Blue shield, the so-called doctor s plan, was established late in that decade. With huge outlays for advertising and with physicians shouting its praises, it has captured a large percentage of the surgical insurance business. Of course, Blue Shield has done much good. There is no question that in times of calamities such as serious auto accidents, severe heart attacks, or strokes, Blue Shield or any good health and accident policy is a godsend to both patient and physician. Blue Shield pays a specified amount for any of hundreds of surgical procedures.
Every doctor has access to the fee schedule.
Every doctor, therefore, knows ahead of time what he will get for each procedure. This guaranteed payment of fees leads to unnecessary surgery. What the patient forgets is that every time a needless operation is performed not only does he undertake a certain amount of risk in the surgery and anesthesia, he also drives up the cost of the Blue Shield premiums.