2. | Read the text about the foundation of health service. Then fulfil the tasks after the text. Physician

Self-employed private physicians who charge a fee for each patient visit are the foundation of medical practice in the United States. Most physicians have a contractual relationship with one or more hospitals in the Community. They send their patients to this hospital, which usually charges patients according to the number of days they stay and the facilities — operating room, tests, and medicines — that they use. Some hospitals belong to a city, a state or, in the case of veteran’s hospitals, a federal government agency. Others are operated by reli­gious orders or other non-profit groups. Still others operate for profit.

Some medical doctors are on salary. Salaried physicians may work as hospital staff members, or residents, who often are still in training. They may teach in medical schools, be hired by corporations to care for their workers or work for the federal government’s public health service.

Physicians are among the best paid professionals in the United States. In the 1990s, it was not uncommon for medical doctors to earn

incomes of more than $ 200,000 a year. Specialists, particularly sur­geons, might earn several times that amount. Physicians list many rea­sons why they deserve to be so well rewarded for their work. One reason is the long and expensive preparation required to become a physician in the United States. Most would-be physicians first attend college for four years, which can cost nearly $ 50,000 annually at one of the best private institutions. Prospective physicians then attend medical school for four years. Tuition alone can exceed $ 30,000 a year. By the time they have obtained their medical degrees, many young physicians are deeply in debt. They still face three to five years of internship and residency. The hours are long and the pay is relatively low.

Setting up a medical practice is expensive, too. Sometimes several physicians will decide to establish a group practice, so they can share the expense of maintaining an office and buying equipment. These physicians also can care of each other’s patients in emergencies.

Physicians work long hours and must accept a great deal of respon­sibility. Many medical procedures, even quite routine ones, involve risk. It is understandable that physicians want to be well rewarded for mak­ing decisions which can mean the difference between life and death.

4^ Are the following statements true or false? Comment your answer.

1. Self-employed private physicians are the foundation of medical practice in the United States.

2. Salaried physicians are not allowed to teach in medical schools.

3. Physicians are among the best paid professionals in the United

States.

4. By the time young physicians have obtained their medical degrees, many of them are deeply in debt.

5. It’s not typical of American physicians to share the expense of maintaining a consulting office.

6. Physicians do not accept any responsibility.