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This can't be the only reason since this isn't different from other countries.

by raarts 9y ago

abawany 9y ago
I imagine the reason is that in other countries, the government may have negotiated maximum rates and coverage, ensuring that while choice is limited, the upper bound on usurious behavior is contained.
RonanTheGrey 9y ago
Except it is, though. Mexico, for example, has a very modern health care system and the pricing is incredibly low: and they tell you the prices up front. Private hospitals (and even some public health services) come in a range of prices, and you can choose the one that represents the level of service you want. Some private doctor visits cost 30 pesos (approx $1.50 US); some cost 500 ($25 US). I have never seen one more than 500. Again - you know up front, and you can choose. There is both public and private sector care, public sector care is very cheap but no lower in quality, you just (predictably) have longer waits, depending on the procedure. Private sector is exactly what you'd expect it to be - but it is still within reach of middle class Mexicans, which, unlike the US, is a growing group. Mexico is competitive, the US is not. This may turn out to be very surprising to some.
xupybd 9y ago
It is here in NZ. If I got to the doctor they'll tell me my options. Price is often something to consider. We have a "Free" health system for many things. But if I want anything done without waiting for years I'll probably have to go private if I do I'll find out the price before getting the service. They also often push you to the lowest level of treatment possible.
xtreme 9y ago
In India, private hospitals are very upfront about the estimated costs of medical procedures. They also provide various options at different price points (some devices can be costlier than others, or some rooms can have more facilities etc.). Patients often choose where to get the procedure done based on the cost, proximity of the hospital, and how well-known the doctor is in their field. While the small number of hospitals compared to the large population means that the hospitals still have the upper hand (some hospitals have long waiting lists), this kind of competition has improved the quality of healthcare as well as reduce the cost.

This can't be the only reason since this isn't different from other countries.

by raarts 9y ago

This can't be the only reason since this isn't different from other countries.

I imagine the reason is that in other countries, the government may have negotiated maximum rates and coverage, ensuring that while choice is limited, the upper bound on usurious behavior is contained.

RonanTheGrey 9y ago

Except it is, though. Mexico, for example, has a very modern health care system and the pricing is incredibly low: and they tell you the prices up front. Private hospitals (and even some public health services) come in a range of prices, and you can choose the one that represents the level of service you want. Some private doctor visits cost 30 pesos (approx $1.50 US); some cost 500 ($25 US). I have never seen one more than 500. Again - you know up front, and you can choose. There is both public and private sector care, public sector care is very cheap but no lower in quality, you just (predictably) have longer waits, depending on the procedure. Private sector is exactly what you'd expect it to be - but it is still within reach of middle class Mexicans, which, unlike the US, is a growing group. Mexico is competitive, the US is not. This may turn out to be very surprising to some.

xupybd 9y ago

It is here in NZ. If I got to the doctor they'll tell me my options. Price is often something to consider. We have a "Free" health system for many things. But if I want anything done without waiting for years I'll probably have to go private if I do I'll find out the price before getting the service. They also often push you to the lowest level of treatment possible.

xtreme 9y ago

In India, private hospitals are very upfront about the estimated costs of medical procedures. They also provide various options at different price points (some devices can be costlier than others, or some rooms can have more facilities etc.). Patients often choose where to get the procedure done based on the cost, proximity of the hospital, and how well-known the doctor is in their field. While the small number of hospitals compared to the large population means that the hospitals still have the upper hand (some hospitals have long waiting lists), this kind of competition has improved the quality of healthcare as well as reduce the cost.