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>Definitely correct on the fear of lawsuits. Doctors have to practice defensive medicine, x100. And you have the government to thank for inculcating that mindset. The malpractice crisis was not a major issue when medicine was much closer to being private.

Absolutely.
The reason is simple.
When medicine was much closer to being private, many people now covered by medicaid or medicare couldn't afford to go to the MD.

The math is compelling.
Fewer patients.. fewer lawsuits.

I was around before Medicare and Medicaid came along.
I saw several people who had worked all their lives face the choice of losing a spouse or losing a home.