Eugene said, "Try getting a new appt in the Private Sector, and tell me how many times you can get an appt with a new doctor in 30 days."

About 2 weeks.  I've done it two or three times over the past year.  First for a primary care change and later for consults for vasectomy and an eye issue.  Having been sick a few weeks ago, I got a same day visit with the primary care physician to get some anti-biotics. 

I try not to abuse the system (use it too much).  It's hard for me to understand, though, just why costs are going through the roof.

Infrastructure?

Labor costs?

Too many needless procedures?

Too much use of very expensive procedures?

Aging population?

Malpractice insurance?

Too much profit-taking by the HMO's/etc.?

Some combination thereof?