How is socialized medicine different than other kinds of medicine?

Answer:
In socialized medicine, the government pays for the services of health professionals as opposed to the patient or their insurance company. But this also means that the government decides what treatment is available and appropriate, not the doctor or patient. If the government does not believe that you deserve a particular treatment it can be withheld, even if it would benefit you. Often these decisions are made by financial concerns, not health concerns.
First answer by Dr. Cameron. Last edit by Dr. Cameron. Contributor trust: 191 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].