The Artificial Ear: Cochlear Implants and the Culture of Deafness Book

My favorite line in the book, "That brings me back to a question that came up in the first chapter to which I said I would return later, namely, why do people from other countries come here for health care? Doesn't that prove that it is the best health system in the world? My answer is that they do so to get around the "queue," that is, the waiting line. In most countries, the doctors decide whose case is most urgent and should be dealt with first. In this country, there are always ways to get ahead of the line. Individuals, including for- eigners, can and do get the services they want, if they are willing to pay for that privilege. What do you think? What are the pros and cons of making excellent and expedient health care services available to foreigners as well as fellow Americans who are in a better position to pay for those services? Would you say that this might have the effect of pushing some Americans to the end of the line or out of the line entirely?"