Good posts zeuz, and I agree with everything you said. I fear the buymeds type places of the world where all you do is fill out an online form and never even speak to a doctor could result in the closure of ALL OP type places.

And I **know** I'm going to get flamed for saying this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't understand the "I can't get my medical records" kind of statements. There are laws in place in all 50 states and federally that REQUIRE doctors to give you your records. (HIPPA, recently introduced, is just one). If someone has a doctor who refuses to provide records, then you should write your state medical board. They simply CAN NOT do that, and the medical board will fix it. I've heard stories here (and I'm not saying they aren't true) like "my doctor died, so I can't get records". Again, state medical boards can help with that. Is that a hassle? Sure, but when a doctor dies, your records are not buried with him. If nothing else, walk into a minor emergency center, pay your $85 and complain of your pain issue. The doctor there WILL document it, and on your way out, ask for a copy. If they ask you "why", kindly state "it's really none of your business". Again, they HAVE to give it to you, and that is enough "records" for any OP I'm aware of. Is that expensive? Well yeah, but OPs aren't exactly cheap, and it's the price you may have to pay to ensure the continued availability of OPs. (and even if you include that $85 minor emergency visit fee, doing that and using a "real" OP that requires med records is still much cheaper than Buymeds....)