Medical Malpractice System Breeds More Waste
So, as a health consumer, how can you avoid paying for the waste inherent in the system? Can you really 'shop' around for the best prices?
There is a National Practitioner Data Bank, but even I, as a licensed physician, can only access my file on it. Thanks to the AMA lobbying for privacy, the law blocks the public from searching histories of individual doctors or other health care professionals.
- All MDs pass rigorous exams to credential as independent practitioners, and generally charge the same fees across the board for services rendered. However, the costs of the technology involved can break your bank.
- For example, a MRI scan can range from $300 to $2500 depending on what generation machine it is, and how the billing for the reading is conducted.
- As the unemployed and uninsured increase in numbers in the recession of 2008, more are resorting to paying more out-of-pocket. The Center for Studying Health System Change reports that 15% of those 65 or younger, pay medical costs greater than 5% of their annual household income.
- Avoid needless ER visits and ambulance rides if at all possible -- as these can become very time consuming and expensive.
- If uninsured, check various online sites such as www.angieslist.com, www.pricedoc.com or www.outofpocket.com to compare costs.
- Individuals with high deductible insurance usually go through doctors already contracted through their plan.
