>> And don't forget the cost of liability insurance and lawyer pay and huge settlements based on "junk science" ala John Edwards.

Texas was forced to legislate malpractice tort reform in 2003 after excessive litigation and premiums drove obstetricians and other risky specialties to abandon practice in Texas, reducing obstetric care to 3rd world levels in parts of the state. Meanwhile, as physicians move into salaried positions with malpractice insurance covered by the employer, It's no longer the doctor you target but the big business behemoth employer that may have vested interests in driving up medical costs and insurance premiums for you, but is equally competent at minimizing malpractice payouts and premiums for themselves. ;-)