>>>>model in which the physician is a customer of the hospital and can take business elsewhere if dissatisfied,
>>You seem to point at the existing system with fondness.
>>It's flawed and corrupt from top to bottom.
>
>Was never in any need of doctors in the states (seldom enough here as well), but IMO the trend John speaks of will be very bad.
>Here in Germany the best doctors to take my father to were the ones taking pride in their profession and job.
>Doubtful if mere medical drone doctors will be better.

I visited my wife's relatives at hospitals in Bavaria, and from what I saw the care there was outstanding. I've never seen anything comparable here in the states.

I don't accept the notion that people on salary are any less likely to do outstanding things than independent contractors.
I've been both and when I look back on my career I find some good and bad moments in both roles, but no heavy weighting on one side of the other.