I don't think the "free market" can ever truly work in practice in the medical field, except for elective procedures and visits. Sure, if doctors want to compet

I don't think the "free market" can ever truly work in practice in the medical field, except for elective procedures and visits. Sure, if doctors want to compete on giving me a low price for vaccines and office visits, etc., I can see that working. However, any emergency service essentially has a captive audience. Most people who need an appendectomy or are having a heart attack are not in a position to price-shop. They need close, immediate care. Hell, quality probably doesn't even matter in these situations... not dying is the goal. This is where the free market doesn't work because there's no true consumer choice.