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I recently discovered how completely arbitrary healthcare pricing is. I got services from an out-of-network clinic, and ended up receiving a very large bill. I

I recently discovered how completely arbitrary healthcare pricing is. I got services from an out-of-network clinic, and ended up receiving a very large bill. I called my health insurer, and the conversation went like this: - What's up with this $2000 bill? - You went to an out-of-network clinic. - I didn't know it was out-of-network; my doctor recommended it to me. - [...pause...] How about $200? And that was it. My $2000 bill became $200 for a completely unknown reason. I didn't ask for a price reduction; I didn't even know that was possible. The whole situation was, and still is, bizarre to me. What is the pricing based on, if it can be dropped so drastically without explanation?

standardUser 3y ago
We're all victims in waiting. But, just like with other arbitrary systems such as the enforcement of victimless crimes or traffic laws, most of us don't suffer too much most of the time, so the systems endure despite the inherent incoherency and unfairness. It's just the occasional poor sucker having their life ruined, but never enough to create a meaningful backlash.
- ecommerceguy 3y ago
  >>We're all victims in waiting. Maybe for you being a victim, that's your problem. Don't lump me into your issues. I prefer to create my own destiny. I am not a victim. I can handle myself. I have the ability to ask for help when needed. As a matter of fact I'd say most of my circle of friends colleagues and acquaintances would agree with not being a victim. Probably be offended by your statement actually.
lotsofpulp 3y ago
Which insurer was this? It makes no sense to me that they would care about reducing the price you owe to a third party. You do not owe the insurance company $2,000, and the insurance company does not send you bills. So what is their incentive to pay the healthcare provider the $1,800, or otherwise engage with them to reduce how much the healthcare provider charged you who has no contract with them (since they are out of network)?
gazelle21 3y ago
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slackfan 3y ago
the pricing is based on what the suckers will pay. I've seen similar 10-15x cost reductions on significant procedures with hospital stays like childbirth.
systemtest 3y ago
I have an app from my health insurance company to see if a hospital is contracted with them (similar to what they call "in network" in the USA). It's as simple as typing in the procedure and my zipcode and it shows me contracted hospitals near me. I always check it before I schedule an appointment. Alternatively I could also get insured with a company that covers all hospitals but those have higher premiums (around €50 per month extra).
- ecommerceguy 3y ago
  >>I have an app from my health insurance company I do too. I'm in the USA. Most US carriers provide an app. My app also shows Prescriptions, how much of my deductible is left, provider search, my ID card, EOBs claims and treatment cost estimates. >>Alternatively I could also get insured with a company that covers all hospitals but those have higher premiums Whoah we in America thought all insurance and healthcare is free in eurolands! (i'm being sarcastic, some of us realize the truth, some on the left dont.)

standardUser 3y ago

We're all victims in waiting. But, just like with other arbitrary systems such as the enforcement of victimless crimes or traffic laws, most of us don't suffer too much most of the time, so the systems endure despite the inherent incoherency and unfairness. It's just the occasional poor sucker having their life ruined, but never enough to create a meaningful backlash.

ecommerceguy 3y ago
>>We're all victims in waiting. Maybe for you being a victim, that's your problem. Don't lump me into your issues. I prefer to create my own destiny. I am not a victim. I can handle myself. I have the ability to ask for help when needed. As a matter of fact I'd say most of my circle of friends colleagues and acquaintances would agree with not being a victim. Probably be offended by your statement actually.

lotsofpulp 3y ago

Which insurer was this? It makes no sense to me that they would care about reducing the price you owe to a third party. You do not owe the insurance company $2,000, and the insurance company does not send you bills. So what is their incentive to pay the healthcare provider the $1,800, or otherwise engage with them to reduce how much the healthcare provider charged you who has no contract with them (since they are out of network)?

gazelle21 3y ago

[dead]

slackfan 3y ago

the pricing is based on what the suckers will pay. I've seen similar 10-15x cost reductions on significant procedures with hospital stays like childbirth.

systemtest 3y ago

I have an app from my health insurance company to see if a hospital is contracted with them (similar to what they call "in network" in the USA). It's as simple as typing in the procedure and my zipcode and it shows me contracted hospitals near me. I always check it before I schedule an appointment. Alternatively I could also get insured with a company that covers all hospitals but those have higher premiums (around €50 per month extra).

ecommerceguy 3y ago
>>I have an app from my health insurance company I do too. I'm in the USA. Most US carriers provide an app. My app also shows Prescriptions, how much of my deductible is left, provider search, my ID card, EOBs claims and treatment cost estimates. >>Alternatively I could also get insured with a company that covers all hospitals but those have higher premiums Whoah we in America thought all insurance and healthcare is free in eurolands! (i'm being sarcastic, some of us realize the truth, some on the left dont.)