Commerce Imitates Art (Just in Time for Xmas!)

One of the subplots in Terry Gilliam's Brazil involves the hero's mother and her best friend's involvement with serial plastic surgery treatments. In the end, they both go horribly awry in completely different (and differently upsetting) ways. Anyway, with that context, there's a scene early in the film where the hero's mother wonders at the latest in Christmas gift giving potential - "medical gift tokens," usable at any doctor's office, including plastic surgeons!

That scene sprang immediately to mind when I saw this diary over at DailyKos discussing Visa's newest product - a medical gift card:

The Healthcare Gift Card can be used for a variety of medical expenses anywhere approved merchants or service providers accept Visa debit cards.
Receivers of the Gift Card can use it to help pay for a variety of costs including co-pays at doctor's offices, dentists and pharmacies or for vision care, dental care, health club memberships and elective procedures.

Use it for: Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Contact Lenses, Doctors, Drug Stores, Health Practitioners, Health Spas, Health Clubs and Memberships, Hospitals, Medical Laboratories, Nursing Facilities, Ophthalmologists, Opticians, Orthodontists, Personal Care Facilities, Pharmacies, Podiatrists, Ambulance Services, Counseling Services, Dental Equipment and Supplies, Prescriptions, Eyeglasses, Hearing Aids, and Medical Services.

Hopefully the folks who get these for Xmas end up in better shape than Mrs. Lowry and Mrs. Terrain!