Over here healthcare is not just another business, it is a public service. We grumble about the NHS but we love it too. With the NHS you don't have to second guess whether that doctor is after your wallet, or even think about it, he/she isn't.
By comparison the American healthcare system is something that, with a British perspective, appears to have something tantamount to 'Münchausen syndrome by proxy'. With the British NHS you can end up on pills all your life but there is not a business case for it. Meanwhile, in America, if you can be signed up for a smorgasbord of uppers, downers and a few off-label side orders for the rest of your days then Big Pharma is happy.
Here is one of my favourite books that describes what goes on:
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Medicine-Blowing-Deadliest-Presc...
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Medicine-Blowing-Deadliest-Presc...
This book is totally gripping and it also sheds light on the EPO scandal of the cycling world. I do not recommend books lightly but this book is a must read and also a literary 'secret' that is going to be made into a film. Add it to your Christmas list.
I read it a while ago with my Dad reading it too. It was the best thing we read that year - happy times, a book club of our own. Needless to say I have sent this article on to him for his enjoyment.