Sounds as if you've got a good grip on all the handles of the machinery, RSK. Everything you said points precisely in the directions I meant to indicate. I'd just caution you to not allow any random insecurities compromise your perceptual acuity. That's an egghead way of saying don't let the complexity of the process overwhelm you. Just go about it systematically, handling one thing at a time, as it's presented. I'm sure you'll do just fine. I might add, a little presumptuously perhaps, for once, let "just fine" be good enough, okay? You don't need to be stellar on this one. Don't set yourself up for additional complexities by trying to be. Unless you know you can, of course. But even then, don't "wow" them too much. You'll just embarrass them and they'll get mad at you.

EDIT: Elaborating one of the salient points you mentioned: Yes, insurance companies are one of the significant forces. But look beyond the players into the process. Girding the insurance companies is the stock market. This reduces the healthcare system in the States into nothing more than another Dow-Jones average. This makes it very, very difficult for M.D.'s to maintain fidelity to the spirit, if not the intent, of the Hippocratic Oath. Much less any focus on it. If you follow through with your present intentions, I'd guess you're going to be facing a few personal conundrums along the way. Be ready for them. They will compel you to compromise your principles. You may or may not want to.

__________________
Speak less. Say more.