4 ms·
Not only do we need public price lists, the middlemen need to be cut out — specifically, the doctors. You should be able to wander into a specialist's office an
by flenserboy 4y ago
Not only do we need public price lists, the middlemen need to be cut out — specifically, the doctors. You should be able to wander into a specialist's office and get an appointment without having to go through a GP first; you should be able to get most any test done in exactly the same way. Due to the insurance companies and the hospitals they work for, doctors aren't going to suggest anything other than the basic stuff you can find through Google about a low/high count in any test. Yes, GPs are useful and have a role — but as long as their hands are tied, they're glorified flowchart jockeys. Free the data, free the patients.
- refurb 4y agoThe reason insurers require a referral is to keep costs down. That even happens in places with universal healthcare. It doesn’t make sense to pay for a dermatologist at $150 for a visit to look at a rash when a GP would do at $75.
- throw123123123 4y agoYou can do this with PPO insurance or paying cash.
- pishpash 4y agoNo you can't. Some specialists are referral only. They do this to satisfy medical necessity requirements to make sure they get paid by insurance.
- lotsofpulp 4y agoI have had PPO high deductible health insurance for 14 years, and I have been able to see whatever doctor I want whenever I want. Obviously, I need to pay out of pocket until I meet the deductible, but it all counts toward the annual out of pocket max and I get the negotiated pricing between doctor and insurance company. After I meet the deductible, however, the insurance still pays for a consult for anyone I want to go see. Not necessarily for any procedure though, without justification. But that applies in any situation, PPO or not.