanny-state government.

I agree with you! Here's some data about how the supply of doctors is constrained by law:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_otfwl2zc6Qc/S8p3XotZRpI/AAAAAAAANQ...

(from http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2010/04/medical-school-grads-hav...)

For the last 30 years, 16,000 new doctors are let through each year, and this is very carefully regulated to keep guild members rich. There's nothing wrong with that, but the problem is that the government is used as a tool to maintain this monopoly. (Unfortunately, it's been this way since the Middle Ages.) Does it have to be this way? Not if you decide that people should be free to choose for themselves which expert they should seek medical help from, and what qualifications they require. If you own your own body (and I say you do), this is your right to decide.

On top of that, new drugs cost somewhere around $1 billion to take to market. When only 300 people in the country have a rare condition, the FDA makes it so that nothing can be done for them because there is no way to recoup a billion dollars from any small group of people.

  For the last 30 years, 16,000 new doctors are let through each year, 
  and this is very carefully regulated to keep guild members 
  rich. There's nothing wrong with that, but the problem is 
  that the government is used as a tool to maintain this 
  monopoly.

What? If the AMA is restricting the number of doctors in order to make more money, then there absolutely is something "wrong with that". You're stating as a premise that it is ok for doctors to act selfishly in a way that causes (or aggravates) harm. The sworn responsibility of an MD is to get us and keep us healthy.

Sure, it's also wrong if government is going against the public interest in restricting the number of doctors. But whether someone should be able to claim that they are a certified medical doctor is something I want government to regulate, at least for now. AFAIK, these regulations were put in place in response to quackery (and the like).

Sorry for the digression.

I have a friend with Crohn's disease who read all of the research on hookworm, found a company that would ship it to Canada, went to Canada, and got himself infected. Several months later he has managed to discontinue most of the drugs and he is feeling better than he has in years.

Unfortunately hookworm has been classified as a medication in the USA, and is unpatentable, so will never be approved as a treatment here. But if you're willing to travel abroad, look into it. Seriously.

I heard about this on This American Life. Here's the link, it's in part 3: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/404/e...

Here's an article on the same guy, Jasper Lawrence: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2009/07/22/are-h...

Wow, I live in the UK and when I need to see the doctor I just drop by with no appointment, wait my turn (depending on number of people in the surgery can take 10-60mins. Then the doctor sees me.

Likewise in Canada. I think the wait time numbers are higher because people are waiting to see "their" doctor. But there are lots of drop-in private clinics, and it is always "free" to visit them.

Im assuming you're in California? What health plan do you have? I know sometimes you can't get an appointment right away, but it really depends on the condition. I got diagnosed and needed surgery, and I don't go to the ER, but something called Urgent Care. Emergency is a nail in your head... But urgent care is for pain that needs to be dealth with.. ie - you took tylenol and advil, and it didnt work.

You should research Urgent Care centers through your health plan and have their address in your phone. That way, you can get the care you need in a timely manner.

I am so glad we have such good doctors, pharmacists, etc in California at least... they def are trying their best. It all just depends on the condition. If God forbid you get seriously ill, then you will get all the appointments you need. Yes there is usually some wait, but its not THAT bad.

Research Medical Cannabis...decide for yourself at link below

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?question...

Why don't you go to the ER?