(Denver C. Fox) writes:

typical for-profit HMO horror story snipped

This is where you start writing complaints to the Department of Health
and your rude internist's supervisor. A complaint to the Department of
Commerce in your state (this is the usual regulatory agency for
insurance companies) would be advised. FWIW, a fax is an excellent
way to communicate with your physician as it provides a written
document for your records and theirs. What she was telling you was
that she didn't bother to actually read it, and she wants you to
think that's your fault. Bull****!

Here in Minnesota, we have relatively little of this crap happening.
HMOs are required by law to be non-profits, and are directly overseen
by the Attorney General. Perhaps more states should consider this
option.