The Kling article on medical care consumption focuses on the insurance side. We also have a regulations side.

The other day, I had a panic attack, and had to go to an urgent care clinic to get a prescription for propranolol, a generic anti hypertensive used off-label to control anxiety. I used the same dose I’ve used before, and all the doctor did was take my blood pressure and go through a couple 10-question anxiety screeners. The doctor’s visit, which was required but I didn’t need, cost $189 out of pocket. The pills cost $3. So the overconsumption is in some cases enforced.