Ending my last post with “just because you: doesn’t mean you should” only tells half of the story. Sometimes an industry is ripe for disruption.

Healthcare is a mess. Secret systems, arcane rules, grotesque profits, arbitrary pricing, ridiculous paperwork and terrifying customer service. It is time to separate the poachers from the gamekeepers, those who insure must not be allowed to collude with those who provide. Pricing should be open, public and competitive and maximums should be regulated. 

Insurers should refund the healthy some of their premiums and the government should enter the market offering an alternative comprehensive program paid through payroll for those who can and free for those who can’t. 

If the doctor says it’s required, it’s required and the insurer pays without questioning the patient ever. If the doctor is found to be over prescribing they get suspended at least and lose their license at worst. Doctors need to audited but have to be assumed to be doing the best for their patients not subject to suspicion by the insurers.

There needs to be the same 5-star system for doctors that Uber has for drivers and the same 5-star system for patients that Uber has for passengers. Surge pricing can work for good doctors at unpleasant hours just as it does for Uber rides. The price should be known in advance and the patient should be able to shop around. The insurer should only hold the money and distribute it and not get between the patient and the doctor. 

Ok valley … let’s get to it … let’s make healthcare workable. I don’t mind if you start in the valley first.