> But doctors have to be willing to spend the time to follow the patient and do the gradation instead of going straight for the strongest thing in the toolbox

> But doctors have to be willing to spend the time to follow the patient and do the gradation instead of going straight for the strongest thing in the toolbox I know in the U.S. addicts/dealers will sometimes go "doctor shopping"[1]. Most U.S. doctors don't track or even realize when a chronic pain patient (or any patient, for that matter) doesn't follow up and a doctor wouldn't typically be told if a patient decided to seek treatment from another physician. I would guess "doctor shopping" would be more difficult in France under the single-payer healthcare system? Do you mind explaining how your system works? Is it difficult to change doctors? Or to get a second opinion? If a patient doesn't follow-up with the doctor will someone from the doctor's office check in? [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_shopping https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_shopping