The sum is not a problem per se, the costs would be similar in many developed countries. Specialists can and do charge a lot (or hospital that employs them). W

The sum is not a problem per se, the costs would be similar in many developed countries. Specialists can and do charge a lot (or hospital that employs them). What matters is who picks up a bill (or challenges hospital and negotiates). I see little protection in US between patients and healthcare corporations, but its true I look from afar.