[yterdy]

>But why doesn't this happen to restaurants, or super markets or car mechanics?

It does. The reasons you cited just makes it worse in medicine.

[bko]

I don't know. I kind of like my restaurant, super market and car mechanic. System seems to be working well...

[JKCalhoun]

If these "industries" seem unaffected to you, it's probably then simply a matter of time.

Who knew veterinarian clinics would be the next to fall to VC? And I am hearing that independent senior living is being raided by VC, perhaps cemeteries as well....

[fzeroracer]

In my area I live near a Fred Meyers, a QFC and a Safeway. Soon enough, those are all likely to be owned under the same umbrella, so what real choice do I have if they're all under the same ownership?

Similar things have been happening to mechanics as well.

[ceejayoz]

I like my doctors just fine. They're great.

It's the $50k/year in insurance, copays, etc. I don't love.

[tracker1]

Except fast food has gone up 50-100% in the past 5 years. Groceries up 30-50% in the same time. Car mechanics, I can't speak to.

Not THAT well.

[richbell]

Something can be a widespread issue without affecting you personally.

[neither_color]

Are your specific shops PE backed? There are lower barriers to entry so your local restaurant, super market or car mechanic can still exist alongside PE-backed chains. One can't just on a whim decide to become a doctor.

[jklinger410]

Typical libertarian response, falls apart at the first sign of complication.