Re:U.S. health care's widespread overbilling problem
by binarymax on Monday July 10, 2017 @03:36PM
(#14738949)
Yes, hence the "transparent" in quotes and the overt sarcasm (apparently harder to detect than I intended). Of course patients shouldn't need to download a dataset and figure it out on their own! But please see my other response to see why it is tricky.
Regarding pets, they are not beholden to hospital/insurance provider duality, and it follows that since it is out of pocket, you would not be able to afford a $60k set of procedure if your dog had a broken leg...so the prices stay affordable.
Re:U.S. health care's widespread overbilling problem
by Terr_ on Monday July 10, 2017 @04:24PM
(#14739323)
> "And these are your reasons, my Lord?"
> "Do you think I have others?" said Lord Vetinari. "My motives, as ever, are entirely transparent."
> Hughnon reflected that 'entirely transparent' meant either that you could see right through them or that you couldn't see them at all.
-- The Truth, by Terry Pratchett
Re:U.S. health care's widespread overbilling problem
by jacobr1 on Monday July 10, 2017 @06:45PM
(#14740310)
This is why the Dutch system is interesting. They have a two-tier model of private and public coverage. For short-term, low-cost care, the private market operates (under regulation) and for long-term care they have a state supplied universal coverage system.
What you're sharing is great information and a fine foundation for people to build on. But pateients shouldn't have to go off and do a pile of research, they should be able to get a straight answer from their health provider when they ask for one.
If you have a pet and have to visit the vet, you already know they prefer to get paid up front. They'll generally tell you there's a fixed fee for the consultation/ Then depending on what's wrong with your animal they offer a treatment estimate, which is prepared within minutes and about which the administrative staff are generally competent to answer questions (eg why there might be variations in price for some items like anaesthetic). Animal medicine is at once less complex than human medicine (narrower range of treatment options, fewer administrative/legal considerations) and more complex (considerable variation among species).
I've been to good vets and bad vets, but the administrative aspects of both regular and emergency care have been painless and yes, transparent. Until we get universal healthcare, veterinary service would be an excellent model to imitate.