Five years ago, I had cysts removed from my back at my GP’s office, by his phys. assistant.
Cost, $80 for a small one, $120 for a larger one. BCBS paid.
After moving to Texas, one month ago I asked my new GP, to remove some back cysts. “Oh, we don’t do any surgery, I’ll send you to Dr. X.”
Go to Dr. X’s office, asked for a slice and dice in his office. “Oh, we don’t do surgery in the office, we’ll schedule you in the out-patient hospital across the street, and give you some ‘sedation’ for better pain management.”
So I go to the out-patient hospital, (partially owned by Dr. X and his associates) and get a few cysts removed.
The bill: Consultation $210; Surgery $2,400; Anesthesia $1,800; Hospital charges $8,756. So the total came to $13,166, versus the $200 charged for the procedure five years ago.
I have nothing but contempt for the medical profession. They are charging as much as possible, more than the traffic can bear because they have a monopoly on life. They play god with skills that society paid a good chunk of the price for them to obtain.
I have about as much regard for their honesty and ethics as I do for lawyers.
They are as confiscatory as the government.
Money grubbers who think they deserve it.