I would disagree with Dr Kotaska’s opinion that charging double the cost for medically necessary treatment is a justified social policy. If medical care is a right and not a privilege, then imposing financial barriers of double the actual cost to subsidize a failing public system is mercenary. With competition and a market economy, costs approach value. Circumventing the Supreme Court’s decision that prohibiting necessary care is unethical with a scheme to charge double the actual cost for medically necessary care is illegal because the Canada Health Act prohibits extra billing. Charging double is also unethical since it runs counter to the prime directive and first order of the Doctors of BC Code of Ethics (www.doctorsofbc.ca/code-ethics [10]) to “Consider first the well-being of the patient.” Any financial policy that delays treatment and prolongs suffering for an individual patient because they are unable to pay twice what the service is worth violates this edict. It’s also very optimistic to imagine a 100% tax would generate a net payoff. It’s like doubling down on a losing hand with stolen money.
—Mike Figurski, MD, CPHIMS
Big White