4 ms·
Next time you have some kind of operation, ask for the precise billing code for that, e.g. "49585" is "repair umbilical hernia" IIRC. Then, look up what the go
by patrickgzill 17y ago
Next time you have some kind of operation, ask for the precise billing code for that, e.g. "49585" is "repair umbilical hernia" IIRC.
Then, look up what the government pays under Medicare/caid for the various pieces of the operation. Compare with what you paid.
In the case of the above operation, I was quoted $7-12K from the various local hospitals that are always running ads about how much they "care". The "cash price" they offer to Amish and Old Order Mennonites is $3500. Price under Medicare/caid was even less than that.
What we NEED is price transparency and the ability to shop around.
- deleted 17y ago[deleted]
- moe 17y agoWhen I need a critical surgery to, say, survive the next year then I'm not sure I'd really want (or be able) to "shop around" in that situation. I'm all for free markets, perhaps even all the way down to flu medics and such. But please, when life is at stake, can't we find a way to use some of our excessive wealth to provide basic help to everyone who needs it? And with "excessive wealth" I'm looking specifically at the health insurance industry that is making billions in profit every year. If there is a symptom pointing at the fundamental flaw in our system then it would be this.