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My understanding is that often times procedure costs vary wildly even while following well established tracks. e.g. surgeries some surgeries take between 2-4 ho
by Hermitian909 4y ago
My understanding is that often times procedure costs vary wildly even while following well established tracks. e.g. surgeries some surgeries take between 2-4 hours with time not easily determinable before it begins. Consultations can take varying amounts of time, cost of materials may vary significantly over a two month timespan etc. The latter issue can be hard to keep down compared to other businesses because waiting may be fatal.
None of this is to imply the current system is desirable, but that price inconsistency is something all healthcare systems will need to contend with.
- Auracle 4y agoSure, but the same is also true when I hire a plumber. They can still at least give me an estimate. Also, an MRI, mole removal, sleep study, etc. should always be the same but you still will have a hell of a time getting a price for it.
- yamtaddle 4y agoWith a plumber you have 100 options and can just reject any who refuse to give you an estimate. With healthcare providers, your insurance only covers 3 in your area, and they all refuse to give estimates of any kind (and usually act like you're a huge asshole for even asking, and like you're the first person in the history of the universe to ever ask).
- nradov 4y agoIn certain circumstances, healthcare providers are legally required to give you a good faith estimate of expected charges. https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers/understanding-costs-in-advance https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers/understanding-cost...
- nradov 4y agoSurgeons don't generally bill by the hour. The charges allowed by payers are based mostly on procedure complexity rather than the number of hours that a particular case ends up taking.